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Ensenada, Food, Wine

A Shell of a Good Time: The Conchas & Wine Festival Turns 25!

If you ever needed an excuse to sip world-class wine while slurping fresh oysters by the sea, here it is: The XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo is back from April 10–13 in Ensenada, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and brinier than ever. 

For 25 years, this festival has been the place where Baja California’s wine, seafood, and culinary magic come together in one glorious weekend of indulgence. Hosted by Provino Baja California, it brings together top-tier winemakers, chefs, and seafood producers, showcasing the best local shellfish and the freshest new wines from the region. This is not your average “grab a glass and a snack” kind of affair—this is four days of seafood feasting and wine swirling at its finest. 

The festival opens with the XVI Taller de Conchas (April 10-11), a deep dive into all things seafood. If you’ve ever wanted to hear marine biologists, aquaculture pros, and chefs discuss oyster farming, mollusk sustainability, and the future of Baja’s seafood industry—this is your jam. Even if you don’t understand half of what’s being said, it’s still a great way to appreciate where your fancy seafood dinner comes from. 

Next up is the IX Salón del Vino (April 11), where 70 wineries will be showing off their latest and greatest. This exclusive business-to-business event is where winemakers and distributors strike deals and introduce their newest creations to the world. It’s like speed dating, but for wine. 

Then, things get serious on April 12 with Mesas Marinas, an ultra-exclusive seafood and wine experience. Picture this: 15 oceanfront tables, each seating 20 guests, with a personal chef, winemaker, and shellfish producer catering to your every need. You’ll get a four-course meal featuring Baja’s finest oysters, clams, mussels, and abalone, paired with the best white and sparkling wines in the region. Chefs from as far as Peru, the U.S., Mexico City, and beyond will be on hand to create unforgettable seafood dishes—and trust us, this is the kind of meal you’ll be talking about for years. 

And then, the main event: The XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo on April 13 at the Hotel Coral & Marina. This grand celebration brings together 80 wineries, over 50 restaurants, and thousands of seafood lovers for a day of pure indulgence. Expect an all-you-can-taste experience featuring fresh oysters, mussels, clams, and more, alongside over 160 labels of wine, most of them crisp whites, delicate rosés, and elegant sparkling wines. 

Oh, and let’s not forget the oyster-shucking contest, the chef-led “marina island” where you’ll get to taste seafood rice and pasta dishes, and a cooking demonstration zone for those who like their food with a side of education. 

Don’t Miss It! The Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo isn’t just a food and wine festival—it’s a celebration of Baja’s rich culinary culture, a place where the region’s best flavors, traditions, and talent shine. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the ticket price, just remember: 3.5 tons of shellfish, 4,182 bottles of wine, and 25,000 gourmet tastings don’t lie. 

Get your tickets before they’re gone: tienda.clubprovino.mx

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