As a cheese lover, got all excited when I found out we had an artisan cheese fabric right here in PR and they did not disappoint, the quality is top notch. We were greated by the owner who gave a inside of the importance of the dairy industry and how Vaca Negra came to be, then we had a sampling of their cheeses and their brand new product: home made yogurt in flavors that blew our minds, Oatmeal and vanilla.....yummy!!! The experience was awesome don't skip this visit, its a most!!!
today my partner and I spent the morning at this great place, tasting great cheese, yogurt and visiting the dairy farm. I recommend this visit to anyone visiting Puerto RICO and the Hatillo area. It is a must see!!
I truly loved the cheese workshop altogether. The owner taught us everything about cheesemaking. We could see every cheese making step throughout the workshop time. Further we could smack of Vaca Negra cheeses kinds, to wit, Capáez, Ausubal, Montebello and Cavachuelas. Lastly we made our own cheese. I liked it so much, I have told my deed to everyone I know. Indeed, I have even shown many likenesses over this workshop. Also we could buy Vaca Negra wares, namely their cheeses and also their toothsome yogurt. In all, I speak for this workshop with my eyes shut.
We took the Vacanegra cheese Tour in Hatillo, PRI. We rented a car and drove to the laboratory. It was an easy drive that took about an hour. The tour started at 9:30am and lasted almost 3 hours. (Price $60. per person and you make your own wheel of cheese or $80 for two persons making one wheel between them. The shipping cost however is $20+ per location.) A lecture was given in Spanish and English on the dairy industry in Puerto Rico and how Ms. Otero began her cheese-making. Very interesting information. We were able to learn and experience all the steps it takes to make cheese and proceeded to make our own wheel of cheese, which will now age for two months and then shipped to us. A sampling of cheese and wine were enjoyed during the presentation. The place is actually a laboratory for testing the dairy cattle in the region. Very informative and enjoyable experience.Now the cons: We had specifically asked for a tour in English since only one person in our party of five understood Spanish. We were assured this would be in English. Because she takes 20-22 persons on her tours and the rest of the group were Spanish-speaking (although all but two spoke English), most of the presentation was made in Spanish. Much was lost in translation. We were 17 in the group and it was almost too crowded to really see and appreciate what was happening. I think Ms. Otero felt more comfortable speaking in Spanish and therefore spent more of her time with the others. Puerto Ricans tend to speak very fast and over each other and it was hard to keep up with their assertiveness and get our questions in.Ms. Otero was very nice however and should be admired for her education, knowledge and creative talent in creating a successful business.
Went with my wife and kids to their last open house on Sunday 16th, I've never been cheese tasting before and I loved 4 of the 5 we sampled, so much we bought a piece of each...looking foward to keep sponsoring our native cheeses
This tour is fantastic, the small venue makes it an intimate experience. You get to taste products of aged cheese, and products not yet on the market. The young staff shows knowledge of the process and are very accommodating to guests. We toured the microbiology sample testing lab and lastly got to make our own cheese which we will pick up in two months. I highly recommend the tour and the products, very proudly made in Puerto Rico
Went for a bachelorette party today, and was blown away by Wanda and her staff. I had tasted the cheeses before, but they were even more delicious than I remembered! They also offer yogurt, which converted this yogurt-hater into a believer!Will definitely visit again!
Excellent attraction for those who are seeking to do something different. The cheese samplings, the hands on experience and the people were super nice. Definitely will recommend it!
My family loves great cheese, so this tour was one of the activities we were most looking forward to doing. We were really pleased that Wanda made such an effort to fit us in on short notice. There was some fabulous cheese to sample, information on how cheese is made as well as information about the dairy industry. Then we were able to make our own cheese - very cool! We each selected different seasonings. It will take some time to cure before we can try it. We made arrangements to have it shipped.
Forget about Wisconsin's cheeses! These Vacanegra cheeses are the best I've ever had in my entire life. Its is the most informative, comprehensive, interesting, and hands on tour I've ever been on. Totally reccomended for anybody who loves to learn and create!