Historic Sonoma cheesemaker Vella Cheese announces closure after 94 years

Vella Cheese, a multigenerational cheesemaker in Sonoma County, declared that it will end cheese production after 94 years of operation. Founded by Gaetano "Tom" Vella in 1931, the business has been housed in a 1904 stone structure that once served as a brewery and survived fire and earthquakes. The firm attributes the shutdown to the lingering challenges of the COVID pandemic and the high financial demands of running a niche, artisanal operation.

Despite the closure of the manufacturing line, the on-site retail store and wholesale warehouse will stay open until all remaining stock is sold. The Vella family, including son Ignazio "Ig" Vella and later generations, has earned numerous accolades, such as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cheese Society in 2006. The announcement marks the end of an era for a celebrated one outlet producer.