Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards and charming streets of Calistoga, California, lies a haven for cheese lovers and epicurean explorers: your local market and grocery. Forget the sterile aisles of chain supermarkets. Here at Cal Mart, you’ll embark on a sensory journey, where locally sourced delights dance on your palate and friendly faces greet you like family.
Napa Valley is home to so many sources of great foods, produce, meats, and other delicious offerings. Of course, one cannot forget about the heritage and legacy of wine that has brought so much to Napa Valley. And when one thinks of cheese it is only natural to also think of cheese, which is something else that the Napa Valley region has in spades!
So, buckle up, wine and cheese aficionados, because we’re diving into the heart of Calistoga and gourmet beginnings!
From Farms to Forks (and Your Shopping Basket)
Calistoga boasts a rich agricultural heritage, and our market proudly reflects that. Step inside and inhale the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the earthy musk of locally grown produce. And when you wander through the produce section, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant tapestry of colors where heirloom tomatoes gleam like rubies and jewel-toned berries burst with sunshine sweetness.
At Cal Mart, we proudly source our produce from local farmers, fostering strong relationships that thrive during the vibrant spring and summer months. Our nearby farms and ranches yield an abundance of asparagus, strawberries, peas, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and a variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables.
As the late summer and fall seasons unfold, our trusted fruit and vegetable purveyors present a delightful array of offerings, including fresh green beans, nectarines, corn, raspberries, apples, figs, persimmons, and Asian pears – not forgetting the delightful addition of walnuts!
Among our esteemed local growers are those cultivating delicious fruits and vegetables on Lazy Susan Ranch in beautiful Calistoga, as well as the Long Meadow Ranch near picturesque St. Helena, known for cultivating over 500 varieties of organic heirloom produce.
Opting for fresh produce from our local growers brings numerous advantages:
- Exceptional Quality: Locally grown food not only tastes better but also looks better. Harvested at their peak, our products are meticulously hand-picked for superior quality.
- Nutritional Excellence: The proximity between the farm and your table ensures minimal loss of nutrients, making locally grown food a healthier choice.
- Community Building: By choosing produce from local farmers, you forge a closer connection between consumers and growers, contributing to the sense of community.
- Supporting Local Families: Your purchase directly supports local farmers, enabling them to receive fair market prices and sustain their families – our neighbors!
In addition to our collaboration with smaller local providers, Cal Mart also offers a selection of quality, fresh produce from reputable large distributors.
A Cheese Odyssey Awaits
But cheese, oh glorious cheese, is the undisputed star of the show. Our gourmet cheese counter is a symphony of textures and flavors, a veritable “fromage-age” museum curated with love. And the “artwork” here contains a dazzling collection representing Napa Valley and the Wine Country, with some of the best local cheeses available including:
- Toma from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co
- Laychee from Pennyroyal Farm
- Fruitiere #32 Comte’
- Wisconsin 5 Year Cheddar
Explore the tangy depths of Humboldt Fog, a California original, or let the buttery smoothness of Mt. Tam melt on your tongue. For the adventurous, there are goat cheeses adorned with herbs or washed in wine, each bite an explosion of unexpected delight.
Beyond the Brie: A Feast for the Senses
Our market isn’t just a cheese haven; it’s a gourmet wonderland. Freshly cured meats from artisan producers, along with hand-cut meats, house-made all-natural sausages, locally farmed meat products, and fresh seafood from around the world are all here at Cal Mart just waiting for you!
Imagine locally crafted olive oils shimmering with emerald and gold hues, waiting to be drizzled on crusty bread or tossed with vibrant salads. Honey, golden and fragrant, with hints of lavender fields and wildflower meadows. Locally made jams and preserves, bursting with seasonal fruit, which promise to transform your morning toast into a symphony of sweetness.
That’s just some of what awaits you as you explore the possibilities of gourmet beginnings here at Cal Mart.
Wine and Dine Like a Local
Feeling peckish, as our UK friends like to say?
Don’t just fill your basket, nourish your soul at our in-store cafe. Savor a variety of fresh meats, gourmet cheese, and other high-quality foods in our deli including:
- Sandwiches
- Meat trays
- Salads
- Cheese trays, and much more!
And you can find all types of wine from nearby vineyards and wineries, along with craft beers from both near and far. As we’ve said here already, Cal Mart prides itself on featuring foods and edible products from local farms, ranches, orchards, and vineyards.
Cal Mart is More Than Just Groceries: We’re a Community Hub
Our market is more than just a place to shop; it’s the beating heart of the community. Local vendors are represented throughout the store, and we make sure to know our products so that we can provide our guests with information as well as opportunities to learn, mingle, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. And we help our customers host seasonal celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging and shared love for good food.
Your Calistoga Gourmet Adventure Begins Here
So, whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or simply seeking a taste of the good life, our market welcomes you with open arms and overflowing baskets. Come lose yourself in the abundance, soak up the vibrant community spirit, and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable Calistoga adventure. After all, in the heart of Napa Valley, every day is a gourmet beginning, and it all starts right here, with you.
And don’t forget to pack your reusable bags! We’re committed to sustainability, and together, we can make a difference.
As a family-owned and independent grocery store, Cal Mart has continued to offer an enjoyable and memorable shopping experience for our customers after half a century. Our employees proudly work hard to serve our loyal customers, and it is because of them that Cal Mart has been the go-to local destination for fine Napa Valley wines, meats, cheeses, and specialty food items all these years.
This is one of the many reasons why we are known as “Napa Valley’s Finest Grocery.”
So, going into the new year, take a few moments to come in and explore all that we have to offer. And while you’re here, feel free to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff and then treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea from our Coffee Bar.
Remember that, at Cal Mart, you’ll always find something that is unexpected, unusual, and uncommon!
