There's something unique about the goats at Harley Farms dairy. Connoisseurs say that the ranch's location, between the mountains and the sea, creates a perfect grass "salad" for the goats and gives their milk—and the cheese produced from it—a very special flavor. The cheeses have been tasty enough to take home six national awards in a recent American Cheese Society competition. Owner Dee Harley (pictured) offers a peek behind the goat's-milk magic on her two-hour weekend tours of the farm, located in tiny Pescadero. The tours end in Harley's renovated barn loft, where participants sample cheeses displayed on a huge handmade table. As a farmstead dairy (there are only a few remaining in the U.S.), Harley Farms handles the entire cheese-making process from start to finish. They even grow the edible flowers that grace the top of the cheese. It's an all-in-one operation and a great education. If you're game, they'll also let you milk one of their prize-winning goats. That's hands-on!

Tour participants need to reserve in advance; the tours frequently sell out. They start at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and cost $20. To make a reservation call 650-879-0480.

Harley Farms, 205 North St., Pescadero; 650-879-0480.