Ojos Negros’

Valley
» For eight years now, and despite its geographical conditions, the Ojos Negros’ Valley has become
a considerable wine producer.

ith a long wine tradition, this valley is the last

W
to join the Baja California wine industry in
recent decades. In its small country
atmosphere, you can breathe the peculiar
aroma of the grapevine that adorn its plots.
It is located 40 kilometers east of
Ensenada, just to the southeast of the Valle de Guadalupe. It
is the largest of the agricultural valleys around Ensenada, its
length almost reaches 50 kilometers. Originally known as
Valle San Rafael, it was until the second half of the 20th
century that it changed to how now is currently called. It is
very easy to get there from the Port of Ensenada, just take
Federal Highway 3, which connects Ensenada with the port » Around seven varieties are cultivated in Viñedos San
of San Felipe in the Gulf of California. Rafael.
It was one of the few places that la mision did not reach,
rather its history developed as the home of the former 43. San Rafael’s Wineries and grape vineyards
missionaries who, after the disappearance of the missions, settled
there and formed the first ranches, at the same time that they It’s a small family business that is growing. In just
began the cultivation of grapevines and the production of wines eight years, it has managed to position itself among the
for self-consumption. wineries of Baja California. The quality of its wines exceeds,
Its characteristics, are not so similar to the ones of the by far, its annual production, just 500 boxes with the labels
previous valleys, they don’t stop the production of the wine
Passion and Passion Meritage. The winemaker of this
grapes of quality, although they search and experiment to find
the varieties of wine grapes that best adapt to the conditions of house is the young Ludwig Hussong, who in his eight
this valley. Of course, the region promises world-class wine. One hectares of vineyards, has cultivated the varieties of
of the dreamers who ventured to found a winemaker was Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Petit
Ricardo Hussong, who in 2001 created the Viñedos San Verdot, Petit Noir, and Malbec. Both, his
Rafael.
 winemaking and his wines, show his fresh, innovative and
entrepreneurial vision. In the Harvest Festivities, participate
with one of the most relevant events within the celebration.

Km 39.5 Ensenada-San Felipe highway, follow the signs

Tel: (646) 153 3160/3213
www.vinospassion.com, contacto@vinospassion.com
Previous appointment.
Hours: Friday to Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00 h.

» The cheeses of Real del Castillo are one

hundred percent natural, and can be enjoyed in
the city of Mexico, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
About 12 kilometers from the valley is the town of
Real del Castillo, distinguished for its manufacture of
cheeses and for having the first cellar for these products,
La Cava de Marcelo, the only one of its kind in
America Latin. Their tradition began over a hundred
years ago when Pedro Ramonetti , a Swiss immigrant
refugee in the area, started the activity. Now several
ranches are dedicated to the production of cheeses, and
each day they reach approximately 800 kilos, with the
variants: fresh cheese, chiva, Oaxaca, Parma and the
special Castro, Mancillas, Barajas, Gutiérrez and
Ramonetti, which are named after the ranches where are
produced. The latter is considered one of the three most
important cheese factories in Mexican gastronomy.
Marcelo's cellar
Recently built, cheeses from the most
important producers in this valley are
preserved and sold here, from aged and
creamy cheeses to those made with basil and
Learn more
The Ramonetti cheese, as well as the ball cheese
from Ocozingo , Chiapas and a variant of the
Cotija cheese from Michoacán , are
considered the most exclusive artisan
cheeses in Mexico, according to the knowledge
of specialists in Mexican cuisine
House´s pepper Ramonetti , ready to be savored
and accompanied with the house wines. This
underground cellar has the capacity to store
around 10,000 cheeses. It is a privilege to be in
this place under a sophisticated and pleasant
environment that jealously guards the history of
the Ramonetti family described in photographs,
exposed in the cellar.
Ranch La Campana
Km 43.5 highway to Ojos Negros,
Ejidos Real del Castillo.
Tel: (646) 175 7073 from Wednesday to Saturday.
Previous appointment.
Hours: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

» Per day, around 100 kilos of
cheese are produced with
different sizes and presentations.
» Hiking, horseback riding, and camping are the
activities that await you at Laguna Hanson.
Wine and Cheese festival
In April we invite you to enjoy this
festival where you will find samples of
varieties of cheeses, wines, olive oils
and bread. Some stalls offer free food
and others mostly, sell their products
for small amounts.
It is undoubtedly a good opportunity to
taste local products and acquire the
best of the region.
National Park Constitution of 1857
Located approximately 50 kilometers from the
Ojos Negros Valley, the beauty of this park lies
in its ecosystem, very different from the
common landscapes of Baja California. In its
path you will find a pine and oak forest that
invite you to explore and camp.
In its 5,000 hectares you have the opportunity
to observe animals such as ducks, herons, deer,
bighorn sheep, wild cat and many more. It is
advisable to be accompanied by a local or
guide for greater safety. Also, don’t forget, in
the rainy and snowy season, to hire the services
of a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to the park.
Hanson Lagoon
Within the Constitution National Park of
1857, this lagoon is found, which without
thinking is the most beautiful in the state, not
only for the beauty that surrounds it, but for
the fascination of being in two different places,
because during the summer the water it
disappears almost totally, while in winter its
waters are in all their splendor. We suggest
that you take the necessary precautions during
this time, since sometimes the area is isolated.
The site is very calm and calm.