fbpx

Gringo Gazette

Articles, Breaking News, Wine

Celebrate the Harvest in This Year Fiestas de la Vendimia

BY LEONARDO QUINTERO

From July 31 to August 18, 2024, Ensenada, Baja California, will once again be the epicenter of Mexican wine culture with the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia. Organized by Provino, which encompasses 84 wineries, this festival aims to promote Mexican wine, attracting an expected 120,000 attendees and generating an economic impact of 800 million pesos.

This year’s theme focuses on sustainability in agronomy, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. As Provino celebrates its 24th anniversary, the festivities will feature over 30 events throughout the year, offering something for everyone.

Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tasting tours priced at 1,350 pesos, experiencing the rich flavors of local wines. Additionally, events like the one at Viña de Liceaga will showcase local talent such as the group “La Gran Familia” from Mexicali. For 1,450 pesos, guests can enjoy wine tastings paired with delicious paella.

Safety is a top priority, with the business sector collaborating to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. Despite the expected influx of cars, the event has a history of incident-free celebrations, a tradition they intend to uphold for many years to come.

Join the celebration of Mexican wine at Fiestas de la Vendimia and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe.

0 97
 Baja Norte, Editions

July 15, 2024 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen. (See example below)

0 2378
 Baja Norte, Editions

July 1, 2024 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen. (See example below)

0 2372
 Breaking News

San Diego Zoo Experts Support Ecotourism Park in Ensenada

A team of experts from the San Diego Zoo, including veterinarians and biologists, recently visited the PaiPai Ecotourism Park in Ensenada to share their knowledge and implement improvements in animal care. Edgar Pérez Ortiz, the park’s director, highlighted that this collaboration aimed to enhance animal welfare through an exchange of expertise and experience.

The team consisted of 22 specialists from U.S. zoos, with 16 from the San Diego Zoo and 4 biologists from UABC. Together, they worked to apply innovative practices in animal care, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between conservation institutions.

At PaiPai’s farm, over 50 rescued animals, including goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks, roosters, and hens, received attention. The lion habitat saw significant improvements with new substrates and climbing areas, promoting natural behaviors.

The visit included various activities focused on environmental enrichment and animal health. Experts shared advanced techniques for managing and maintaining suitable habitats for the park’s diverse species.

“PaiPai is home to around 600 animals, including lions, tigers, jaguars, primates, birds, reptiles, small mammals, farm animals, and birds of prey like the Virginian Owl,” said Pérez Ortiz. The staff includes 28 zookeepers and 3 veterinarians.

In the stables, horses, ponies, donkeys, llamas, and some goats received hoof trimming and habitat enhancements. Water and air quality analyses were conducted to ensure a more comfortable environment.

Pérez Ortiz stated that the collaboration helped identify areas for improvement and develop long-term strategies benefiting both animals and the environment. “The San Diego Zoo’s expertise was invaluable in elevating care standards at PaiPai Ecotourism Park,” he affirmed.

0 116
 Baja Norte, Editions

June 17, 2024 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen. (See example below)

0 2352
 Breaking News, Events, Tijuana, Wine

Tijuana’s Ultimate Wine Festival Returns!

UPDATE: This event date was changed to Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Get ready to sip and savor, wine enthusiasts! The third edition of the “Festival Vino sin Fronteras” (Wine Without Borders Festival) is set to take Tijuana by storm on Saturday, June 29th at Club Campestre Tijuana, starting at 3:00 PM. This fantastic event is all about bridging our border with the rich enological and gastronomical offerings of the region, thanks to the efforts of the Comité Provino Baja California. 

Last Wednesday, June 12th, a press conference was held at the CANIRAC Tijuana conference room to unveil all the juicy details of this year’s festival. Attendees included representatives from Provino Baja California, Zaida López Sánchez, President of CANIRAC Tijuana, Dr. Karim Chalita Rodríguez, President of COTUCO Tijuana, and José de Jesús Quiñónez, Deputy Secretary of Tourism of Baja California. 

“The main goal of the event is to continue promoting the culture of wine to the public on both sides of the border, while also serving as a significant promotional platform for enotourism among national visitors and those from Southern California,” emphasized Juan Carlos Ochoa, General Manager of Provino. 

This year, the festival moves to the picturesque Club Campestre Tijuana, providing an ideal atmosphere surrounded by trees to enhance the enogastronomic experience. Attendees will get to enjoy the best from the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja California’s wine valleys, with 45 participating wineries offering tastings and sales of over 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. Additionally, Temecula, CA, will be the guest wine region, featuring prominent wineries such as Doffo Winery, Falkner Winery, Churon Winery, and Oak Mountain Winery, enriching the event’s wine selection. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) of Tijuana, the festival will feature 25 regional restaurants from Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito. These establishments will offer a variety of gastronomic samples, supported by supplies from Distribuidora La Canasta, and some will also sell dishes. 

The musical lineup is set to entertain with regional talent, including DJ Maury de la Vara spinning retro ’80s tunes, DJ Amy with contemporary electronic sounds, and DJ Winstone closing the night with a tropical set guaranteed to get everyone dancing. The main act will be Astros de Mendoza, a Mexican duo with 12 years of experience, who will delight the crowd with their blend of organic and electronic tropical sounds. 

Tickets are priced at $1,500 MXN per person, including a wine glass and tastings of wine and food (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy the enogastronomic and musical experience. The event also has a social impact, as part of the proceeds will support Provino Baja California’s projects benefiting the communities of the wine valleys, such as the reconstruction of San Vicente Park in the Valle de San Vicente, south of Ensenada, where the Antigua Ruta del Vino is located. 

Tickets can be purchased at various Farmacias Roma locations in Rosarito (Giramar Juárez), Tijuana (Paseo Playas, Triángulo de Oro, Campestre, Las Américas, Conquistador, Hipódromo, La Mesa, Tropicana, Plaza Torre Agua Caliente, Zona Río Urbana, Chapultepec, Cuauhtémoc), Mexicali (Justo Sierra, Caballito, Plaza 686), and Ensenada (Parque Revolución).  Online tickets are available here.

0 117
 Tijuana

New International Flight Connects Tijuana and Las Vegas

Heads up, travelers! Starting October 29, you can hop on a direct flight from Tijuana to Las Vegas, thanks to Volaris. This new route is not just about hitting the jackpot or seeing dazzling shows; it’s about connecting cultures and boosting tourism between these vibrant cities.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez, Baja California’s Tourism Secretary, are thrilled about this development. They believe it underscores the region’s growing connectivity, making it easier for more folks to explore the hidden gems of Baja California and enjoy its rich offerings.

Ticket sales kicked off this June, so you can already start planning that Vegas vacation or a business trip. And it’s not just about convenience. This flight is a bridge between communities, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties. Nevada ranks as the third-largest source of tourists to Baja California, right after California and Arizona, which means there’s already a keen interest in travel between these spots.

Volaris is equally excited about this new venture, aiming to diversify its travel destinations and strengthen its presence in key markets. This new route is a big win for everyone involved – from everyday travelers looking to expand their horizons to businesses eyeing new opportunities.

Whether you’re in Tijuana looking to experience the thrills of Las Vegas or a Nevadan curious about Baja’s attractions, this new flight is your ticket to new adventures. Check out Volaris’s website for more details on flight schedules and bookings, and get ready to take off on a new international journey.

0 93
 Breaking News

Punta Piedra’s New ‘Misión’ Project Boosts Baja

Baja California’s coastline just got even more appealing with the introduction of the new ‘Misión’ section of Punta Piedra, a stunning residential and tourist complex in the coastal corridor of La Misión. This exciting expansion promises not only breathtaking views but also a significant economic boost, generating over 1,500 jobs during its construction phase.

Andrés Martínez Bremer, the CEO of Grupo Luva, proudly announced the creation of 500 direct and over 1,000 indirect jobs through this project. He paid tribute to the original developers, Enrique Lutteroth Camou and Roberto Curiel Ortega, who started Punta Piedra over three decades ago. Bremer emphasized that Punta Piedra has grown to include ‘Misión,’ a place designed to offer an exceptional lifestyle where nature and sophistication come together to provide a unique experience for residents.

Strategically nestled between Ensenada and Tijuana, near the La Misión bridge, Punta Piedra offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to San Diego, California, adds an extra layer of convenience for residents and visitors alike. Bremer also highlighted the additional allure of being close to the famed Ruta del Vino in Valle de Guadalupe, making it a prime spot for food and wine enthusiasts.

The new ‘Misión’ section will feature 70 residences, available in four different models ranging from 172 to 249 square meters. These homes will be equipped with advanced technology to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency. Prices will vary depending on the model and other unique features, but one thing is for sure: Punta Piedra is all about exclusivity. The development emphasizes sustainability, with homes featuring solar panels, water-saving systems, and facilities for electric vehicles.

Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez, the Secretary of Tourism for Baja California, emphasized that such investments enhance the state’s competitiveness, attracting significant projects and positioning Baja California as a prime destination for investment. He highlighted that the vision of Grupo Luva supports the efforts of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda in attracting capital to the state, generating employment, revenue, and ensuring the state’s reputation as a key player in the country. The ceremonial event also saw attendance from the elected mayor, Claudia Agatón Muñiz, and Lucía Aguirre, the municipal government’s director of economy.

0 125
 Breaking News, Ensenada

New Tourist Marina Set to Transform Ensenada’s Port Area

Get Ready for “Ventana al Mar”: Ensenada’s Shiny New Waterfront Gem

The Ensenada port is getting a fabulous makeover, folks! The National Port System Administration (Asipona) has announced an exciting new project: a state-of-the-art tourist marina called “Ventana al Mar.” This marina isn’t just about docking boats; it’s a whole experience with fuel stations, restaurants, commercial areas, and much more.

Covering an impressive 12,000 square meters of prime maritime real estate right next to the current cruise terminal, “Ventana al Mar” promises to be a bustling hub for both locals and tourists. The marina will be leased for 19 years with an option to renew for another 19, making it a long-term fixture in Ensenada’s waterfront.

Think of “Ventana al Mar” as more than just a marina. It’s set to offer a range of services including public port services for recreational and sports boats, specialized operations like embarkation and disembarkation, rope mooring, in-water repairs, and supply services (water, fuel, internet, and waste collection). There will also be diving services, maritime inspections, and a vibrant commercial area with restaurants and shops.

To be part of this grand project, participants (whether individuals or companies, Mexican or foreign) need to show they have at least 25 million pesos in assets. The leaseholder will pay Asipona an initial fee, a fixed annual fee, and a variable fee based on income from services provided in the area. If you’re interested, you need to buy the bidding documents by June 11, 2024, for a cool 200,000 pesos. Proposals will be reviewed on October 30, 2024.

Asipona will evaluate proposals based on technical criteria and the highest initial fee offered. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the one promising the highest investment in the marina’s construction and equipment before it opens.

This project, detailed in the official federal gazette on May 28, is spearheaded by Vice Admiral Joel Sandoval Gómez, the head of Asipona Ensenada.

0 119
 Border, Breaking News

Ensenada – San Diego Ferry Service Set to Sail in Five Months

Get ready to mark your calendars! The long-awaited Ensenada to San Diego ferry service is set to launch in just five months, promising a scenic and efficient new way to cross the border. Kurt Ignacio Honold Morales, the Secretary of Economy and Innovation of Baja California, has announced that all environmental hurdles have been cleared, with the necessary engines, which meet California’s strict standards, already purchased and on their way.

This maritime link, operated by Azteca Ferries, will offer daily round trips capable of transporting 330 passengers. The project, a collaborative effort between various governmental bodies including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard, aims to provide a faster, more enjoyable alternative to the traditional border crossing methods.

Priced between $30 to $50, though not yet finalized, the ferry is viewed not just as a tourist attraction but as a crucial infrastructural expansion that will enhance bi-national cooperation. The service will initially cater only to passengers, with potential future expansions to include vehicle transport, turning the ports of Ensenada and San Diego into bustling hubs of activity.

0 197
Send this to a friend