La Cava De Marcelo: The Cheese Cave

OVERVIEW

Sample an inspiring selection of cheese, wine and beer as a prelude to a traditional lunch at a farm in the Valle de Ojos Negros. Agriculture thrives in this fertile valley and the Ramonetti family has been farming there for four generations. Their dairy farm, Rancho la Campana, is renowned for its stone cheese cave – La Cava de Marcelo – which holds as many as 10,000 wheels of cheese. Each wheel must be rotated daily to prevent moisture from building up. You will see how the namesake Ramonetti cheese is produced step-by-step using hormone-free milk from German Holstein cows. You will also sample cheeses such as ricotta, quesos frescos and several aged varieties in the climate-controlled cheese cave, one of the first in Latin America. Locally produced wine and craft beer will be served, as well. To round out this culinary experience, you will enjoy a hearty meal in the farm’s serene gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a fourth-generation family dairy farm in the Valle de Ojos Negros.
• Observe how various cheeses are naturally produced without the use of hormones.
• Sample a variety of cheeses in La Cava de Marcelo, a climate-controlled cheese cave.
• Enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine and craft beer, followed by a traditional lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.