San Miguel Women: Cristina Gerez. Rooted in San Miguel. Nourishing Community.

Photo by Susan York

Cristina Gerez embodies something that is uniquely San Miguel de Allende: the blending of cultures that has shaped the city for generations. Born to an American mother and a Mexican father who met in San Miguel, her story reflects the spirit of a community where different backgrounds come together to create something richer, stronger, and deeply connected.

Long before San Miguel became an international destination, Cristina was growing up in this much smaller city surrounded by animals of all size, roses, fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables, while her father's life revolved around farming. Coming from a large family of ranchers and agricultural producers, she learned early on the values of hard work, generosity, and community. Milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruit flowed between family farms, creating a culture where neighbors and relatives cared for one another through food.

That early connection to the land would shape much of what came later.

As a teenager, Cristina left San Miguel to study in Boston and New York, spending nearly a decade away. Like many young people, she imagined her future somewhere else. But when she returned in 1994, she quickly realized that San Miguel offered something she couldn't find anywhere else: a sense of home.

Over the years, she became part of several projects that helped shape the city's evolving culinary and cultural landscape. She helped establish Café Santa Ana for the Biblioteca Pública and later worked alongside her mother to restore a historic property on Cuna de Allende, where they opened La Capilla.

But it was a deeply personal loss that led her to what would become her life's work.

After losing her mother in an accident, Cristina found herself searching for something to care for beyond her own grief. In 2001, she started a small farm with just three goats and little knowledge of what would come next.

With little more than curiosity and determination, Cristina taught herself how to make cheese through early internet forums and hands-on experience. This passion project would eventually grew into one of San Miguel's most beloved local food businesses, and at one point she managed a herd of 180 goats in her own backyard.

Photo by Susan York

Today, Cristina produces handcrafted cheeses, yogurt, eggs, and seasonal produce enjoyed by local residents through her store La Estrella and featured on the menus of chefs and restaurants from San Miguel and beyond. Through it all, she continues to advocate for something she believes deeply in: knowing where your food comes from and the people who produce it.

Cristina's journey reflects so much of what makes San Miguel special. A life rooted in both Mexican and American traditions. A deep commitment to community. A belief in caring for others through meaningful work. And a willingness to transform personal experiences into something that benefits those around her.

What first brought you to San Miguel—and what made you stay?

I was born in San Miguel de Allende, but like many young people, I was eager to see more of the world. I left as a teenager to study in Boston and later New York, and at the time I had no intention of returning.

But after nearly a decade away, I came back and quickly realized there was nowhere else I wanted to be. Today, I can't imagine living anywhere else.

What are you building, nurturing, or contributing to here?

Through the farm, I like to think I'm contributing to food security—for myself, my staff, and the community of clients who support us.

For more than twenty years, we've focused on producing high-quality food in a way that respects both the animals and the land.

How do you connect with or support the community?

Education has always been at the heart of what I do.

I connect with my community by helping both my staff and my clients better understand the journey food takes from farm to table.

There is tremendous work, knowledge, and care behind every product we make. That awareness creates stronger and healthier communities.

What does a typical day in San Miguel look like for you?

Life on the farm starts early, especially during the warmer months when most of the work needs to be finished before the midday heat arrives. The animals—goats, chickens, ducks, geese, cats, and dogs—need to be fed and watered. Greens are harvested, seeds are planted, eggs are collected, and cheese is made.

Late afternoon brings the golden hour and you'll usually find me back in the garden transplanting, gathering, or simply enjoying the beauty of the land.

What has San Miguel given you—and what do you hope to give back?

San Miguel has given me love, shelter, and a true sense of home.

In return, I hope to nourish the people around me through quality food and a deeper connection to where it comes from.

Whether through the products we create, the people we employ, or the visitors we welcome to the farm, I hope to contribute to a healthier and more connected community.

Fast Five

One word that describes San Miguel: Home.

Your favorite place to gather with friends: At home. I love cooking for friends, especially when the farm is producing beautiful greens and fresh cheese.

The season you love most in town: The rainy season. The cooler temperatures and the transformation of the landscape are incredibly refreshing.

A local business, cause, or space you love supporting: Panio, for the best bread a cheese you could ask for. And the non-profit, Feed the Hungry, because good nutrition and food education are essential for future generations.

A view in San Miguel you never take for granted: The fireworks over La Parroquia. Living outside of town I have the advantage of reduced noise and a beautiful panorama!

Experience Cristina's Work

Today, Cristina produces two types of yogurt—Greek and probiotic—as well as three handcrafted cheeses: a fresh chèvre, feta, and a 24-month aged cheddar. 

This past year, she has also opened the farm to visitors for monthly cheese tastings and farm tours, offering guests the opportunity to meet the animals, explore the gardens, and sample her cheeses alongside whatever vegetables and greens are in season.

The next farm visit and cheese tasting will take place on July 3rd.

To learn more about Cristina, her products, and upcoming farm events, follow her on social media below.

📍Shop: La Estrella SMA Juan José Torres Landa #5, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, 37755

📸 Instagram: La Estrella SMA