Vella Cheese, a nearly century-old cheesemaker in Sonoma County, California, has announced it will close its factory after 94 years of operation. The company cited lasting challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing financial demands of running a specialized artisanal food business as the primary reasons for the decision.
The Vella Cheese factory, located at 315 Second St. East in Sonoma, has been a fixture in Wine Country since its founding in 1931 by Gaetano “Tom” Vella. The stone building itself dates back to 1904 and was originally built to house a brewery before Vella converted its use to cheese making. The company has produced its well-known Dry Jack, Monterey Jack, and other grating cheeses at the site.
Award-winning cheeses have been produced at the Sonoma location since 1969. The Vella family has maintained ownership and operations throughout its history. Tom Vella passed the business to his son, Ignazio “Ig” Vella, in 1981, with subsequent generations of the family continuing the tradition. In 2006, Ig Vella received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cheese Society.
The company stated that its retail store and wholesale warehouse will remain open to sell remaining inventory. Vella Cheese expressed gratitude to its customers, distributors, vendors, and the community for their loyalty and support over the nearly 100 years in business.