A Valley That Knows How to Party
Ensenada doesn’t believe in half-measures. When this city decides to celebrate, it pours the full bottle, not a splash. This September, Valle de Guadalupe is lining up two festivals that mix wine, food, horses, and music into a heady cocktail. It’s all part of Viñadas 2025, the program that keeps the Valley buzzing year-round.
Organizers didn’t hold back at the press conference. They promised energy, flavor, and experiences that stretch beyond the glass. For locals, these events mean jobs and pride. For visitors, they mean late nights, long meals, and memories that usually start with, “I shouldn’t have had that last glass…”
Sombreros and Chardonnay at Limbo
The party starts on Sunday, September 21 at Limbo Hotel Boutique and Vinos 63. Tickets cost 400 pesos and include two tastings plus a commemorative glass. It’s the kind of souvenir you actually use, unlike that keychain from Tijuana you lost years ago.
Food is central. Think paella served steaming in the Baja sun, tacos with just the right salsa kick, and nibbles to keep your wine company. Grape-stomping contests turn guests into winemakers—at least until the juice splashes their best shoes. There’s even a contest for the boldest sombrero, because nothing says “I belong in the Valley” like a hat bigger than your torso.
The entertainment keeps things lively. Bachata rhythms push guests to dance off the carbs. Artist Antonio Proa will paint live, auctioning the finished work by sundown. The evening closes with Porfirio Siga performing under the stars. Wine, music, and sombreros—exactly the mix you didn’t know you needed.
Horses and High Notes at Indómito
Barely a week later, the Valley saddles up again. On Saturday, September 27, Indómito Resort hosts the Feria del Caballo. This isn’t your local county fair with a tired pony and a funnel cake. It’s Lusitano horses from Portugal, riders who make dressage look effortless, and demonstrations of horsemanship that border on performance art.
Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost just 100 pesos, covering exhibitions, food, wine, and access to the fair. At 4 p.m. there’s an inauguration ceremony. By 9 p.m., singer Majo Aguilar takes the stage. Her concert is free if you register online, though VIP tables up close sell for 8,000–10,000 pesos. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it to sip Syrah while she belts out rancheras? Absolutely.
Last year, about 3,000 people attended the Feria and 900 stayed for the concert. This year, with 50 sponsors and wineries like Barón Balché, Casa Luna, Don Tomás, and Casta de Vinos on board, expectations are higher than a champagne cork.
Why it Matters?
Beyond the laughter and spilled wine, Viñadas is serious business. These events keep hotels booked, restaurants buzzing, and wineries thriving. Every visitor who stays one more night means local jobs, stronger businesses, and an economy that runs on more than just grapes. Viñadas is proof that Baja’s wine country is more than a weekend getaway. It’s a destination.
More Than Just a Weekend
Organizers want to stretch visits into longer stays. Their vision includes a Valle Christmas parade, a carnival, and community festivals that highlight local culture. Last year’s ten Viñadas drew 6,500 people. This year, they’re aiming for 13 or 14 events with more than 10,000 guests.
And yes, safety matters. Locals describe the Valley as calm, welcoming, and watched over by police, firefighters, and neighbors who still wave at passing cars. Their message is clear: bring the family, enjoy the wine, and leave your worries at the border.
The Big Picture
Viñadas 2025 is a full-bodied blend of wine, food, music, and culture. From grape stomps to flamenco, from tacos to Chardonnay, the Valley knows how to pour a good time. September in Ensenada isn’t just another month—it’s an invitation. Bring your sombrero, polish your dance moves, and let the Valley remind you that life, like wine, should always be enjoyed by the glass.
