Leigh Gardner-Gmeiner

Leigh Gardner-Gmeiner

Board Member

A California native with deep roots in the North Bay, Leigh treasures the remarkable food culture and natural beauty that has surrounded her throughout her life. Her family’s tradition of cooking has always centered around celebration and togetherness – a joy she continues to share with her own children, now young adults, who have discovered the same happiness in cooking together and gathering around the table.

Leigh’s love for artisan foods led her to Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., where she serves in Marketing & Communications. Over the past four years, she has connected with fellow cheese makers, vintners, and food artisans throughout California, helping bring together the community through specialty food and wine events. Her earlier work in craft brewing and specialty coffee cultivated her appreciation for the care that goes into creating something special. When not chatting about cheese or planning events, Leigh can be found hiking North Bay trails, enjoying live music, or hosting game nights where local cheeses and wines always take center stage. Whether sharing food with loved ones or working with fellow artisans, she remains passionate about California’s vibrant food and wine community.