At the age of 17, Fredolino Lafranchi immigrated to America from Maggia, Switzerland, with the dream to one day own and operate his own dairy. In 1919, that dream became reality when Fred and his wife Zelma Dolcini Lafranchi established the Lafranchi Dairy in the western Marin town of Nicasio, California.

Fred and Zelma raised their children on the ranch. Their eldest son, Will, our father, continued in the family business, living his entire 78 years on this Nicasio ranch.

Will was able to visit his ancestral homeland a number of times, and developed a special bond with his numerous Swiss relatives. Will and his extended family took many delectable meals together, which included a distinctive selection of cheeses handmade by local artisans.

The appreciation of these wonderful cheeses left us with a longing to enjoy these treats back home. The family dairy afforded the perfect resource to pay homage to this part of our heritage. Establishing the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company has given us the opportunity to bring to fruition something our father had only dreamt of.

Swiss master cheese maker Maurizio Lorenzetti has mentored our family in the art of making the cheeses of Valle Maggia to ensure they are as magical here as they are in Switzerland.

The Lafranchi family is extremely proud to bring our versions of the cheeses of our ancestors to the states. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.