Cava de Marcelo Ojos Negros
Discover Latin America's only artisanal cheese cave in Ojos Negros, Baja California, offering tastings, farm-to-table dining, and scenic ranch views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open hours for full experience
Cava de Marcelo Ojos Negros
Best Time
Open hours for full experience
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.
"A truly unique experience with amazing cheese, fantastic food, and beautiful grounds – well worth the drive!"
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cheese Cave Experience
The Cava
Explore the unique aging process of artisanal cheeses in Latin America's only cave of its kind.
Artisanal Cheese Tasting
Tasting Area
Sample a variety of delicious cheeses, with many visitors raving about the unique lemon ice cream.
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
The Ranch
Wander through beautiful grounds, sometimes featuring farm animals and even puppies for kids to play with.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Ojos Negros Cheese Adventure
Embrace the Rural Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🍝 Don't Skip the Food!
The food is excellent, especially dishes featuring their own cheeses like the pasta in a brie wheel.
🍦 Try the Lemon Ice Cream
Many visitors highlight the delicious lemon ice cream as a must-try treat.
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.
🧀 Sample Everything!
Don't miss the cheese sampling in the cave – it's a truly unique and memorable part of the visit.
🍝 Don't Skip the Food!
The food is excellent, especially dishes featuring their own cheeses like the pasta in a brie wheel.
🍦 Try the Lemon Ice Cream
Many visitors highlight the delicious lemon ice cream as a must-try treat.
🐶 Animal Encounters
Keep an eye out for farm animals and sometimes even puppies – a hit with kids!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The roads are generally paved and well-maintained, making for a pleasant drive through the countryside.
Yes, ample parking is typically available on-site for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, they offer tours that include cheese sampling in the cave, and sometimes culinary experiences with chefs.
For general visits and dining, reservations might not be strictly necessary, but for guided tours or special events, booking ahead is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
You can enjoy local wines, craft beers, and their famous sangria.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, with reviews mentioning good value for the quality and quantity of food.
Absolutely! You can purchase a variety of their artisanal cheeses directly from the tasting area to enjoy later.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally encouraged, especially to capture the scenic ranch, the cheese cave, and your delicious meals.
The cheese cave itself, the picturesque ranch grounds, and your beautifully presented food and drinks are all great photo opportunities.
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.
While generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during private events or tours.
The cheese cave has ambient lighting designed to preserve the cheese, which can create a unique, moody atmosphere for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🍷 Wine and Cheese Enthusiasts
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.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cheese Aging at La Cava de Marcelo
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.
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.
Culinary Delights and Wine Pairings
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.
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.
Family Fun and Ranch Life
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit