The Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm

14930 Hwy. 128, in Boonville, (707) 895-2410. Tasting $25, farm tour $30; by appt. No dogs on tour. Daily 10am-5pm.

goat at Pennyroyal Goat Dairy and Farm in Boonville, California

This women-owned and -operated goat dairy farm also manufactures cheese and collaborates with Navarro Vineyards in wine distribution. The 66-acre farmstead and low fossil fuel-vineyard includes a gigantic goat-and-sheep barn with solar panels on its roof, a dairy for milking the goats, and a creamery where cheese is produced. Goats are bred to produce milk that is high in fat and protein content. They are fed pennyroyal mint, wild grasses, clover, and rye hay--all grown on site along with alfalfa--resulting in tastier cheese. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown on site, and Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris grapes are grown just down the road at the sister property, Navarro Vineyards & Winery.

Cheese-and-wine tastings occur outside on a large sheltered patio with a view of the farm. An on-site kitchen produces a small snacks menu and lunch items paired with wine suggestions.

Tours of the farm and goat barn are available by appointment. Note that spring is kidding season and there are plenty of new kids in the barn then. The tour concludes with a cheese tasting and wine flight for age 21+, and with juice for young people and non-drinkers.