Ensenada: Ojos Negros Valley Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour

Introduction: A Flavorful Day in Baja’s Ojos Negros Valley

Imagine spending a day in a region where the landscape is lined with vineyards, cheese artisans, and rolling hills—welcome to the Ojos Negros Valley Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour in Baja California. This six-hour excursion offers a balanced blend of wine tasting, cheese crafting insights, and regional flavor experiencing. Whether you’re a wine lover, a curious foodie, or simply seeking a scenic escape from Ensenada, this tour promises a flavorful journey.

What we love about this experience is the chance to visit two distinct wineries—Bodegas de San Rafael, the pioneering local wine house, and Infinito—each offering their own unique stories and tasting profiles. Plus, the visit to Rancho La Campana and Cava de Quesos elevates the tour, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at cheese-making in a relaxed setting. The outdoor picnic with local ingredients is a real highlight, providing a chance to savor regional flavors amid scenic views.

One potential consideration is the price—at $44 per person, it’s quite an accessible experience, but tasting fees, food, and souvenirs are extra. Travelers should also note that this tour is best suited for those comfortable with walking and standing for periods, and it’s not advisable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic taste of Baja’s wine and cheese culture with an intimate, guided experience, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic regional experience with visits to local wineries and cheese artisans.
• Excellent value for a six-hour tour focused on tasting and learning.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into wine and cheese craft.
• Beautiful outdoor picnic featuring regional ingredients in a scenic setting.
• Private group setting ensures personalized attention.
• Includes transportation and hotel transfers within Ensenada’s urban zone.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Ensenada Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from hotels or Airbnbs in Ensenada’s urban area. This focus on local pickups means you won’t have to worry about transportation arrangements—your guide takes care of that. Expect to meet your guide, who will be your host for the day, sharing insights and answering questions in both Spanish and English.

Visit to Bodegas de San Rafael

The first stop is Bodegas de San Rafael, the region’s trailblazing winery. Here, we loved the chance to learn about the winery’s history and its pioneering role in Baja’s wine scene. The tasting session here introduces you to locally sourced wines, giving you a taste of the area’s signature varieties. The guided tour of the vineyards and cellar provides context that deepens your appreciation for Baja’s emerging wine reputation.

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Continue to Infinito Winery

Next, you’ll visit Infinito, a winery that offers a different perspective—perhaps more modern or experimental, depending on the producer. The focus is on tasting and understanding the subtleties of Baja wines. Guided commentary often highlights what makes Baja wines stand out, such as climate influence or grape varieties. Multiple reviews mention that guides are especially knowledgeable, making the tasting more engaging and informative.

Cheese and Crafting at Rancho La Campana and Cava de Quesos

After the wineries, the tour takes you to Rancho La Campana and Cava de Quesos, where cheese crafting is the star. Here, you gain insights into the art of cheese-making—from milk selection to aging. The underground cellar tasting session is a treat, allowing you to sample a variety of cheeses paired with freshly baked bread and regional wines. One reviewer mentioned a “great tasting session” that was both educational and delicious.

The Outdoor Picnic

The highlight for many is the outdoor picnic, set amidst the scenic beauty of the valley. You’ll enjoy a curated selection of regional ingredients prepared in the Mediterranean tradition, echoing the culinary influences at play in Baja. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with beautiful views, makes this a perfect moment to savor your surroundings and freshly prepared bites.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $44 per person is quite reasonable considering the transportation, guide, and winery visits included. However, the tasting fees are extra, so budget accordingly if you want to sample more wines and cheeses. Food during the picnic is included, but souvenirs are not.

Transportation is provided to and from your hotel or Airbnb in Ensenada’s urban zone, making logistics straightforward. The tour guide’s expertise is frequently praised, adding significant value to the experience. The group size is private, allowing for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s some walking involved at each stop.
• Bring a camera to capture vineyard views and cheese-making scenes.
• Use sunscreen and pack water—the outdoor picnic and sunny weather can make it warm.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
• Remember, tasting fees and souvenirs are extra, so plan for those costs.

Authenticity and Quality: What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviews note that the guides are very knowledgeable, making the experience engaging and informative. One traveler shared, “The guide explained everything clearly and made wine tasting fun.” Another appreciated the chance to see cheese being made and sample it in a setting that felt authentic rather than commercialized.

The tour’s balance of education and tasting is a recurring theme—learn how wines are made, understand regional differences, and taste in a relaxed environment. The scenic outdoor picnic was especially appreciated, with visitors describing it as a perfect way to wrap up the day.

How the Experience Compares to Similar Tours

Compared to other Baja wine tours, this experience stands out for its focus on cheese as well as wine, providing a more holistic taste of regional craftsmanship. The private group format and flexible booking options, like reserve now and pay later, add to its appeal. Its price point is competitive, especially given the inclusion of hotel pickup and guide service.

Other tours in the area may focus solely on wine, but this tour’s combination of cheese and wine, along with a scenic picnic, offers a more well-rounded experience that many travelers find rewarding.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This cheese and wine tasting tour in Ojos Negros Valley offers a delightful peek into Baja’s growing reputation for quality wines and artisanal cheeses. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate learning about local production, enjoy relaxed outdoor settings, and want an intimate, guided experience.

The knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops make it a value-packed option for those looking to deepen their appreciation for Baja’s culinary scene without feeling rushed. While tasting fees and souvenirs are extra, the overall experience—focused on authentic, regional flavors—is well worth the price.

If you’re traveling to Ensenada and want a meaningful, taste-focused day out that combines scenic beauty, local craftsmanship, and excellent hospitality, this tour is a smart choice. It’s best suited for mature travelers, foodies, wine enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore Baja’s true flavors in a friendly and authentic setting.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, including visits to wineries, cheese artisans, and the outdoor picnic.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to the vineyards and Rancho La Campana is included, along with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in Ensenada’s urban zone.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit two wineries: Bodegas de San Rafael and Infinito.

Are tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees are not included. Expect to pay extra for tastings at the wineries and cheese cellar.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, sunscreen, water, and casual clothes are recommended.

Can children join the tour?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Is there a guide?
Yes, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide who speaks both Spanish and English.

What is the group size?
It’s a private group tour, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for people who love food and wine?
Absolutely. The combination of wine tasting, cheese-making insights, and regional cuisine makes it perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: