Artisan Bakers opened its doors in the town of Sonoma in July 1992 with the simple goal of maintaining the highest possible standard of quality. Every single item we produce is baked from scratch daily using the finest ingredients available. All of our products are made by hand utilizing local products whenever possible. Recipes are constantly looked at and reworked to insure that the product being made is the best we can make it. In addition to founder Craig Ponsford’s constant attention to the recipes, instructors from France are brought in from time to time to work with the staff and introduce new items. Craig is a perfectionist who insists that his staff follow his example.

In 2004, Artisan Bakers and Boudin Bakery formed a partnership to the benefit of both companies. Boudin Bakery has made world famous San Francisco Sourdough Bread since 1849 and is reportedly the oldest business in San Francisco. The teaming up of these two legendary bread makers signals a new chapter in the rich history of bread in the Bay area.

As a member of the American Baking Team, Craig baked the breads that won the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie (the world cup or Olympics of baking) in Paris in 1996, which was a first for an American baker. Craig was the American team coach in 1999 when they also won the Gold Medal. In 2002, he was the US judge and team manager for yet another medal winning team. Craig is the current President of the Bread Bakers Guild of America and has overall responsibility for Team USA in 2005. All of this has given Craig a well earned international reputation for his handcrafted breads and pastries which are available throughout the Bay area.