PROVINO isn’t saying no—but they are definitely saying “not like this.”
One week after more than 11,800 locals signed a petition slamming the proposed mega-port in El Sauzal (yep, this one), Baja California’s prestigious wine industry has officially weighed in—with a polite but firm swirl of the glass.
In a statement released late Thursday night, PROVINO Baja California, the committee representing over 80 wineries in the region, expressed serious concerns—not necessarily about the port itself, but about the complete lack of mobility planning, land-use regulation, or public consultation surrounding the project.
“The development of an industrial zone near a major tourism corridor demands public policies on mobility, territorial regulation, and citizen input,” they wrote.
Translation: They’re not anti-port. They’re anti-“let’s wing it and hope for the best.”
Why this matters
The wine industry isn’t just about sipping on weekends—it’s an economic engine. Events like the Fiestas de la Vendimia attract thousands of tourists, inject millions of pesos into the economy, and shape the global image of Baja wine country.
PROVINO emphasized that the port’s planning lacks transparency and called on the government to release all technical, environmental, and social impact studies. They’re not opposing development outright—but they want it to be smart, sustainable, and community-aware.
Meanwhile, in El Sauzal…
Residents are still waiting for clear answers. The online petition grows daily, and now with PROVINO joining the dialogue, the project faces even more scrutiny—especially from those who know a thing or two about protecting terroir.
Bottom line?
Baja’s wine leaders just told the government: you can’t bulldoze your way through paradise. If there’s going to be a port, it better come with a plan. And maybe a toast to transparency.
🍷 Stay tuned.
