BY LUISA ROSAS
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix a competitive spirit with delicious food and fine wine, look no further than the Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest. Held on August 18, 2024, at Viña de Liceaga as part of the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia, this event is where paella meets pageantry—Ensenada style. With over 2,500 attendees, it was the talk of the town, or should we say, the taste of the town?
Picture this: a balmy summer afternoon, surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Baja California, shaded by ancient oak trees. Now add 160 different wines from 84 wineries, live music, and 90 teams determined to create the perfect paella. If that doesn’t scream “perfect day,” we don’t know what does.
The Fiestas de la Vendimia aren’t just about drinking wine and eating paella (though, honestly, that’s reason enough to go). It’s also about celebrating Ensenada’s rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. The Paella Contest, organized by Provino Baja California, brings together locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fruits of the region’s labor—literally.
The Competition Heats Up
You might think that making paella is just about tossing some rice and seafood in a pan, but you’d be wrong. Very wrong. These 90 teams took their craft seriously, preparing their paellas with the same intensity as a chef on a cooking show—minus the dramatic background music. The rules were simple: cook the paella in the same-sized pans, with the same amount of rice, and over an open flame. The catch? Impress a panel of judges from the Asociación Gastronómica y de Paelleros de Baja California, A.C. (AGAPE) with the best color, appearance, flavor, and texture. No pressure, right?
The judges used a color-coded system to keep everything anonymous and fair. The paellas were graded not only on taste but also on presentation. After all, you eat with your eyes first, and nothing says “delicious” like a perfectly golden paella, glistening in the sun.
And the Winners Are…
Let’s get to the good stuff: the winners. In the “Quality” category, first place went to San Sebastián, followed by Martes de Ricos and Pacífica at Ensenada Bay in second and third, respectively. For “Presentation,” Los Jacaleros took the top spot, with Vivencias and Tía Margarita rounding out the top three.
What did the winners take home besides bragging rights? Trophies, wine, and, of course, paella pans—because you can never have too many. They also got some stylish aprons, t-shirts, and hats, so everyone knows who the real paella masters are. Thanks to sponsors like Banco Afirme and Distribuidora La Canasta, the lucky teams also received promotional goodies and vouchers totaling 14,000 pesos. That’s a lot of paella ingredients.
Music, Fun, and Family
But the Paella Contest wasn’t just about food and competition. It was a full-blown fiesta, complete with live music on two stages. DJ Robbie Solis kept the energy high with his electronic beats, while Ovejas Negras took us back with some classic rock in both English and Spanish. And let’s not forget La Gran Familia, who had everyone dancing for five hours straight—burning off all that paella, no doubt.
For the younger crowd (and those young at heart), the event featured workshops in arts and mural painting by the Prisma Academy, along with a pétanque game hosted by the Mexican Pétanque Federation. It’s not every day you get to throw metal balls around while your parents sip wine and munch on gourmet rice dishes.
The Grand Finale
Just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, there was a raffle. Courtesy of the Baja California Sur Tourism Promotion Trust, one lucky attendee won a package for two, including round-trip tickets from Tijuana to Loreto, four nights at La Misión Hotel, dinner at Raíz Restaurant, and a tour of Bahía Loreto National Park. Now that’s what we call a grand finale!
As the 34th edition of the Paella Contest wrapped up, it was clear that the event had once again brought together the best of Ensenada’s food, wine, and culture. The only downside? Waiting another year to do it all over again.
In the meantime, don’t worry—there’s no bad news here, only good times and great food. Cheers to that!
