Sonoma County, California – A small but distinctive cheese business in Northern California is facing a defining moment as its owner works to secure a permanent home for a rare herd of Italian water buffalo. The future of the animals—and a dream born more than a decade ago—now depends on finding land, partners, or investors willing to help keep the operation alive.
Incident Overview
In a region known for traditional dairy farms, Audrey Hitchcock stands out as the owner of Ramini Mozzarella, a specialty cheese company that produces authentic mozzarella and other cheeses made exclusively from Italian water buffalo milk. The herd is currently living on a temporary site in Sonoma County, after outgrowing its former home in Marin County.
Hitchcock says the move was necessary but far from ideal, as the lack of a permanent location has stalled full-scale cheese production.
Timeline of Events
The idea behind Ramini Mozzarella dates back to 2009, when Hitchcock’s husband, Craig Hitchcock, decided to leave his career in the tech industry. Drawn to animals and outdoor life, he purchased five water buffalo and began experimenting with cheese-making, eventually opening the farm to public tours.
That vision was abruptly disrupted in 2015, when Craig Hitchcock became ill and passed away. His death left Audrey Hitchcock as the sole caretaker of both the growing herd and the business they had built together.
Over time, the number and size of the buffalo made the original Marin County property impractical, forcing a relocation to Sonoma County while Hitchcock began searching urgently for a permanent solution.
Details From the Owner
Standing among animals that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, Hitchcock describes the herd as gentle but powerful.
“They’re super sweet and super social,” she said. “They love affection and human attention. They have no intention of harming me.”
She explained that the only real danger comes during feeding time, when multiple animals compete for hay.
“The only danger I face is if I’m in the crossfire of a fight over food,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Hitchcock says her focus remains on getting the dairy fully operational again.
“My goal is to get it back into production as quickly as possible,” she said.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Owner: Audrey Hitchcock
- Business: Ramini Mozzarella
- Founded: 2009
- Original Location: Marin County, California
- Current Location: Sonoma County, California
- Animal Type: Italian water buffalo
- Average Weight: Up to 1,500 pounds
- Craig Hitchcock passed away: 2015
Emotional and Personal Stakes
For Hitchcock, the business is deeply personal. She considers the buffalo her family and sees the farm as a living connection to her late husband.
“Given it’s the greatest gift he ever gave me, and he’s gone, I value that probably more than most,” she said. “My heart is completely committed to them.”
She added that losing the herd would be emotionally devastating.
“It would devastate me if I had to give up. A devastation I never want to experience.”
Search for Partners and Investors
Running a micro-dairy alone has proven overwhelming. Hitchcock says she is actively seeking partners or investors who share her belief in preserving small-scale, ethical dairy operations.
“We need to hang on to this, or it’s going to go away,” she said. “And it’s too special to go away.”
Additional Context: A Different Model of Dairy Farming
Unlike industrial dairy operations, Hitchcock envisions a future where her buffalo live with space, longevity, and family structure rarely afforded to commercial cattle. She hopes to acquire enough land for both current animals and future generations.
She believes buffalo milk offers unique flavor and texture that cannot be replicated with cow’s milk, making the cheeses both rare and culturally significant.
Conclusion
As Sonoma County’s temporary caretaker of an unusual and meaningful herd, Audrey Hitchcock is racing against time to secure a permanent home that can bring Ramini Mozzarella back into full production. The outcome will determine not only the survival of a business, but the preservation of a deeply personal legacy rooted in love, loss, and craftsmanship.
If you have insight into sustainable farming, small-scale dairy investment, or similar experiences, share your experiences in the comments below.
