Cava de Marcelo (Ojos Negros) - Image 1
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Cava de Marcelo Ojos Negros

4.6
·468 reviews·Real del Castillo Nuevo, Mexico

Discover Latin America's only artisanal cheese cave in Ojos Negros, Baja California, offering tastings, farm-to-table dining, and scenic ranch views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday - Sunday afternoons

Open hours for full experience

CrowdMedium
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Cava de Marcelo (Ojos Negros) - Image 1

Cava de Marcelo Ojos Negros

Best Time

Thursday - Sunday afternoons

Open hours for full experience

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Latin America's only artisanal cheese cave in Ojos Negros, Baja California, offering tastings, farm-to-table dining, and scenic ranch views.

4.6
(468 reviews)

"A truly unique experience with amazing cheese, fantastic food, and beautiful grounds – well worth the drive!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Worth the Drive!

It's a bit off the beaten path, but the scenic drive and unique experience are well worth it.

🧀 Sample Everything!

Don't miss the cheese sampling in the cave – it's a truly unique and memorable part of the visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cheese Cave Experience

The Cheese Cave Experience

The Cava

Explore the unique aging process of artisanal cheeses in Latin America's only cave of its kind.

Instagram
Artisanal Cheese Tasting

Artisanal Cheese Tasting

Tasting Area

Sample a variety of delicious cheeses, with many visitors raving about the unique lemon ice cream.

Reddit
Farm-to-Table Dining

Farm-to-Table Dining

Restaurant

Enjoy fantastic meals, including pasta in a brie cheese wheel and delicious pizzas, often featuring their own cheeses.

Scenic Ranch Grounds

Scenic Ranch Grounds

The Ranch

Wander through beautiful grounds, sometimes featuring farm animals and even puppies for kids to play with.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Ojos Negros Cheese Adventure

Discover La Cava de Marcelo in Ojos Negros, a unique cheese cave experience. Plan for a scenic drive, as it's about 1-1.5 hours from Ensenada. Check their operating hours, typically Thursday-Sunday, to make the most of your visit. Instagram

Embrace the Rural Charm

La Cava de Marcelo is nestled in a working dairy ranch, so expect a rustic, farm-like atmosphere. While the cheese sampling and food are highlights, be prepared for potential flies. Reddit Consider it part of the authentic rural experience!

Best Times

When
Thursday - Sunday afternoons
Why
Open hours for full experience
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique culinary celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

*Promoción especial por el mes de enero y febrero 2025 *SUPER OFERTA DE ₡13.000 COLONES* *APLICA DE LA SIGUEINTE MANERA:* *Castillo del Conde* Casa equipada, con piscina y rancho BBQ, aplica en una habitación de la misma, tarifa valida por persona para un mínimo de 5 personas. *Little house* Casa privada equipada, con piscina privada, tarifa valida por persona por un mínimo de 5 personas *Pu...
@hotel.monte.campana
4.5K likes • 204.1K views

🚗 Worth the Drive!

It's a bit off the beaten path, but the scenic drive and unique experience are well worth it. Reddit+1

🧀 Sample Everything!

Don't miss the cheese sampling in the cave – it's a truly unique and memorable part of the visit. Reddit

¡En Chavos Motor Sport te llevamos a vivir una aventura única! 🏎️✨ Disfruta de nuestro recorrido especial que te llevará a través de los impresionantes valles hasta la famosa Cava de Marcelo en el Valle de Ojos Negros. 🍇🧀 Después de recorrer las veredas, prepárate para degustar los mejores vinos y quesos de la región. ¡Una experiencia que combina adrenalina y buen sabor! Reserva tu lugar y vive lo...
chavosmotorsports
16 likes • 494 views
Este 17 de Junio estaremos el Chef @abostelmann y su servidor en el Rancho La Campana Del Valle de Ojos Negros en Ensenada B.C. compartiendo con él Sr. Marcelo Ramonetti celebrando los 15 años de su Cava de quesos. Muy buena comida y por supuesto no podrían faltar los cócteles. #vidantarivieramaya #lacavademarcelo #quesosycocteles #VinoCervezaCocteles Agradecimientos especiales a nuestro Socia...
rene_ramos_ramirez
163 likes • 1.4K views

🍝 Don't Skip the Food!

The food is excellent, especially dishes featuring their own cheeses like the pasta in a brie wheel. InstagramReddit

🍦 Try the Lemon Ice Cream

Many visitors highlight the delicious lemon ice cream as a must-try treat. Reddit

La Cava de Quesos, en Ojos Negros (esto también es Ensenada) Estuvimos presentes en la “1ra carrera por el queso”, que se celebra en todo México (dato de Marcelo), lo primero fue correr cuesta arriba en el rancho La Joyita, el primero en tocar el queso se lo ganaba y 100 dólares. La segunda carrera constó en ir cuesta abajo siguiendo al queso que Marcelo arrojó para que rodara, muchas caídas y ...
vagabundeando.mx
17 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Worth the Drive!

It's a bit off the beaten path, but the scenic drive and unique experience are well worth it. Reddit+1

🧀 Sample Everything!

Don't miss the cheese sampling in the cave – it's a truly unique and memorable part of the visit. Reddit

🍝 Don't Skip the Food!

The food is excellent, especially dishes featuring their own cheeses like the pasta in a brie wheel. InstagramReddit

🍦 Try the Lemon Ice Cream

Many visitors highlight the delicious lemon ice cream as a must-try treat. Reddit

🐶 Animal Encounters

Keep an eye out for farm animals and sometimes even puppies – a hit with kids! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(468 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise La Cava de Marcelo for its unique cheese cave experience, delicious farm-to-table food, and beautiful ranch setting. While the drive is a bit long, most agree it's well worth the journey for the quality of the cheese, food, and overall atmosphere. Some mention flies as a minor drawback due to the dairy farm location.

"This place is well worth a visit. They have tours, cheese, wine, beer, and food. The grounds are amazing. The food is great. The sangria.......is amazing. The price was reasonable. 4 meals for $100 us. Do yourself a favor... stop in."

tarpin75

"Great experience at the cheese cave. Our tour guide, Diego, which was set Carnival cruise lines, did a great job and made sure our expectations were met. The lemon ice cream was my favorite there. The lunch was also perfect."

KE L

"We visited here today. Definitely off the beaten path, but worth the drive. Service and food were excellent, we totally enjoyed ourselves. If there is a complaint it would be the flies! But go figure a restaurant sitting in the middle of a dairy!"

Susan Bauman

What People Like

Unique cheese cave
Delicious food & sangria
Scenic ranch grounds

What People Dislike

Occasional flies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Cava de Marcelo is located in Ojos Negros, about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive east of Ensenada via Mex Hwy 3. The drive itself is scenic, taking you through Baja's wine country. InstagramReddit

It's considered 'off the beaten path' by some, but the drive is generally straightforward. Following Mex Hwy 3 east from Ensenada is the main route. Reddit

Yes, many cruise lines and local tour operators offer excursions that include a visit to La Cava de Marcelo, often combined with other regional attractions. Reddit+1

The roads are generally paved and well-maintained, making for a pleasant drive through the countryside. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is typically available on-site for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always mandatory, it's advisable to check their official channels or social media for any specific booking requirements, especially for tours or during peak seasons. Instagram

La Cava de Marcelo is typically open Thursday through Sunday, from 1 PM to 7 PM. It's always best to confirm current hours before your visit. Instagram

Entry to the ranch grounds and general access may be free, but specific activities like guided tours or premium tasting experiences might incur separate charges. Reddit

Yes, they offer tours that include cheese sampling in the cave, and sometimes culinary experiences with chefs. InstagramReddit

For general visits and dining, reservations might not be strictly necessary, but for guided tours or special events, booking ahead is recommended. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

They offer a delicious farm-to-table menu, with highlights including pasta served in a brie cheese wheel, pizzas, and other dishes featuring their artisanal cheeses. InstagramReddit+1

While their focus is on cheese and dairy, they often have pasta and pizza dishes that can be adapted. It's best to inquire about specific dietary needs upon arrival. Instagram

You can enjoy local wines, craft beers, and their famous sangria. InstagramReddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable, with reviews mentioning good value for the quality and quantity of food. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase a variety of their artisanal cheeses directly from the tasting area to enjoy later. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally encouraged, especially to capture the scenic ranch, the cheese cave, and your delicious meals. Instagram

The cheese cave itself, the picturesque ranch grounds, and your beautifully presented food and drinks are all great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the management on-site or in advance if you plan to fly a drone. Instagram

While generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during private events or tours. Instagram

The cheese cave has ambient lighting designed to preserve the cheese, which can create a unique, moody atmosphere for photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Cava de Marcelo offers a fun and educational outing for families. Kids will enjoy seeing the farm animals and exploring the ranch grounds. The opportunity to see cheese being made and aged adds an interesting educational element. Reddit

Don't miss the chance for them to try the unique lemon ice cream, and keep an eye out for any puppies that might be around for some extra fun! The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food options make it a great spot for a family meal. Reddit+1

🍷 Wine and Cheese Enthusiasts

For those passionate about wine and cheese, La Cava de Marcelo is a must-visit. You'll have the unique opportunity to sample artisanal cheeses aged in Latin America's only cheese cave. Instagram

Pair your tasting with selections from local wineries, and consider visiting during one of their special culinary events that often feature guest chefs and expert pairings. The scenic drive through Baja's wine country is an added bonus. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

If you're exploring Baja California by car, La Cava de Marcelo makes an excellent stop. The scenic drive from Ensenada is part of the adventure, leading you through picturesque countryside. Reddit

Plan for at least a few hours to enjoy the cheese tasting, a meal, and exploring the ranch. It's a perfect way to break up a longer road trip and experience a unique local attraction. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cheese Aging at La Cava de Marcelo

La Cava de Marcelo is renowned as the only artisanal cheese cave of its kind in Latin America. Nestled within a working dairy ranch in the heart of Ojos Negros, this unique facility is dedicated to the slow and meticulous aging of cheeses. The cool, stable environment of the cave provides the perfect conditions for developing complex flavors and textures over time. Instagram

Visitors can experience this process firsthand through guided tours, where they can see the cheeses maturing and learn about the traditional methods employed. This hands-on approach to cheese making and aging is a significant draw for food enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every wheel of cheese produced here. Reddit

The cave's location within an active dairy farm also means that the cheese is made from incredibly fresh, local milk, contributing to its superior taste. This farm-to-cave-to-table philosophy is central to the La Cava de Marcelo experience, offering a genuine taste of Baja California's agricultural heritage. Instagram+1

Culinary Delights and Wine Pairings

Beyond its famous cheese cave, La Cava de Marcelo offers a delightful culinary experience that complements its artisanal products. The on-site restaurant serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes, with many creations highlighting their own cheeses. A standout dish frequently mentioned is the pasta served directly in a wheel of brie cheese, a decadent and memorable meal. Instagram+1

Complementing the food are local wines and craft beers, perfect for pairing with the cheeses and meals. Visitors often praise the sangria as a must-try beverage. The overall dining experience is described as excellent, with reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes. Reddit

Special events, like culinary celebrations featuring guest chefs, further enhance the gastronomic appeal of La Cava de Marcelo. These events offer a chance to experience innovative dishes and unique flavor combinations, often paired with the finest local wines and spirits. Instagram+1

Family Fun and Ranch Life

La Cava de Marcelo is not just for cheese aficionados; it's also a fantastic destination for families. The ranch setting provides a relaxed and engaging environment for children. Beyond the cheese cave, the grounds often feature various farm animals, adding an element of discovery and fun for younger visitors. Reddit

Some visitors have even reported opportunities for kids to interact with puppies, making the visit extra special. This blend of agricultural education and animal encounters creates a memorable experience for the whole family. The spacious grounds also offer room to roam and explore, making it a pleasant outing for all ages. Reddit+1

The combination of engaging activities, delicious food, and the unique rural setting makes La Cava de Marcelo a well-rounded destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors, from foodies to families looking for an authentic Baja California experience. Reddit

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