The Vella family has made cheese in a stonewalled building on the historic Sonoma square since the company’s founding in 1931 by Gaetano Vella. The cultures, the care, and the personal hands-on techniques are the same as they were then. Since 1931, Vella Cheese has been a companion to the finest foods in the world. As an ingredient, sprinkled on top, or served alongside the full fresh flavor and smooth creamy texture of Vella Cheese is guaranteed to satisfy. The success of Vella Cheese lies in the personal attention each day's production is given. Quality starts in the pasture. Every cow is not the same. Every day is not sunny; every blade of grass is not green and lush. But, if you insist on the finest breeding of herds, the finest feeds, the greatest care in milking and transporting the top grade milk, so that you have the best possible natural raw material, you have set the stage for super cheese. Stop by their retail shop for a complimentary tasting. Note: The retail shop is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and 4th of July.

Want to learn to make cheese? Hands on Cheesemaking Class. Award winning cheesemaker Sheana Davis & Cheese Educator Ben Sessions, guide each group through making 2-3# of fresh cheese to take home. Each guest receives a cheese cloth, cheese ladles, and a cheese recipe card along with an Artisan Cheese tasting. And there's more! Sheana and Ben cater, make cakes out of cheese, Wine and Cheese Pairings, Beer and Cheese Pairings, Cider and Cheese Pairings, Cheese & Charcuterie Pairings, Culinary Education, Public and Private classes, corporate events, team building's, family gatherings, Children's Classes, Bridal Parties and Baby Showers. Classes & Events may be hosted at local venues or private homes. Whew! And they're fun!