Let us introduce you to Armando Ferrari: The man behind the cheese.

For the past 40 years Armando Ferrari has been the master craftsman responsible for production of Park Cheese’s specialty Italian style cheeses. Cheese has been in Armando’s blood since he was a boy. At the age of 10, Armando learned cherished family secrets of cheesemaking from his father and grandfather.
 

Although it was not easy to leave behind his deep family roots in Piacenza, Italy, Armando and his bride Lina came into Wisconsin the year they married and made their home above the cheese factory. The aromas of authentic Italian cooking blend tantalizingly with the smell of aged provolone.

Armando continues his tradition of returning to Italy at least once a year to visit family and brush up on the latest products and cheesemaking skills to share with the rest of the Park Cheese team.

Armando could craft his cheese anywhere in Europe. He chose Wisconsin.

While growing up, Armando’s father taught him everything he knew—a considerable amount, having spent a lifetime making fine Italian cheeses. It is a tradition of apprenticeship that began with Armando’s grandfather. Yet when Armando decided to continue this tradition in Wisconsin, it came as no surprise to his family.

That’s because for more than 150 years, Wisconsin has been home to cheesemaking families steeped in Euorpean traditions. A place where passion elevates cheesemaking to an art form, and where old-world techniques and a commitment to quality are passed from one generation to the next. A proud heritage that distinguishes Wisconsin’s cheese and ranks them as world class.

There is a difference you can taste in Armando’s magnificent Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina, as well as in the many other varieties made throughout Wisconsin. Taste why Armando chose to make Wisconsin a part of his family tradition.

Award Winner

Armando, a fourth generation cheesemaker, began making cheese as a boy in Italy. Now he uses techniques learned in his homeland to produce his Wisconsin Provolone and award-winning Parmesan.

Armando and Lina Ferrari have been married for over 40 years. For more information on Lina and her delicious cheese based recipes, head on over to Lina’s Kitchen.

©2004 Park Cheese Co. Inc.