From Ensenada: Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour

Travelers seeking a relaxed yet enriching experience in Baja California will find the From Ensenada: Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour a perfect choice. Priced at $107 per person and lasting 6 hours, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s artisan cheeses and high-quality wines. With visits to Infinito Winery, Rancho La Campana, and Aleyha Lavender Farm, the tour combines scenic countryside, knowledgeable guides, and delicious tastings. The tour’s focus on local craftsmanship makes it ideal for those interested in authentic Baja flavors with a touch of educational insight.

A key advantage is the tour’s comprehensive itinerary that balances vineyard visits, cheese tastings, and lavender farm exploration. The inclusion of round-trip transportation and admission fees simplifies planning, while the guided tours ensure informative visits, especially at Rancho La Campana and Infinito Winery. Some stops, like the lavender farm, are subject to availability, so flexibility is necessary. This experience suits those wanting a relaxed day with a focus on local products, rather than a high-energy or fast-paced itinerary.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $107 per person for a 6-hour tour exploring Baja’s cheese and wine routes.
• Highlights Include: Visits to Infinito Winery, La Cava de Marcelo, and Aleyha Lavender Farm (availability permitting).
• Included in Price: Hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, admission fees, and guided tours.
• Taste and Learn: Sample artisan cheeses paired with quality wines and learn about local cheese-making and winemaking processes.
• Flexible and Informative: Guides explain the regions’ history and production, making this a learning experience as well as a tasting tour.
• Limitations: Stops like the lavender farm are subject to availability, and lunch is not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Ojos Negros Valley and Ensenada Setting

This tour departs from various pickup locations in Ensenada and nearby areas, ensuring flexibility for different travelers. It ventures one hour east into the countryside, where the landscape opens into vineyards, cheese dairies, and lavender fields. The scenic drive itself offers a pleasant prelude to the tastings ahead.

The Ojos Negros Valley, renowned for its wine and cheese production, forms the heart of this experience. The landscape is dotted with farms, vineyards, and the charming countryside, creating an authentic Baja backdrop for the day’s activities. The tour’s timing allows for a relaxed pace, with each stop providing enough time to enjoy tastings and explore without feeling rushed.

The Charm of Infinito Winery and Pepe Pedrosa’s Expertise

Infinito Winery begins the tour with a visit led by owner and winemaker Pepe Pedrosa. The vineyard tour offers fresh insights into the wine production process, with an emphasis on quality and regional uniqueness. Guests then enjoy a tasting session of their wines, with subject to availability, allowing for a personal and educational experience.

The winery’s setting reflects Baja’s growing reputation for innovative wines, and Pepe Pedrosa’s guidance adds a personal touch to the visit. The physical location provides lovely vineyard views, making it an ideal backdrop for beginning the day with a glass of local wine.

La Cava de Marcelo: Artisan Cheese and Wine Pairings

The highlight for many is the visit to Rancho La Campana, home of Marcelo’s underground Cheese Cellar. Here, artisan cheeses produced by the Ramonetti family, who have been in dairy since 1911, are paired with carefully selected local wines. The guided tour of the cheese-making facilities provides insight into traditional methods and the craftsmanship involved.

The underground cellar offers a cool, atmospheric setting for tastings, and the pairings showcase the region’s best dairy and wine products. Alongside cheese and wine, visitors can sample other craft products, emphasizing Baja California’s artisanal approach.

The Lavender Experience at Aleyha Lavender Farm

Aleyha Lavender Farm is the only lavender farm in Baja California and is available Friday through Sunday, making it a seasonal highlight. During the visit, travelers can walk through vibrant heathland fields, admire scenic lagoons with ducks, and take photo opportunities among the colorful blooms.

The farm’s store offers artisanal and organic lavender-based products, perfect for purchasing souvenirs or gifts. The visit also provides a scenic drive and a chance to enjoy the peaceful countryside. For those wanting a gourmet touch, an optional meal at Grosso restaurant with lavender-inspired cuisine is available at their own expense.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guided Tours and Local Stories

Guides lead each stop with knowledgeable commentary about the history, production methods, and regional significance. The Rancho La Campana guided tour takes about 1.5 hours, offering an inside look at the cheese production process, emphasizing family heritage and tradition.

At Infinito Winery, the winemaker Pepe Pedrosa shares his expertise, providing an engaging overview of the local wine scene. The Aleyha Lavender Farm visit lasts around 1 hour, giving sufficient time to explore and shop. The Grosso restaurant offers a gourmet meal based on lavender, providing a culinary highlight, though it is at your own expense.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from 10 pickup locations, including El Tigre, Guadalupe, and Ensenada. Transportation is round-trip, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Admission fees to the stops, guided tours, and samples are covered, with snacks and bottled water provided.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash for purchases or optional meals, and ID to prove age for alcohol consumption. The tour operates rain or shine, and mobility limitations are not accommodated.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals to those interested in regional craftsmanship, wine and cheese tasting, and breathtaking countryside scenery. It suits travelers who enjoy relaxed pacing and learning about local artisanal products. The seasonal lavender farm adds a special touch, particularly during its active months.

While the tour is accessible for most, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The exclusion of lunch means guests should plan accordingly or enjoy the optional dinner at Grosso.

Final Thoughts on the Ojos Negros Cheese & Wine Tour

This tour offers a balanced blend of tastings, scenic views, and cultural insights into Baja California’s cheese and wine regions. The guided visits to Infinito Winery and La Cava de Marcelo are particular highlights, showcasing local expertise and artisan skills. The lavender farm adds a unique, seasonal element that elevates the experience.

For travelers eager to explore authentic Baja flavors, learn about family-owned dairies, and enjoy beautiful countryside scenery, this tour delivers value and a relaxed pace. The $107 price includes all major stops, transportation, and guided tours, making it a straightforward choice for a day of indulgence and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with multiple pickup locations in Ensenada.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, providing enough time to visit multiple stops without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, lunch or dinner is not included. Guests can purchase food at the Grosso restaurant at their own expense.

Can I visit the lavender farm if it’s not the weekend?
The Aleyha Lavender Farm is available Friday through Sunday, so visiting outside these days is unlikely.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, cash for purchases, and ID for alcohol consumption.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the nature of the stops.

How do I confirm my booking?
Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, including pay later, and the full refund is available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Can I customize the tour?
A private group option is available, allowing for some customization based on availability and preferences.

Are tastings included at the wineries?
Tastings at Infinito Winery are not included in the price but are available. The cheese and wine tasting at La Cava de Marcelo is included.

What makes this tour different from other Baja wine routes?
This tour combines cheese and wine pairings, visits to artisanal cheese producers, and a lavender farm, offering a more diverse gourmet experience than standard wine-only tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby