Vella Dry Monterey Jack Cheeses

A true masterpiece of American cheese-making and an exclusive with us. Made like fresh Monterey Jack and further aged for another seven to ten months. Firm, pale yellow with a sweet nutty flavor. This cheese is great for grating, shredding, slicing, cooking or just plain eating. Marvelous in toasted cheese sandwiches, omelets and souffles. Delicious shredded on pasta, soups or tacos --for a taste that is unique and special. Coated with an edible rind of cocoa, pepper and canola oil, Dry Monterey Jack will surely become one of your favorites.
2014 Silver Medal, California State Fair
2011 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
2004 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
1988 International Gold Medal Winner

Special Select has all the same qualities as our Dry Jack but is is aged a minimum of one year and up to two years. Special Select has a firmer texture than our traditional Dry Jack due to its extra aging (much like aged Reggiano Parmigiano) but it is well worth the effort. Special Select complements the flavor of fruits and wine and is excellent with pasta entrées. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
2014 Gold Medal, Los Angeles Dairy Competition
2012 Gold Medal, California State Fair
2012 Second Place, American Cheese Society
1995-96 U.S. Cheese Champion

Golden Bear has all the same qualities as our Special Select Dry Jack but it is aged from two to four years to make it even better!! This cheese has an even firmer texture than the Special Select Dry Jack due to its extra aging. Golden Bear is delicious eaten by itself when cut with a cheese wedge, or grated over any Italian delicacy.
2011 Gold Medal and Best of Division, California State Fair
2007 Gold Medal and Best of Division, California State Fair

Mezzo Secco, meaning "half dry" in Italian, is the youngest in our Dry Monterey Jack family and is aged 5-7 months. One of our most popular cheeses, it is semi firm with an edible rind of canola oil and black pepper. The golden hued interior is mild and creamy, slightly tart with a bit of nuttiness and hay. It is one of the most versatile cheeses we make, lending itself well to sandwiches, cheeseboards, snacking, salads, you name it. Pairs best with charcuterie and all wines and beers.

When our Mezzo Secco cheese is aged longer—a full two years up to four years—it becomes especially golden and delicious, so we named it Oro Secco.
2014 Bronze Medal, California State Fair
2010 Gold Medal, California State Fair
2010 Second Place, American Cheese Society

If you like our spicy cheeses, you will love this one. We added habañero peppers to our Dry Jack recipe and then aged the wheels for a year to allow the flavors to blend and mature. Delicious!!
2016 Gold Medal, Los Angeles International Cheese Competition
2014 Gold Medal, California State Fair
2011 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair