Vella Cheese Co. – American
Stepping into this historic stone creamery feels like a journey back in time, where the air is thick with the savory, buttery scent of aging wheels resting on wooden shelves. Artisanal blocks of Monterey Jack range from creamy, herb-flecked infusions of rosemary and garlic to the vibrant heat of habanero, each crafted with a dedication to tradition that shines through in every velvety bite. The true soul of the shop lies in their legendary Dry Jack, where hand-rolled wheels develop a complex, nutty depth and a signature cocoa-rubbed rind that transforms a simple California staple into a sophisticated masterpiece.
315 2nd Street East, Sonoma 95476 https://vellacheese.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, low-carb, vegetarian, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, whole30, anti-inflammatory, gerd, high-fiber, south-beach, aip, renal, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Vella Cheese Co.
Dairy-Free at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 21 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Original High Moisture Monterey Jack (2.5 lb. Block), Jalapeno Jack (2.5 lb. Block) and Mezzo Secco (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Toma (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel), Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Daisy Cheddar (2.75 lb. Quarter Wheel). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 14 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Original High Moisture Monterey Jack (2.5 lb. Block), Mezzo Secco (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel) and Habanero Dry Monterey Jack (2 lb. Quarter Wheel). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 7 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Original High Moisture Monterey Jack (2.5 lb. Block), Mezzo Secco (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel) and Habanero Dry Monterey Jack (2 lb. Quarter Wheel). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Paleo at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 2 paleo-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Pescatarian at Vella Cheese Co.
Vella Cheese Co. in Sonoma has 21 pescatarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Original High Moisture Monterey Jack (2.5 lb. Block), Jalapeno Jack (2.5 lb. Block) and Mezzo Secco (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Vella Cheese Co.
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Romanello Dolce (2 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 25.4 g | 20.1 g |
| Garlic Jack (2.5 lb. Block) | 30.2 g | 8.8 g |
| Dry Monterey Jack Cheese (2 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 46.3 g | 8.8 g |
| Rosemary Jack (2.5 lb. Block) | 21.7 g | 8.7 g |
| Daisy Cheddar with Jalapenos (2.75 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 53 g | 7.6 g |
| Special Select Dry Monterey Jack (1.75 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 26.3 g | 7.3 g |
| Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) | 10.7 g | 7.2 g |
| Sharp White Cheddar (2.5 lb. Half Block) | 16.8 g | 6.2 g |
| Toma (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 16.8 g | 6.2 g |
| Daisy Cheddar (2.75 lb. Quarter Wheel) | 15.4 g | 5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and inviting ambiance, guests consistently praise the accommodating service that ensures a seamless dining experience. Diners rave about the exceptional food quality and the overall attention
Menu
High Moisture Jack Cheeses
Aged a minimum of one month. Buttery, creamy texture and taste.
- Original High Moisture Monterey Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jalapeno Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, red and green jalapeno peppers Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Habanero Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, orange habanero chilies Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pesto Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, basil, garlic Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rosemary Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, fresh rosemary Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic Jack (2.5 lb. Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, California grown garlic Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
Dry Jack Cheeses
Aged Monterey Jack cheeses ranging from 5 months to 4 years.
- Dry Monterey Jack Cheese (2 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, cocoa, pepper, canola oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Special Select Dry Monterey Jack (1.75 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, cocoa, pepper, canola oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Golden Bear Dry Jack (1.8 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, cocoa, pepper, canola oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mezzo Secco (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, canola oil, black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oro Secco (1.75 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, canola oil, black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Habanero Dry Monterey Jack (2 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, habanero peppers Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Cheddar Cheeses
Handmade cheddars aged from 60 days to 2 years.
- Daisy Cheddar (2.75 lb. Quarter Wheel): Thermized milk, vegetable coagulant, salt Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sharp White Cheddar (2.5 lb. Half Block): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Daisy Cheddar with Jalapenos (2.75 lb. Quarter Wheel): Thermized milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, jalapenos, annato seed colorant Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
Italian Style Cheeses
Traditional Italian-style cheeses made in California.
- Asiago (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel): Cows milk, vegetable coagulant, salt Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Toma (2.5 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Romanello Dolce (2 lb. Quarter Wheel): Milk, vegetable coagulant, salt, canola oil, cocoa powder Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Salame
Dry cured Italian-style meats.
- Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.) Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Gift Boxes
Curated selections of Vella cheeses and accompaniments.
- Dry Goods Box: 1/2 pound each of Regular Dry Jack, SS Dry Jack & Golden Bear Dry Jack Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Little Italy Box: Half pound wedges of Toma, Romanello Dolce, and Asiago, Large Salame, Olives & Crackers Available at: dinner, lunch
- A Bit of Everything: Half pound wedges of Toma, Daisy with Jalapenos, Sharp Cheddar, Rosemary Jack, Mezzo Secco, and Dry Monterey Jack Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Box of Jacks: Half pound blocks of Original Jack, Pesto Jack, Jalapeno Jack and Garlic Jack Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Vella Cheese Co.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- The restaurant supports keto, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein, nut-free, diabetic, sugar-free, atkins, lectin-free, pescatarian, clean-eating, carnivore, and dairy-free diets.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The restaurant accommodates diverse diets with keto, gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free options across various Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese selections.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This historic stone creamery is unique for its legendary hand-rolled Dry Jack and artisanal Monterey Jack wheels aged on wooden shelves.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Guests consistently praise the inviting ambiance of this historic stone creamery, which features a traditional setting and accommodating service.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Vella Cheese Co. is currently operational, as indicated by its active website and positive customer reviews regarding its service and food.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews mention no specific concerns, instead focusing on the exceptional food quality, fresh ingredients, and accommodating service provided.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout menu items include various Monterey Jacks like Pesto, Rosemary, and Garlic, alongside legendary Dry Jack, Mezzo Secco, and Daisy Cheddar.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant is family-friendly, offering an inviting ambiance and accommodating service that ensures a seamless experience for all guests.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This budget-friendly ($) American creamery stands out with a 4.0/5 rating for its exceptional food quality, high-quality ingredients, and inviting ambiance.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Vella Cheese Co. has a website at https://vellacheese.com/ which provides information about their products and online ordering options.
- Is Vella Cheese Co. dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Vella Cheese Co. has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.).
- What can I eat at Vella Cheese Co. on a dairy-free diet?
- Small Secchi Salame (8 oz.) and Molinari Dry Salame (13 oz.) carry the dairy-free tag, out of 2 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Is Vella Cheese Co. gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Vella Cheese Co.?
- Romanello Dolce (2 lb. Quarter Wheel), at roughly 20.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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