Ensenada Shore Excursion: Wine and Cheese Tour with Lunch in Ojos Negros Valley

Ensenada Shore Excursion: Wine and Cheese Tour with Lunch in Ojos Negros Valley

If you’re visiting Ensenada on a cruise and craving an authentic taste of Baja California’s wine country, this Wine and Cheese Tour might just be your perfect half-day escape. For around $235 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring two charming spots—San Rafael winery and Rancho Ramonetti—with a private guide, all in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The tour includes wine tastings, cheese sampling, a traditional lunch with a glass of wine, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off at the port.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to see small, family-owned wineries that aren’t part of big commercial operations. It’s a more intimate, authentic taste of Baja’s wine heritage, without the crowds you might find elsewhere. Plus, the cheese tour at Rancho Ramonetti gives a wonderful peek into artisanal cheese making—something you rarely get to experience firsthand.

However, a quick heads-up: the drive to the first stop, San Rafael winery, takes about 40 minutes, which might seem lengthy. If you’re expecting a quick jaunt, be prepared for the drive and perhaps some time in transit. This is ideal for those who enjoy scenic rides and want to soak in the local landscapes rather than just rushing from site to site.

This tour suits travelers who love wine, cheese, and authentic rural charm. It’s especially good for those who appreciate small-scale, family-run operations and prefer a relaxed pace with lots of opportunities to learn and sample. If you’re not a fan of moving around in a private vehicle or prefer a more structured, crowded tour, this might not be your best fit. But for those seeking a genuine, personal experience, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic visits to family-owned wineries and cheese producers provide a genuine taste of Baja California’s local craftsmanship.
• Private transportation and guided tours ensure a relaxed, personalized experience with flexible timing.
• Tastings include multiple wines and cheeses, plus a traditional lunch, offering excellent value for the price.
• The scenic drive to Ojos Negros Valley adds a relaxing element, perfect for appreciating the rural landscape.
• Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and beautiful vineyard settings, making it a memorable outing.
• The tour may be less ideal for travelers looking for a quick, high-energy activity or those who dislike long drives.

In-Depth Review of the Experience

What to Expect from the San Rafael Winery Visit

The tour begins with a pick-up at the port of Ensenada, followed by a scenic drive of around 40 minutes into the countryside of Baja California’s San Rafael Valley. This area is known for being one of the first vineyard regions in Baja, and it’s clear that the family behind San Rafael has deep roots here.

Once there, you’ll learn about the winemaking process right at the estate from your guide, who shares insights into the vineyard’s history and methods. The tasting includes three different wines, allowing you to appreciate the subtle differences in flavor and style. Reviewers like Chrissy_H mention the “great wine” and how this stop offers a taste of Baja’s undiscovered vineyard charm—more relaxed and less commercialized than some of the more famous wine regions.

Cheese and the Rancho Ramonetti Experience

Next, the tour shifts gears to Cava de Quesos, where you get an up-close look at how artisanal cheeses are crafted. Rancho Ramonetti has been making cheese for four generations, and the guided walk through their cheese cave is a highlight. You’ll see cheeses aging underground for up to five years—a process that adds depth and complexity to their flavors.

The cheese tasting includes six varieties, paired with artisan breads, local fruits, and olive oil. Many reviewers, like Ashley_H, rave about the “amazing cheese” and the unique opportunity to see cheese aging in a cave—something quite different from typical tastings. This is an excellent way to appreciate the local craftsmanship and learn how different cheeses develop their character over time.

Lunch and Additional Tastings

After the cheese tour, you’ll enjoy a casual lunch in Rancho Ramonetti’s cozy restaurant. The meal pairs well with a glass of wine included in the tour. The menu features local specialties and cheese, making it a genuine taste of Baja’s culinary style. Reviewers like Kelly_C highlight that the lunch was “wonderful” and that the wine paired with food enhanced the overall experience.

The Return Journey and Overall Impression

The return trip offers relaxed conversation and scenic views, giving you time to reflect on the day’s discoveries. The drop-off back at the port wraps up your experience, leaving you with a richer understanding of Baja’s wine and cheese traditions.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of feedback is positive, with many travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and beautiful vineyard settings. Ali_S mentions that it felt like “visiting Napa 50 years ago,” emphasizing the authenticity and peacefulness of these small wineries.

On the flip side, some travelers found the drive time a bit long or had difficulty locating the meeting point, as Wendy_C pointed out. These are minor issues that can be managed with clear instructions and some patience.

Practical Details

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, including travel time.
• Price: $235 per person, which includes all tastings, lunch, guide, and transportation—considered good value for the personalized experience you’re getting.
• Meeting Point: Malecon de Ensenada, a central, easy-to-find location.
• Availability: Confirmation is quick unless booked last minute; you’ll need to provide cruise details for smooth pickup.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you are a wine enthusiast or a food lover wanting to explore Baja’s local flavors in a relaxed setting, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for travelers seeking authentic, family-owned vineyards rather than commercialized wineries. It also suits those who enjoy learning about traditional cheese making and want an interactive experience away from big crowds.

However, if you prefer fast-paced, high-energy activities or dislike long drives, you might want to consider other options. This tour is best for those who appreciate scenery, conversation, and tasting in a calm, scenic environment.

The Sum Up

This Ensenada wine and cheese tour offers a genuine taste of Baja California’s small-scale, artisanal craftsmanship. With knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and a focus on family-owned wineries and cheese producers, it delivers an intimate, authentic experience. The inclusion of a delicious local lunch further enhances the value, making it a memorable way to spend half a day ashore.

Ideal for culinary explorers and those eager for a laid-back but rich cultural experience, this tour lets you taste Baja’s best in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a wine lover interested in discovering new flavors or a curious traveler wanting to see a different side of Mexico, you’ll likely leave feeling more connected to this charming region’s traditions and landscapes.

FAQs

Is transportation provided from the cruise port?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at the port in Ensenada, so you don’t need to worry about finding your guide.

How long is the drive to the wineries?
The drive to San Rafael winery takes about 40 minutes each way. This scenic journey is part of the experience, giving you a chance to see the countryside.

What does the tour include?
All tastings (wine and cheese), a traditional lunch paired with a glass of wine, private guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and transportation to and from the port.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a private tour, your guide can accommodate your interests to some extent, focusing more on wine, cheese, or scenery depending on your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the focus on wine tasting means it’s best suited for adults. Children might enjoy the scenic drive and the cheese tasting, but always check with the provider beforehand.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
You should inform the tour operator in advance. The lunch is local and casual, likely flexible for common dietary needs, but it’s best to confirm.

How much time do I have at each stop?
About an hour at San Rafael winery and two hours at Rancho Ramonetti, including the cheese cave tour and lunch.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The information doesn’t specify, so it’s best to inquire directly with the provider to confirm accessibility.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 3 days before the tour date. Last-minute cancellations aren’t eligible for a refund.

Would I enjoy this tour if I don’t drink wine?
While wine tastings are part of the experience, the cheese tour and scenic drive could still make this a worthwhile cultural outing. However, you might want to consider how much wine is involved.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you decide if this private wine and cheese tour aligns with your travel style. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Baja’s local producers and enjoy a relaxed, flavorful side of Mexico—perfect for savoring every moment ashore.