Baja Norte

Articles, Cuisine, Ensenada

24,000 Bites and Zero Regrets

Cocina la Baja 2025 Delivers Another Delicious Hit

If your taste buds weren’t at Estero Beach this weekend, you missed out. Big time.

Cocina la Baja 2025 turned up the heat with a full-on seafood fest. Chefs, fishers, and food lovers gathered for one of Baja’s most flavorful events of the year.

A Feast from the Sea

Guests were welcomed with a wine glass and a massive display of the event’s logo. The air was filled with the scent of grilled octopus and sizzling clams.

More than 40 booths offered tastings of Baja’s best. Think fresh ceviche, smoked oysters, sea urchin pasta, and even oyster ice cream.

Over 24,000 individual tastings were served throughout the day. That’s a lot of bites—and a lot of happy bellies.

Top Dishes, Big Wins

The People’s Choice went to Ilusso from Tijuana. Their taco of merluza in nori with plantain tortilla stole the show.

First place from the judges? A tiradito of cabrilla with yuzu and miso by Bocalobina and chef Abraham Gutiérrez.

Second went to Bivalva for their smoked oyster ice cream. Third place was a rich pasta with sea urchin cream by Almatierra.

Not Just Eating—Learning Too

The event wasn’t only about food. It was about education and fun.

At the Pabellón Manglar, kids colored sea creatures and joined a fishing-themed rally. Meanwhile, adults watched a live tuna “ronqueo” (butchering demo) by Bluefiná.

Cocina la Baja also featured producers from all over Baja. Wine and craft beer flowed freely between bites.

A Toast to Baja’s Coast

Cocina la Baja keeps getting better. With support from SEPESCA BC, COMEPESCA, and dozens of local chefs, the event once again proved why Baja is king of the sea.

It’s not just a food festival. It’s a love letter to Baja’s coast—and a reason to come back next year.

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 Baja Norte, Editions

July 14, 2025 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
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Big names, big wine plans — The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025 press crew: Wenceslao Martínez (Provino), Andrés Bremer (Proturismo), Álvaro Romero (Provino), and Yolanda Navarro (Tourism), standing tall for Baja’s boldest wine season yet.
 Accidents, Ensenada, Wine

Wine, Music and Magic Await at Baja’s Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025

This week, the Valle turned up the charm and the wine for the official press launch of the 35th Fiestas de la Vendimia. The venue? Viña de Liceaga, of course. And if the flawless service and perfectly laid tables are any clue, we’d bet Myrna Liceaga had a hand in supervising the event. From Gringo Gazette North, a big thank-you to the Provino team for treating us like royalty—we felt every sip of the hospitality.

  • #Under the oaks, over the top — Robleza, the restaurant at Viña de Liceaga, served up elegance with every bite. Pretty sure Myrna Liceaga had a hand in this.
  • Mic up, wine down
  • #Table’s set, let the pouring begin 🍽️🥂
  • #Big names, big wine plans — The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2025 press crew: Wenceslao Martínez (Provino), Andrés Bremer (Proturismo), Álvaro Romero (Provino), and Yolanda Navarro (Tourism), standing tall for Baja’s boldest wine season yet
  • #Press, ready, sip! 📸✍️
  • #First impressions: 10/10 reception
  • #Spoiled by PROVINO—don’t stop now! 😎🍇

The 2025 edition, themed “Terruño, Identidad y Vocación,” will run from July 30 to August 24 with more than 45 events celebrating wine, land, and the people who make it all happen. Expect everything from vertical tastings and intimate 20-person dinners to wild, woodfire-fueled paella competitions and full-scale music festivals. Because that’s just how Baja rolls.

Kicking Things Off – Muestra del Vino | Aug. 1

This is the OG of wine events in Baja and it’s still going strong. Held at the Centro Cultural Riviera, Muestra del Vino will showcase 80 wineries, over 160 wine labels, and bites from 50 local restaurants—all for $1,450 pesos. Oh, and there’s a secret headliner on the main stage. Who? They’re not telling. But with five stages covering everything from jazz to norteño, no one’s going home disappointed. Pro tip: It’s 18+ only, so leave the littles with abuela.

Paella Showdown – Aug. 17 at Viña de Liceaga

This is the big one. The Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest isn’t just a cook-off—it’s a campestre family fiesta under 120-year-old oak trees and, yes, one majestic 500-year-old roble. More than 90 paella teams will compete with over 160 wines from Baja’s best wineries. The firewood-only rule (no gas!) adds smoky magic to the mix. Tickets are $1,450 pesos, kids under 12 get in free, and if history tells us anything, it’ll sell out by 5 PM. So show up early and hungry.

Wines, Roots, and Roaming

Beyond the big names, there are also six multidimensional events, weekly guided tours to Provino-affiliated wineries, and 46+ food and wine pairings planned. Whether you’re into intimate dinners, educational catas, or just sipping with friends, there’s something for everyone.

Over 100,000 visitors are expected, with a projected $800 million pesos in economic impact. So, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Need Tickets or Want to Stalk the Calendar?

Find everything at: provinobc.mx

You bring the glass. We’ll bring the buzz.

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 Development, Ensenada, Video

11,800 Say “Nope” to Port Mega Project in El Sauzal

If you were planning on sipping a cocktail while watching whales off the coast of El Sauzal—might want to do it now. That view could soon come with a backdrop of container cranes and fuel tanks.

Over 11,800 people (and counting) have signed a petition on Change.org asking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to scrap the industrial expansion of the El Sauzal port. Their message? Ensenada doesn’t need a megaport. It needs working streets, clean water, and maybe a public restroom or two that doesn’t smell like sadness.

The proposal would turn the current fishing port into a high-volume industrial hub for containers and—because why not—hydrocarbons. The plan includes extending the breakwater by 4 kilometers, dredging the seafloor to gain 60 new hectares (not for swimming), and increasing container traffic from 400,000 to over 6 million. That’s a 15x jump for anyone keeping score.

And in case you thought this was all part of a master plan with full public support and thorough environmental vetting—think again. The project was announced casually by Sheinbaum during her December 5, 2024, morning press conference. No public consultation. No strategic environmental assessment. No technical analysis explaining why this is even a good idea. Just ta-da!—industrial port, coming right up.

Photo courtesy of Jose Alberto Rosas

Opponents say this monster project could wreck the Bay of Todos Santos. Not only would it bulldoze public beaches and block off shoreline access, it could also kneecap local fishing, endanger public health, and snarl traffic in a town that already suffers from daily bottlenecks and potholes you could lose a small car in.

“This puts our quality of life, economy, and marine culture at serious risk,” reads the petition. And they’re not exaggerating. One lane in, one lane out—what could go wrong when you add thousands of trucks?

Critics argue the 5.7 billion pesos set aside for this beast of a project would be better spent on fixing real issues—like modernizing public transport, upgrading wastewater treatment plants that still dump filth into the ocean, or saving what’s left of our water supply before we all start showering with baby wipes.

Change.org says it verifies that the signatures are from real humans, not just bots or angry sea lions.

At press time, no formal response from the federal government. But here in Ensenada, the pushback is real—and growing.

So if you care about your waves staying blue instead of oily gray, maybe check out the petition. And in the meantime, enjoy that sea breeze while it lasts.

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Baja’s Wine Guide Wins Global Gold at Gourmand Awards
 Articles, Ensenada, Wine

Vinitácora Puts Baja Wine on the World Stage

If you thought Baja’s wine scene was just local buzz, think again. Vinitácora: Wines and Wineries of Baja California just snagged the world title for Wine Guides at the Gourmand Awards 2025 in Portugal—beating out publications from over 60 countries . ¡Salud!

What’s the Gourmand Award?

Known as the “Oscars of food and wine books,” the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have celebrated stellar gastronomic literature since 1995, with over 200 countries competing annually . In 2025, winners were announced in Estoril, Portugal—where Vinitácora took first place for Best Wine Guide worldwide  .

Why Vinitácora Stands Out

This isn’t just a pretty picture book. Vinitácora offers deep dive coverage of 80+ wineries, 900 wines, and all seven valleys that define Baja’s wine map  . Organized, bilingual, and user-friendly, it’s built for wine travelers—whether you’re Instagram-savvy or GPS-wary  .

Vinitácora: More Than a Guide

Founded by sommelier-authors Lorena Hernández (Vionda) and Fabián Jáuregui, the guide isn’t just a list—it’s a living tool. They’re celebrating 10 years of highlighting Mexico’s wine regions—covering Valle de Guadalupe and touching Aguascalientes and California too  .

In Portugal, they stole the spotlight with a special tasting event in Cascais, showcasing flagship Baja wineries like Adobe Guadalupe, Casa de Piedra, and Vena Cava  .

What This Means for Baja

Baja’s Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, praised the win as proof that the region is now an international wine powerhouse  . Vinitácora’s award-winning content, maps, expert notes, and aesthetic design convinced judges worldwide  .

Local winery owners say this kind of shine can turn corks into visitors—and shipments. It’s marketing gold for Baja’s wine tourism industry  .

A Toast to the Future

With this global medal, Baja California not only cements its title as the Capital of Mexican Wine—it doubles down. Backed by Vinitácora’s credibility, the Tourism Secretariat plans to promote it at international fairs and tastings  .

🟣 No Bad News. Just big sips and even bigger wins for Baja.

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Cocina la Baja Serves Up 24,000 Reasons to Be Hungry
 Articles, Cuisine, Ensenada

Cocina la Baja Is Back with 24,000 Tastes You’ll Love

If you thought Ensenada couldn’t get any tastier… think again. Cocina la Baja returns next weekend with 24,000 reasons to loosen your belt and hit the coast.

This isn’t just a food festival—it’s the seafood showdown of the year, mixing chefs, students, scientists, and shellfish in one big Baja-style feast. Set your reminders now: the flavor storm lands on Saturday, July 12 at Estero Beach, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Tacos, Tuna, and Talent

This isn’t your average fish taco party. We’re talking about a culinary lineup of fishermen, aquaculture producers, and top Baja chefs, all dishing out the best of what the sea has to offer. From oysters and clams to smoked marlin and bluefin tuna—you’ll need both hands, an appetite, and probably a nap after.

A panel of expert judges and festival-goers (yes, that includes you) will crown the most popular dish with the People’s Choice Award. So come hungry, come opinionated.

Students Face Off for Seafood Bragging Rights

Before the main event, things heat up on Friday, July 11, with the Reto Culinario—a student cooking challenge at UABC El Sauzal. Culinary students from all over Baja will battle it out with guidance from real producers, local chefs, and academics.

And yes, there’s a trophy: the Minerva Pérez Castro Award, honoring one of Baja’s loudest champions for seafood, sustainability, and future foodies.

Winners of Cocina la Baja 2024. Photo courtesy of SEPESCA.

It’s a Festival with a Message

Beyond the flavor, Cocina la Baja is about knowing your food—where it comes from, how it’s raised, and why it matters.

You’ll find booths from CONAPESCA, EDF México, Pronatura Noroeste, and even Baja Aquafarms, sharing cool facts about species like bluefin tuna and Baja’s underwater ecosystems. Expect hands-on exhibits for kids in the Mangrove Pavilion, live cooking demos, and lots of info you didn’t know you wanted.

Yes, it’s family-friendly. Yes, it’s ocean-friendly. Yes, there will be ceviche.

How to Get In

Tickets are still available on Eventbrite (https://cocinalabaja2025.eventbrite.com.mx), or swing by SEPESCA BC, La Q BajaMed, or UMAI Progressive Asian Food to grab yours in person. And heads up: this thing fills up fast.

So if your July plans don’t yet include standing on the beach with a cold drink and a plate of grilled octopus in your hand… you might want to fix that.

🟣 No Bad News. Just good seafood, good vibes, and the best bites in Baja.

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Tochella 2025 Hits Hard with 380 Teams and Baja Heat
 Articles, Ensenada, Sports

Tochella 2025: 380 Teams, Big Plays, and Baja Vibes

Ensenada usually serves up wine tastings, scenic strolls, and seafood towers—but this weekend, it’s all about touchdowns and flag-grabbing glory.

From July 3 to 6, the Tochella Flag Festival has taken over the Raúl Ramírez Lozano Sports Complex—better known to locals as Ciudad Deportiva de Valle Dorado—and turned it into a full-blown flag football battleground. With 380 teams from all over Mexico (and a few from the U.S.), this thing is officially huge.

Not Just a Game—It’s a Movement

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz called Tochella one of the biggest sporting events in the region, right behind Baja’s legendary off-road races. And she’s not exaggerating—between players, coaches, and their families, thousands rolled into town for the four-day showdown.

“For us, events like this are a win-win,” said Agatón. “They promote physical activity, but they also boost the local economy—from street vendors to hotel owners.”

Flags, Footwork, and Fresh Kicks

This isn’t a friendly neighborhood scrimmage. Tochella features 5-on-5 matchups with real stakes, elite divisions, and serious talent—like the kind that can juke you out of your sandals before breakfast.

Games have been running from 6:00 a.m. until sundown, with finals set for today, Sunday, July 6. And while the action on the field is intense, the off-field vibe is pure festival: DJs, food stands, merch booths, and even sneaker-cleaning stations.

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a touchdown while eating ceviche and bobbing your head to reggaetón, this is your moment.

Meet the Minds Behind the Madness

The mayor gave a well-earned shoutout to the brains behind Tochella:

  • Luis Fernando Gutiérrez Acosta, Defensive Coach and World Champ with Mexico’s Women’s National Team.
  • Iván Méndez, U-20 national team player and world silver medalist.
  • Luis Moreno, the organizer who helped make all this happen.

Agatón also said her administration is committed to improving the sports complex’s courts, aiming to make Ensenada a prime destination for international tournaments.

Still Time to Catch the Action

Haven’t been yet? No problem. Entry is totally free, and today’s finals promise some of the best flag football you’ll see this year. Whether you’re in it for the sport or the snacks, Ciudad Deportiva is the place to be.

Want to follow the brackets or check who’s still undefeated in the Femenil D1 division?

Check out @tochella_flag_festival on Instagram—it’s got everything from game schedules to crowd highlights.

🟣 No Bad News. Just high-fives, highlight reels, and a whole lot of heart.

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Baja’s Beach Cleanup Makes Waves for Everyone
 Articles, Beaches, Ensenada

Baja’s Coastline Gets a Cleanup—and It Tastes Better Too

Turns out, a little beach cleanup goes a long way.

This Tuesday, July 1st, Playa Hermosa in Ensenada wasn’t just sun and sand—it was gloves, trash bags, and a team effort. State Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA BC), Alma Rosa García Juárez, showed up with her crew for a cleanup event organized as part of the National Week Against Sanitary Risks.

And they weren’t alone. Red Cross volunteers also joined the effort, rolling up their sleeves to help clear the coast.

From Sand to Seafood

Alma Rosa didn’t just show up for a photo op. She’s been vocal about how clean beaches create a ripple effect—benefiting everything from marine life to food safety.

Her team reminded everyone that clean sand means cleaner water, which is key for aquaculture. That’s especially true for shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams—aka the pride of local seafood culture. When the water’s dirty, so is the product. Nobody wants plastic-flavored ceviche.

Floating trash and microplastics don’t just look gross—they release toxins, upset the pH of the water, and open the door for harmful bacteria. The result? Bad news for both fish and fishermen.

Trash-Free = Tourist-Ready

Beyond the seafood, there’s tourism. Because let’s be honest: no one’s booking an Airbnb next to a trash heap.

Baja’s already blessed with great weather. Add a sparkling coastline, and you’ve got a spot that sells itself. Clean beaches attract more visitors, boost local business, and keep the “Baja magic” alive.

This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about living better. As Alma Rosa said, a clean ecosystem reflects a healthy, inspired community.

Global Goals, Local Wins

There’s also the bigger picture. Beach cleanups tie directly into the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda—specifically climate action and marine life preservation. Who knew tossing a bottle in the right bin could help save the planet?

During the Playa Hermosa cleanup, Alma Rosa met with local leaders including COFEPRIS, the Baja State Health Department, and Ensenada’s ecology team. Their message was clear: clean beaches are a shared job—with shared benefits.

And with Red Cross volunteers pitching in too, it’s proof that Baja cares—from its officials to its citizens.

#Photo courtesy of SEPESCA BC, taken during the July 1st cleanup at Playa Hermosa—because protecting the ocean starts with cleaning up the shore.

What You Can Do

  • Don’t ghost your garbage. Take it with you.
  • Support recycling efforts. Even if it’s not glamorous.
  • Join the next cleanup. It’s cheaper than therapy and better for the ocean.

Clean beaches mean better seafood, healthier oceans, and a brighter Baja. Let’s keep the coast clear.

🟣 No Bad News. Just the news that matters.

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Checkpoint in action: Officers along the Tecate–Tijuana highway check cars for stolen vehicles and illegal goods—slowing traffic, speeding up justice.
 Articles, Baja Norte, Public Security

No More Fear: Baja Takes a Stand

Security isn’t just talk in Baja California anymore—it’s action. And not the Hollywood kind.

A criminal gang that was shaking down business owners in Ensenada has been taken down. The charge? Cobro de piso—that ugly racket where criminals demand money in exchange for “protection.” Refuse to pay? They light your place on fire or spray your home with bullets. That’s exactly what happened to one local restaurateur.

But here’s the plot twist: he reported it. That one act of courage set off a chain of events that ended with four men in cuffs. Boom.

From Flames to Arrests

According to the State Attorney General, these suspects were tied not only to extortion in Ensenada but also to a homicide in Mexicali. After committing the murder, they tried to lie low back in Mexicali—unaware that investigators were already connecting the dots.

They weren’t just petty criminals, either. Authorities say they were part of an organized crime group dealing in drugs and human smuggling. One tip, one complaint, and the whole thing unraveled.

As the AG put it, “We needed a formal complaint to make this happen.” In other words: silence helps the criminals. Speaking up helps everyone else.

More Boots, More Brakes

This isn’t an isolated case. As we’ve reported this month on ggnorth.com, the Baja California government has ramped up security with more patrols, more agents, and more checkpoints—especially around high-traffic corridors like Tecate–Tijuana.

Some folks complain about the delays, but let’s be real. A few extra minutes in traffic is worth it if it means your car doesn’t end up stripped in a canyon. Besides, these stops are working.

A National Guard officer (who asked to stay anonymous) told us that just last week at the Tecate–Tijuana checkpoint, they recovered four stolen cars and seized illegal substances. So yeah, those checkpoints aren’t just slowing you down—they’re stopping crime.

Not Just Luck—A Plan

All of this is part of Baja’s broader plan to make safety a priority. And it’s showing. From Ensenada to Mexicali, authorities are coordinating efforts and connecting cases across cities. This is real policing, not PR.

Even better? It’s giving business owners and tourists a reason to breathe easier.

Still a Long Road

The authorities believe this isn’t the only group operating. More victims may be out there, afraid to speak up. But this case proves that one voice is enough to tip the scales.

So if someone’s trying to charge you for “protection,” don’t stay quiet. Report it. You’re not alone—and the law might just be a few steps behind them.

Here’s the Deal

  • Extortion ring: Busted.
  • Cars & drugs: Recovered.
  • Officers: Working overtime.
  • The state: Making security a priority.
  • Citizens: Starting to believe it.

This time, Baja isn’t reacting—it’s taking charge.

🟣 No Bad News. Just the news that matters.

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 Baja Norte, Editions

June 30, 2025 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.
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