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    Vella Cheese Co

    4.7 (213 reviews)
    ModerateCheese Shops
    Closed Closed
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Cheese sampling!
    Jonathan L.

    Accidentally found this tiny cheese shop while actually looking for a fruit market nearby and getting lost. I decided to go inside and have a look. Looked at a few cheeses which looked delicious and the lady's at the counter offered us a cheese taste testing which I loved! They were so nice and let us try a bunch of different cheeses that we were interested in. I ended up buying: 1. Dry Monterey Jack Cheese: Delicious! The cheese was perfectly savory. I love my hard cheeses which this one was perfect. Not so hard that you can't bite into it but hard enough where it's not chewy. The price was also very fair. Highly recommend. Overall, this shop is very small but they have a pretty good variety. I just loved the friendliness of the staff and how nice they were to offer us so many samples!

    Cheeses!!!!
    Rebekah T.

    Just when you think you know all the cheese places in Sonoma and discover Vella! Game changer for this girl. I love cheese, so when a friend suggested that we make a stop on our wine tasting trip to Sonoma - I was very excited. The guy working at the counter brought out different cheeses for us to sample. We loved the different flavors. We purchased the both the dry and soft habanero, jalapeno and rosemary cheeses. I also bought a cute small cheese board. Our friends purchased some of the softer cheeses and we all left pleased with our new purchases. One of my favorite things to do is to bring back gourmet souvenirs of cheese and wine home with me on my trips, so I can have all the fun of enjoying a little bit of Sonoma at home.

    a display of cheeses and pastries
    Max M.

    The lady work was super nice and knowledgeable the samples were delicious. We grab some cheese and made our way down the "cheese trail"

    Not the most friendly people but we still bought a bunch of cheese. Definitely not coming back
    Rachelle R.

    Wasn't the best experience coming here. The staff was rude and not informative about the products. I understand it's covid and safety first, but it's our first time coming to the store, we did not know how big it was nor did we see the 8x11 hand written sign by the door. Just like everyone this is all knew and each place has different procedures due to space. The lady told me no, get out one customer at a time. The customer when leaving said I'm sorry it's a small store. I mean why is he apologizing and not her? Anyway we come in and say sorry we didn't see the sign and she said well if we would've made it any bigger the whole window would be covered. She said this with a tone of are you stupid? We still asked about the products and she was very dismissive. At this point I gave up and wanted to leave, my husband said just took every piece of flavor and we left. She literally rang it up and asked if we wanted a bag? Lady we bought a dozen or so pieces so yes a bag would help? WTF We still bought each piece of cheese flavors. This place was so hyped up being the best and friendly totally wrong. So does it matter if the cheese was good to go back? Most likely not...the service and attitude alone leaves a lasting taste.

    Kevin B.

    We recently hosted an event for 40 people at The Panel Wine Lounge and we wanted to pair our vino with some yummy fromage. The Panel owners recommended enlisting local favorite Vella Cheese Co. And I'm so glad that we did. Wow - these guys sure know how to put out an amazing spread. We enjoyed a vast array of dry and creamy cheeses accompanied with crispy crackers, sliced French bread, and jams & fruit. What a beautiful presentation! This is something you might see at an elegant wedding. I would definitely recommend Vella Cheese Co. for your next picnic, sip-nic, or any other wine country affair.

    Left side of their cheese case for purchase
    Lindsey C.

    One of my favorite cheese makers on the Sonoma Cheese Trail! This is a small shop located outside the downtown Sonoma area that produces 10+ different cheeses. Staff were nice and very gracious in offering cheese samples of anything we wanted to try. Monterey Jack with Pesto: pesto isn't overpowering but pleasant Monterey Jack with Habanero: my favorite, the habanero really comes through with a spicy kick Monterey Jack with Garlic: garlic was overpowering, but I felt that way about all the other cheese maker's garlic cheeses I had tasted Toma: creamy and subtle flavor Mezzo Secco: harder than the other Jack cheeses, tasty Oro Secco: dried longer than the Mezzo Secco, producing a stronger, nuttier flavor which was delicious They make so many delicious varieties you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.

    Julie T.

    What a lovely little shop! While driving around on a busy Saturday, looking for a place to park, the hubs and I decided to take a chance with a side street off the main square. We ended up parking in front of Vella. So on our way back from a very full day of shopping and wine tasting, the shop was still open (they are open until 6:00pm). So we went in. The ladies at the counter are so friendly! They are very knowledgeable about their products, and are very willing to tell you all about their cheese and process about how it's made and where the milk come from. The cheese is delicious!!! We bought three blocks-totaling about 1.5 pounds- and served them with the wine we bought on the square. So even though this little place is a bit of a walk off the beaten tourist path, it's worth the walk! As an aside- the parking (as we discovered) is free, and unlimited in time, on that street in front of Vella-that alone makes it worth seeking out for your cheese purchase!!!

    State fair awards.
    Bradley N.

    Good cheese is hard to come by especially if it's local and even more so if you like aged habañero cow's milk cheese and other, rare cheese-type indulgences when enjoying a nice bottle or two of wine. Fortunately, there is a Vella Cheese Co. for that. Sonoma didn't get its reputation as a food and wine paradise for nothing, you know. Free samples, too!

    Doug G.

    When we are in Sonoma, we always try to find time to stop by the Vella Cheese Shop ... it is just a little ways off the town square. Solid selection of tasty cheeses backed up by friendly & helpful folks behind the counter. The staff has always been willing to provide us with samples of any cheese that captures our attention. They are also knowledge about their products and can offer good pairing information. Long time .... local business, worth stopping by and checking out, if you are in the Sonoma area.

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    1 month ago

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    3 months ago

    Delicious cheeses and great service. It's always a treat to go in and shop and also get a few samples.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    What a great cheese shop! We got samples of every cheese and ended up buying 8 lbs of cheese - it was so good!

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    3 years ago

    The mezzo seco and oro seco cheeses are special cheeses that you won't find anywhere else. Delicious!

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    3 years ago

    Cozy place. Very friendly people. Amazing cheeses. Skip the big boys and visit this place!

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Vella Cheese Co

    Review Highlights - Vella Cheese Co

    I think I enjoyed the Manchego more at the factory and I wish I would have purchased the Mezzo Secco too.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Salumeria Ovello

    Salumeria Ovello

    4.8(82 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    I was doing a day of exploration in Sonoma --- mainly the missions --- and arrived somewhere…read morein-and-around Vallejo House. As I was heading back to the square (where there is an abundance of restaurants), I didn't want the busyness of the scene; thankfully, I got on Instagram, typed "good eats in Sonoma", and BAM! Salumeria Ovello popped up on my feed, and thank goodness it did! An easy 4-minute walk from Vallejo House, Salumeria Ovello is owned by Andrea, who is a Michelin-star chef from the area of Piedmont, Italy. Having been to Italy twice this past year alone, I remember quite well the quality and taste of the classed Italian Sandwiches. The worker who served at the counter was very helpful, and within the restaurant --- there are just a few seats. I'd say, 3 tables with two seats at each table. For my food, I decided to order the Massimo --- which is on "sliced Focaccia, and has sun dried tomatoes, stracciatella di burrata, prosciutto cotto, basil pesto and crumbled taralli (crackers)". Each sandwich is made fresh-to-order, and you can taste the quality. Each ingredient worked together in harmony, and to satisfy the americani in me, I definitely enjoyed the taralli in the sandwich --- reminded me of putting chips in my sandwiches in school. While I waited, Andrea also brought out some slices of salami for me to try --- free of charge, which was very kind of him to do. All in all, if you want to get away from the busyness of the Mission Square, take a 4-minute walk to Salumeria Ovello, and you'll find a little piece of Italy in Sonoma! Ciao tutti!

    Solid Salumeria and Sammie spot in Sonoma. Worth stopping by and going in if you want fresh and…read morewell prepared meats and Sammie's. Prepared foods were all fresh and authentic and the cured meats were yummy. Had a top notch sandwich on fresh focaccia and tasted some of the house cured meats and we will be back !

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    Sonoma Market - Store Front

    Sonoma Market

    3.9(379 reviews)
    0.8 mi
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    Family-owned & operated
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    To get your farmers market level of local products any day of the week, go to Sonoma Market. This…read moreis where you find everything you need for the perfect picnic or dinner featuring hyper-local everything! Don't feel like packing a picnic or prepping or cooking? Good thing Sonoma Market is known for their sandwiches and deli and fresh prepared meals. You'll find a really fun selection of local cheeses, condiments, produce, and baked goods that bigger grocery stores don't carry. You'll spend a little more, but the shopping experience is more curated and atmospheric, and the products speak for themselves. I stopped in recently while on a short trip to Sonoma, specifically for salsa, some kind of dip or spread for crackers, and a cheese or two. I spent awhile browsing because that's the best part, and left with exactly what I needed (proud and amazed I stuck to my budget haha). I bought a fantastic bleu cheese, brie, a cantina style salsa, and this whipped, layered, tomato-basil dip made of ground almonds, avocado, sour cream, tomatoes, and herbs. Kind of a lot going on, but it was so good. It's always fun to see what you'll find here. Like a locally made gluten free apple pie, the perfect bouquet of flowers, or a freshly baked loaf of sourdough.

    The management response is tone deaf to the facts laid out in my reviews. It's not a one time…read moresituation, it's serial failure that needs a review of your process. A commitment to better food. The store could sell so much more food than it does, they have no idea. But people want quality food at the hot bar not what they have there now. Overall, the store is pretty good but they're hot food display is an absolute embarrassment for the store. It's always old picked over food or just empty. If you come in here at five 5 o'clock or after, it's always a disgusting display. Very sad to see.

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    4.9(7 reviews)
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    "Sausage Society- Taste of Sonoma" is an e-commerce biz. I know the name is a mouthful. But those…read moresausages are soo delicious! They sell gourmet handcrafted: sausages, cured meats, charcuterie, mustards, and cheeses; and local wine and beers all online. All of it is made and sourced locally. Also the pricing is not fru fru over the top. For instance, 5 pack of sausages (1.5 lbs) is $17.95. 3 oz mustards in signature tins $4. They also sell membership, with starting price at $49, to receive a curated food kit. They are able to deliver most items throughout California. Free delivery in Sonoma. Currently, there are no out of state deliveries. Now let me tell you about my food kit I bought. I ordered the Oktoberfest kit. It was on sale for $17.99. Great price for five German bratwursts (1.5 lbs), 3 oz mustard, and two 16 oz cans of Sonoma Springs Brewing Company beer. Yes! The brats are organic and made of pork, spices, and fresh garlic. I could smell the spices and garlic as I pulled the brats out of the bag. That's the smell of fresh homemade goodness. I grilled a couple in a skillet. They were delicious. The flavors were spot on! Fabulous! The mustard came in a shallow tin with a twist off lid. It was tasty as well. But be careful when twisting the tin open, the mustard kinda ran away and spilled out from me when I took off the lid. The kit was delivered with blue ice that kept everything cool. Plus the owner operates a brick n mortar restaurant called Sausage Emporium on the Sonoma Plaza. societysonoma.com @societysonoma @sausageemporium

    I was unable to attend the virtual event part of this yelp event, however I was able to purchase…read morethe Oktoberfest kit from Sausage Society. The package was sent safely packaged to our home in a cooler type box, keeping the sausage, mustards, and beer cold. We cooked our sausage on a pan on our stovetop. We put them inside some toasted buns with ketchup, the mustard provided, relish, and sautéed onions. The whole dish came together beautifully and deliciously. The sausages were clearly amazing quality and paired so well with the beer and mustard provided.

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    The Epicurean Connection - Chef made Buratta with Pomegranates and Olive Oil

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    4.9(85 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    We did a cooking class corporate event in Sonoma with the Epicurean Connection and it was the…read morehighlight of our trip. We really appreciated the kind, attentive and thoughtful owners and staff who taught us how to make butter from heavy cream, make a personal pizza with fresh and unique toppings, and sent us off with Thomas Keller chocolates and homemade Epicurean fromage, which is all the rage in the region. We would definitely do another class here. Support small and local businesses, you won't regret it!

    So disappointed. I was so excited to do the cheesemaking experience and booked online. Showed up to…read morethe 3:30pm class 10 minutes early and the doors were locked and it looked like no one was inside the building. We tried calling the phone number multiple times and no one picked up. Also, knocked several times. Two other people arrived as well who tried knocking and calling to no avail. We waited until 3:45 until we gave up and left. After we left, we received an email saying we had been refunded and at the bottom of the receipt it said "We apologize as this order did not show up on our calendar until today. We look forward to hosting you in the future. Thank you, Sheana" (see attached screenshot). I think this is deeply unprofessional on so many levels. Even if the reservation had only shown up today on their calendar (despite us booking it several weeks prior) and they weren't prepared, they had all the time before 3pm to reach out via email or phonecall to say they couldn't make the class. They didn't even try reaching out and instead we received a refund after the scheduled class time. Lack of communication is such a bummer considering we set aside a couple hours for this and we were so excited. Also, this is located in Sonoma which means it's out of the way for people who are visiting Napa and its vineyards. That's typically not an issue but considering we had to drive out the way and we got cancelled on after we waited for them is where it is an issue. Deeply unprofessional situation and hope they improve on communication soon.

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    Vella Cheese Co - cheese - Updated May 2026

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