Vaca Negra

The 20 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico

"Vaca Negra is a local maker of fine aged cheeses. They offer tours, for which they gather a small group to learn about what they do, have a cheese tasting, and then make their own cheese that will be available in two months. Make the reservation for brunch here as well as the tour, for the full experience. Most of the people who come to Vaca Negra will be a fan of their cheeses already, or interested in how it's made. The focus on local, agroecological ingredients stands out." - Alicia Kennedy

Why Puerto Rico is a Great Destination for Food and Nature - AFAR

"An artisanal aged‑cheese producer founded by a microbiologist aiming to offer a local alternative to imported cheeses; tours explain the cheese‑making process followed by a wine‑paired tasting, and visitors can even try making their own cheese." - AFAR

"This woman-owned artisanal aged-cheese producer was on the front wave of what is an increasingly vibrant local food movement. Wanda Otero, a microbiologist, decided to start her business in part to offer Puerto Ricans an alternative to expensive imported cheeses. She has since expanded into yogurt-making, and her products are now sold in supermarkets and found on the menus of the island’s finest restaurants. Travelers can visit the Vaca Negra facility for a tour, which includes the opportunity to make their own cheese."