Ensenada sure knows how to throw a party. The annual Paella Contest at Viña de Liceaga once again proved it, celebrating its 35th anniversary with food, wine, music, and just the right amount of chaos.
A Crowd Ready for Fun
The vibe was unmistakable. Families, couples, groups of friends, and a few brave loners all strolled in ready to eat, drink, and gossip about whose paella had too much saffron. Meanwhile, others simply claimed the best shade spot and let the feast come to them.
Cooking paella over leña might look romantic in photos. However, the reality is sweaty, smoky, and sometimes downright dangerous. One chef swore the smoke gave his rice “extra flavor.” Maybe. Yet I’m pretty sure it just gave me watery eyes.
When Fire Meets Footwear
At one point, while interviewing a paellero, a rogue ember leapt from the fire and landed on my boot. I brushed it off like nothing happened. Later, when I got home, I realized the sole had melted into modern art. In the end, that’s how you know it was a memorable fiesta.
Sipping Through the Vineyards
Wine, of course, was the co-star of the day. Rows of vinícolas lined up, pouring glass after glass, each more tempting than the last. As a result, guests happily bounced between tastings, comparing notes—or just nodding politely when someone mentioned “balanced acidity.”
A personal highlight came with Cava Dragón, making its debut. It quickly became the wine you brag about tasting before it got famous. The winemakers seemed thrilled too. Because they shared rows with fellow producers, they swapped vineyard stories like old buddies.
A Lesson with a Toast
Over at the Liceaga booth, things got even better. We filmed a tasting session that included a flawless explanation in English. It wasn’t just informative—it felt like a master class with a refill in hand. Honestly, it could have been a Netflix special.
Meanwhile, music filled the air. With two stages, guests switched between upbeat jams and softer tunes. Consequently, the crowd never lost energy, even as they balanced paella plates while grooving to a guitar riff.
Winners Take the Spotlight
As always, the Liceaga family deserves a big gracias for opening their vineyard. Without them, hundreds of happy, slightly tipsy guests wouldn’t have such a playground.
And now, the moment everyone waited for—the winners of 2025:
🥘 Quality Category
🥇 1st Place: Flor y Compañía
🥈 2nd Place: Los Ponchos
🥉 3rd Place: Los Moreno
4th: Los Abarca
5th: Constructora Makro
🥘 Presentation Category
🥇 1st Place: Xatos Paella
🥈 2nd Place: Vivencias
🥉 3rd Place: Cheo Paellas
4th: Constructora Makro
5th: Los Rústicos
Thanks to every team who battled the flames, stirred endlessly, and nervously watched the judges chew in silence. Because of their efforts, we all ate like kings.
Until Next Year
For us at the Gazette, the cherry on top was running into so many readers. We loved the selfies, the laughs, and the chance to sneak bites from your plates.
By sunset, the verdict was clear. The Paella Contest isn’t just food and wine—it’s tradition. It’s that Baja magic where strangers become amigos, and everyone leaves with a full belly and a happy heart.
Some even leave with melted boots.
See you next year for round 36. Bring sunscreen, stretchy pants, and maybe steel-toe shoes.
