Ensenada

Cruise Ships, Ensenada, Tourism

36 Cruise Calls Set to Splash Cash in Ensenada

If Ensenada feels a little busier this October, it’s not your imagination, it’s 36 cruise ship calls on the calendar. According to the Hutchison Ports ECV arrivals list, the month is stacked with repeat visits from Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze, and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, plus calls by Nieuw Amsterdam, Island Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess, Koningsdam, Norwegian Bliss, Navigator of the Seas, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Legend.

How many visitors are we talking about?

To get a reasonable estimate of how many people will step ashore, we used each ship’s double-occupancy (the industry’s standard planning number) and multiplied by the number of Ensenada calls listed for October.

Here are the headline capacities used:

  • Carnival Radiance: 2,984 guests (6 calls). 
  • Carnival Firenze: 4,126 guests (7 calls). 
  • Quantum of the Seas: 4,180 guests (7 calls). 
  • Navigator of the Seas: ~3,388 guests (4 calls). 
  • Carnival Panorama: 4,008 guests (3 calls). 
  • Nieuw Amsterdam: 2,106 guests (2 calls). 
  • Island Princess: ~2,200 guests (1 call). 
  • Ruby Princess: 3,080 guests (1 call). 
  • Royal Princess: 3,560 guests (2 calls). 
  • Koningsdam: 2,650 guests (1 call). 
  • Norwegian Bliss: ~4,010 guests (1 call). 
  • Carnival Legend: 2,124 guests (1 call). 

Crunching those ship-by-ship counts against the October schedule yields an estimated 127,000 cruise passengers arriving in Ensenada this month (127,018 using the exact tallies). That’s double-occupancy only; on peak sailings with families in third and fourth berths, loads can run higher.

What that means in pesos and dollars

How much do visitors actually spend in town? Recent reporting on Ensenada’s cruise economy pegs average passenger spending at US$63.68 per person, with crew spending averaging US$47.84 when they go ashore.

Apply that passenger average to October’s expected arrivals and you’re looking at ~US$8.1 million in direct on-shore passenger spending in a single month—money that filters into taquerías and tasting rooms, tour operators, drivers, pharmacies, souvenir stalls, and yes, the place that sells the “I heart Ensenada” hoodies.

For context, wider cruise research for the Caribbean and Latin America found that a single 4,000-passenger call typically generates about US$369,100 in on-shore spending by passengers and crew, useful to remember when two large ships overlap on a weekend. 

Why it matters locally

  • Jobs & small business: Shore tours, wine-valley excursions, fishing charters, guides, mariachis on the malecón, and micro-entrepreneurs all benefit from predictable ship traffic.
  • Tax base & services: Visitor spending supports municipal revenues that help keep the waterfront, roads, and public spaces functioning for residents and guests alike.
  • Season smoothing: October sits between high summer and holiday travel; a packed cruise calendar helps smooth out the shoulder season for hospitality workers and vendors.

Ship “regulars” this month

  • Frequent callers: Quantum of the Seas (7), Carnival Firenze (7), Carnival Radiance (6).
  • Busy weekends: Watch the mid-month and Oct. 24–25 stretch, when Koningsdam, Carnival Panorama, and Norwegian Bliss cluster around the same weekend.

One policy note to watch

Mexico approved a new immigration levy on cruise passengers for 2025; after industry pushback, reports indicate it’s starting at US$5 per guest from July 1, 2025, with the possibility of gradual increases. Any changes to fees can influence itineraries, pricing, and ultimately local spending, so we’ll keep an eye on how this develops.

With 36 ship calls and roughly 127,000 passengers expected, October is set to be a strong month for Ensenada’s waterfront economy, good news for everyone from ceviche stands to the Valle’s tasting rooms. If you’re heading downtown on a ship day, expect lively sidewalks and longer lines at the churro cart.

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 Articles, Business, Ensenada

From “Ensenada Made” to Unpaid: The Fall of EVCR’s Factory

They used to say: “LA-based. Ensenada made.” That was the tagline for EVCR—Evolution & Creation—the activewear brand that insisted its prints, its fabrics, its identity were rooted in both the glam of L.A. and the hands of workers here in Baja. Their signature leggings, often priced at $29.99, carried a dual promise: fashion appeal and local production. But over the last few weeks, the promise is unraveling.

In late September 2025, something changed. The factory in Ensenada—where dozens of workers had come in every day, stitching seams, pressing seams, assembling activewear—pulled the plug. Or at least that’s what employees say: the doors are closed, management is silent, and paychecks haven’t been coming.

It started on September 27, when news broke that EVCR would halt operations. Workers flooded the gates. Some blocked access. Others stood guard over machinery they helped produce. Their cry was simple but urgent: “We haven’t been paid. We still owe rent, food, Infonavit, FONACOT. We deserve answers.”

They say they’ve been without pay for weeks. Some still show up, hoping someone will break the silence. Others have posted pleas on social media: mothers, fathers, people with rent due, bills stacking up. “No tienen para pagar dos semanas de sueldo,” one post said: they don’t have even two weeks’ wages. Management has offered no detailed roadmap for how they intend to settle. Anecdotal rumors claim fines over 40 million pesos for labor violations, but I found no official confirmation. The state labor office is said to be watching—some say preparing to step in—but that still leaves a gulf between principle and practice.

When a factory shuts down without warning, the hurt lands hardest on those with least wiggle room. Workers depend on every peso. Wages aren’t extra—they’re survival. Mexican labor law mandates payment of earned wages, compensation, severance, benefit accruals. But laws are only as effective as their enforcement. For many here, the question is not “Does the law protect me?” but “Can I make the law work in time?”

This moment reveals a deeper conflict buried under glossy brand marketing. EVCR claimed transparency. A direct-to-consumer, local-manufactured identity. But now, in crisis, the promises vanish under layers of silence. The workers didn’t design the prints—they made them. They didn’t write the slogans—they stitched them. Yet their voices are now the loudest in the empty halls.

To outsiders buying a $29.99 pair of leggings, the cost seems modest. But for those who sewed them, the cost may now be existential. Not just pay—but dignity, security, accountability.

Here in Ensenada, this factory closure is not an anomaly. Garment, textile, activewear chains have long operated on tight margins, outsourcing risk until the last moment. When the lights dim, the lowest rungs of the ladder take the fall.

What happens now matters. The Baja California labor authority must act: audits, binding orders, enforcement. EVCR management owes transparency: a full accounting of debts, deadlines, names. Workers deserve not promises but confirmations: what they’re owed, and when they’ll see it. Legal boards of conciliation and arbitration should be empowered to enforce judgments swiftly, not let bureaucracy drown people.

And then there’s the court of public opinion. Consumers who chose EVCR because of its local identity must ask: does “Ensenada made” mean anything when the makers are left unpaid? Media, social pressure, demand for accountability—they can push brands from hiding to responsibility.

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 Articles, Ensenada, Events, Guadalupe Valley

Masked Magic Lights Up Valle de Guadalupe at Castillo Ferrer

The Valle de Guadalupe knows wine, paella, and opera. However, it has never seen masks, fire shows, and aerial spirals—until now. Castillo Ferrer is launching the first edition of Renacimiento Mascaradas this October 4, creating a carnival of elegance with a Baja twist.

A New Signature Event

For years, Castillo Ferrer celebrated harvest with different themes. One year it leaned Mexican, another went patriotic in September. Because of that inconsistency, organizers decided it was time for one identity. As director Luis Alonso Altamirano said, “This is our renaissance.”

The word Renacimiento honors Italy’s 15th-century masquerades. Yet it also marks the vineyard’s revival of concerts, paused after the pandemic. Before that, Castillo Ferrer hosted acts like Tigres del Norte. Now, the stage returns.

A Program Full of Surprises

The party runs from 4 p.m. to midnight. Guests will enjoy grape-stomping, live music, and circus-style spectacles. Meanwhile, acrobats, jugglers, fire artists, and stilt walkers will keep the night electric.

Artistic director César Cervantes even promises Baja’s only aerial spiral performance. In other words, Cirque du Soleil finally meets Cabernet.

The stage is set—literally. Installations for Renacimiento Mascaradas are already taking shape at Castillo Ferrer’s vineyard grounds.

Music Across Centuries

Violinist Luis Henry will welcome guests with a DJ-violin duo. Later, he joins a string orchestra mixing Bach, Vivaldi, Coldplay, and boleros. Because nothing says Renaissance like waltzing to “Clocks” under vineyard lights.

Dress Code and Tickets

The event is formal. Women wear dresses, men suits. Ties are optional, but jackets are required. Every ticket includes a mask, although guests can bring their own—yes, lucha libre counts.

General admission costs $900 pesos. VIP tickets are $1,700 pesos, with extras like a glass and bottle of wine. Tickets are available on PrimeraFila.mx, City Express Tijuana, or at the winery box office.

Safety and Comfort

Organizers expect around 1,000 guests, though the venue can hold 2,000. Because no one should risk driving after Tempranillo, PB Tours will run shuttles from Ensenada and Tijuana.

A Baja Tradition in the Making

Renaissance masquerades blurred social lines. Everyone mingled freely, hidden behind masks. This festival aims for the same spirit. Finally, Valle de Guadalupe gets its own masked ball.

So prepare your gown, shine your shoes, or grab that lucha mask. Castillo Ferrer promises mystery, music, and midnight firelight this October 4.

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Baja’s Michelin Constellation
 Articles, Baja Norte, Cuisine, Ensenada, Guadalupe Valley, Sabor Patrol, Tijuana

Baja Chefs Win Michelin 2025 Glory in the Valley

Baja California once again proved it isn’t just about fish tacos or tequila shots. And yes, we already told you: wine is the backbone here, not some side note. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide came to town, and the chefs of Baja walked away carrying stars, plates, and the kind of bragging rights usually reserved for French grandmas with secret recipes.

What Those Stars Actually Mean

The Michelin system can feel like a mysterious club. So let’s clear it up. A red star is the classic award. It says the food is worth a special trip. If a restaurant has one star, go. When it has two, change your route. With three, call your banker.

Meanwhile, the Green Star is relatively new (2020). It rewards restaurants committed to sustainability. Think kitchens where the fish isn’t confused about its passport, and the vegetables don’t rack up frequent-flier miles.

Finally, there’s the Bib Gourmand. It isn’t a star, but it matters. It celebrates restaurants that serve incredible food without demanding your mortgage papers at the door.

Valle de Guadalupe Takes the Crown

Here’s the fun part. All five of Baja’s red stars landed in the Valle de Guadalupe. Yes, every single one. Therefore, if you’re not convinced the valley is the capital of Baja dining, you’ve officially missed the memo.

These restaurants aren’t just making plates of food. Instead, they’re serving flavors as layered as the valley sunsets, with dishes that dance between ocean and vineyard.

Sheyla Alvarado Takes the Stage
#Lunario’s chef Sheyla Alvarado beams with pride as she brings a Michelin Star home to the valley.

Green Stars for a Greener Future

The valley also swept the sustainability awards. Olivea, Lunario, Conchas de Piedra, and Deckman’s en el Mogor all grabbed a Green Star. That means they’re not only plating art. They’re farming responsibly, fishing thoughtfully, and cooking with the planet in mind.

Bib Gourmand: Flavor Without the Painful Bill

For diners who prefer to spend pesos on wine instead of entrées, the Bib Gourmand list is a gift. For example, Ensenada classics like Sabina and La Conchería, valley gems like Merak and Villa Torél, and the unstoppable Doña Esthela prove you don’t need a fortune to eat like royalty.

In addition, Carmelita Molino y Cocina in Tijuana joins the list. It shows the border city can serve soul-warming plates with just the right hit of smoke and spice.

Sabina Honored in Ensenada
#The legendary Sabina, queen of Ensenada’s seafood flavors, celebrates her Bib Gourmand with the warmth only she can serve.

The Recommended Hit List

Michelin went even further with 21 recommended restaurants. These range from street tacos that can silence a room (La Principal, El Franc) to high-end temples like Misión 19 and Manzanilla. Meanwhile, valley names such as Primitivo, Latitud 32, Envero, and Bruma Wine Garden reinforce the obvious. If you want the best of Baja, head to the valley.

More Than Plaques on the Wall

Tourism secretary Zaida Luz López pointed out that these recognitions aren’t just for chefs. Instead, they represent farmers, fishers, vineyard workers, and communities who open their doors and pour their hearts into every plate.

Moreover, the stars ripple far beyond the dining rooms. They strengthen local producers, attract international visitors, and boost an entire tourism chain. In other words, it’s not just about dinner—it’s about an economy that grows when the food is this good.

What This Means for Travelers

For visitors, the message is simple. Baja California now stands shoulder to shoulder with the great culinary regions of the world. You can book a table in the valley, sip a glass of Nebbiolo, and enjoy a dish that carries a Michelin star while still watching the chef wave at a neighbor’s goat. Try doing that in Paris.

Bottom Line

The 2025 MICHELIN Guide made it official: Baja California is a heavyweight on the global dining stage. The Valle de Guadalupe dominates with stars, Ensenada offers classics at every price, and Tijuana proves it’s more than street tacos.

So, whether you chase sustainability, fine dining, or the perfect taco, Baja has it all. Michelin has spoken—and this time, the accent is pure Baja.

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Valle Turns Up the Flavor With Viñadas 2025
 Articles, Ensenada, Wine Valley

Baja’s Hidden Wineries Shine in the Viñadas Celebration

Think Valle de Guadalupe is only wine tastings and sunsets made for Instagram? Think again. Behind the vineyards, there’s a network of entrepreneurs working to keep the valley alive and open for business.

Meet Emprendedores del Valle Guadalupe (EDVG), a civil association of more than 270 businesses. That includes wineries, cafés, hotels, restaurants, and yes, even hardware stores. Their mission is simple: push the valley forward with collaboration, events, and teamwork .

A Network Beyond Wine

Wine might headline the valley, but this group goes much further. They connect with UABC and CEVIT for studies on tourism and restaurant trends. They also stay close to local authorities, which helps members deal with permits and regulations.

Membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Small businesses with fewer than ten employees pay a lower fee. Bigger operations contribute more. In return, everyone gets access to studies, support, and a valuable business network.

Viñadas: Events That Keep Flowing

Their star project is the Viñadas calendar. It spreads events throughout the year so visitors don’t just come in harvest season.

In 2024, the association hosted ten events. For 2025, the goal is fifteen. At the moment, they’ve already staged eight. The next stops are Indómito, El Cielo, Casa Entre Vés, and Don Tomás Viñedo .

Each event feels different. Some are cozy pairing dinners for 50 guests. Others explode into massive fiestas with music, food stalls, and almost a thousand visitors. Businesses decide if they’ll pour tastings, charge a fee, or just showcase bottles. The variety keeps locals and tourists guessing.

December will even feature a community Christmas parade across the three valley delegations. This time, the spotlight isn’t only for tourists. Locals will be invited to join in, proving the valley is more than a destination—it’s a living community.

More Than Bottles and Glasses

The association also tackles less glamorous work. Members pool money to patch potholes. They adopt stretches of road for cleanup. They even run a photography contest where shots from cell phones compete with professional cameras.

These projects may not sparkle like wine, but they keep the valley clean and inviting. They also remind locals that their home matters just as much as the visitor experience.

#Smiles, bottles, and a splash of Baja spirit—Vinícola Maglén brings its wines to the Emprendedores del Valle showcase.

Working With the Media

Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters.

Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters. As Karla, the group’s Public Relations lead who is always knee-deep in logistics and present at every event, explained: ‘If no one promotes our efforts, the impact is lost.

That mindset makes coverage easier and gives journalists a chance to tell the valley’s wider story. It’s a refreshing approach in a region that thrives on visibility.

Why It Matters

When most people think of Valle de Guadalupe, a few big-name wineries come to mind. Yet more than 200 smaller players wait in the wings. Many are family-run projects with fewer than ten employees.

EDVG wants these businesses discovered. They want more wines poured, more menus tried, and more stories told. By encouraging cooperation instead of competition, they make sure the valley doesn’t rest on just a handful of brands.

So next time you sip under the stars, remember: there’s a whole team behind that glass. From the Viñadas calendar to the patched roads beneath your car, Emprendedores del Valle de Guadalupe is quietly—and sometimes loudly—keeping Baja’s wine country fresh, fun, and worth coming back to.

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Photos courtesy of Facebook users documenting the aftermath of the attacks.
 Articles, Ensenada, Security, Tijuana

Coordinated Attacks Rock Baja California Prosecutor’s Offices

Some nights in Baja California, the sirens are just background noise—an unholy lullaby. But on September 20, that lullaby turned into something harsher.

Armed groups hit the offices of the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) in both Tijuana and Ensenada. The attackers stormed the Ensenada branch around midday, firing at the building and setting vehicles ablaze. At the same time, at least two installations in Tijuana were struck. Four state facilities hit in near-synchrony—that’s not local anger, that’s choreography.

Security forces scrambled to lock down the sites. Guards now surround the buildings, patrols circle the blocks, and staff have been displaced while walls are patched and bullet holes filled. But the reinforcement feels like an admission: these buildings are vulnerable, and the people inside are targets.

Fiscalia Offices in Tijuana

Why the Fiscalía?

The Fiscalía is the state’s backbone for prosecutions, the symbol of law and justice. To take a swing at it is to shout: we’re not afraid of you. Attacking police or rival gangs is one thing. Attacking the prosecutors is another. It erodes the public’s already fragile confidence, reminding everyone that even the watchdog bleeds.

And let’s be blunt—when things are quiet, it often means there’s an understanding, spoken or not, between the Fiscalía and the people it’s supposed to be chasing. Calm can be camouflage. So when bullets suddenly rake across government walls, it may be a sign the deal fell apart, or that negotiations were never on the table.

This isn’t a first for Baja. The region has seen its share of blockades, arsons, and warnings from the U.S. Consulate telling staff to shelter in place. But there’s a line that many believed criminal groups would not cross: striking the state directly. That line is gone.

For those living here, expat or local, this is the new equation. Not just fear of stray violence, but the creeping sense that institutions themselves are fragile. It seeps into daily life—how you think about safety, insurance, business, even where you walk after dark.

They say violence speaks when silence fails. And so, just days after the attacks, the Fiscalía of Baja California announced three arrests tied to the bombings and arson at their offices.  The captures followed coordinated raids and a trove of field evidence, according to state officials.  These aren’t wild guesses: prosecutors say they now have “sufficient proof” to hold the suspects under investigation.  The message, unspoken but clear: retaliations exact consequences—if you want to hit the state, expect to be hit back.

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Reforma Stuck in First Gear
 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada

Officers Unite at City Hall Seeking Respect and Full Wages

If you were planning a quick errand downtown this morning, good luck. Ensenada’s police officers are once again trading patrol duty for protest duty, and they’re not showing up quietly.

At 9 a.m. today, September 23, officers from the Municipal Public Security Directorate are expected to gather at City Hall. Their demand is simple: give back the money that was deducted from their paychecks.

A Familiar Story

This isn’t their first rodeo. Just last month, the same group blocked Reforma Avenue, turning the city’s main artery into an accidental parking lot. Cars didn’t move, tempers flared, and coffee got cold in cup holders all across town. You can read our full coverage of that traffic nightmare here: How Protest Cripples Ensenada Traffic—Act Now.

Back then, the officers agreed to clear the streets after city officials promised to fix the issue. Spoiler alert: nothing changed. The five affected officers are still waiting for reimbursement. And patience, much like Reforma during a protest, has run out of lanes.

The Group Behind It

The call comes from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C., a group that insists police deserve not only respect but also their full pay. According to their statement, deductions were made under the mysterious category of “otros descuentos.” For the record, that’s not a fun line item on a paycheck.

The group points out that these deductions directly impact families. From groceries and rent to medical care and school supplies, every peso matters. And when officers struggle at home, the entire community feels it.

The Official Letter

The call for today’s protest isn’t rumor—it comes directly from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C. On September 21, 2025, the group published a signed letter on its official Facebook page, confirming the City Hall protest and restating their demands.

The letter is official, but not every detail inside has been independently verified. While the deductions are well-documented, claims about specific broken promises, deadlines, or refund agreements have not been confirmed by municipal authorities.

Official Police Protest Letter Released
#Straight from the source — the official letter calling Ensenada’s police back to the streets. Paychecks first, politics later.

Why It Matters

The group stresses that fair pay is not only a matter of justice but also of public safety. Police families depend on these salaries to cover food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. Officers argue that when they struggle at home, the entire community feels the impact.

While today’s action won’t officially target Reforma Avenue, our recommendation is simple: avoid Reforma if you can. Previous protests have shown how quickly things can escalate, and traffic on that road can freeze faster than your morning coffee.

What’s Next?

So far, city officials have offered no fresh solutions. Whether today’s protest forces change—or just another round of promises—remains to be seen.

And Baja what? If the people sworn to protect our streets can’t even protect their own paychecks, what does that mean for community trust?

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Meet the Chilaquiles
 Articles, Ensenada, Sabor Patrol

Sabor Patrol Finds Clara in Ensenada a Breakfast to Love

Breakfast in Ensenada has many players, but Clara on Primera and Miramar knows how to steal the show. It’s not your average café with plastic chairs and weak coffee. This is a place where every detail—from the breadbasket to the bathroom lighting—feels like someone actually cared. Modern, airy, and chic without being pretentious, it’s the kind of spot where locals and visitors mingle over something better than a rushed plate of huevos rancheros.

Starting Light but Strong

To begin, we ordered green juice ($75). Usually, these drinks taste like liquid spinach punishment. Yet this one managed balance: pineapple added sweetness, parsley gave freshness, and ginger offered a subtle punch.

Meanwhile, the ginger shot ($70) made its entrance. With turmeric joining the mix, the flavor was fiery but clean. It hit like a quick jab in the throat and left us feeling sharper than a double espresso. Healthy? Absolutely. Easy? Not for everyone.

Chilaquiles That Deserve Attention

Of course, juice alone doesn’t win the morning. We aimed for Clara’s green chilaquiles ($210), wisely adding chicharrón prensado ($105).

The plate landed colorful and layered. Crunchy tortilla chips sat under smooth salsa verde, crowned with refried beans, queso fresco, purple onion, cilantro, and sour cream. The chicharrón delivered flavor without heaviness, while the toppings gave contrast and freshness.

Because each bite had crunch, cream, spice, and pork, this dish proved itself more than hangover relief. Instead, it felt like a proper introduction to Mexican breakfast done right.

Mexican Benedicts With a Bold Twist

Then came the house star: Huevos Benedictinos “Los Mexicanos” ($295). Forget English muffins—Clara swapped them for gorditas stuffed with cheese and chicharrón prensado. Two perfectly poached eggs rested on top, while a velvety morita chile hollandaise sealed the deal. On the side, refried beans kept it grounded in tradition.

The first cut brought joy. Yolks spilled golden rivers that met the smoky hollandaise. The gordita offered a chewy-crisp base, and the chicharrón added salty depth. Each bite combined indulgence and comfort, which is exactly what breakfast should do.

Still, one element was missing. Avocado slices would have elevated both this plate and the chilaquiles from excellent to legendary.

Little Details That Win You Over

Before the mains, the team sent a courtesy board that stole the spotlight: butter infused with tortilla ashes, salsa macha, and raspberry compote, served with mini biscuits. The server suggested the sequence—and I’ll second it. Open the biscuit, spread the butter, add the compote, and finish with the salsa. The mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy turned a simple bite into something unforgettable.

Ending on a High Note

Finally, we closed with a cappuccino ($70). Frothy foam, smooth body, and roast done right. No bitterness, no shortcuts. The milk created a velvety texture, and the coffee itself had strength without aggression. It was the kind of cup you actually sit with, not just gulp.

The Sabor Patrol Verdict

Clara almost nailed the Sabor Patrol test—but no avocado means no crown. Add it, send the invite, and I’ll gladly return… preferably with guacamole waiting.

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Valle de Guadalupe Pours Wine, Horses and Music in September
 Articles, Ensenada, Wine Valley

The Ultimate September Wine Festival in Valle de Guadalupe

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.

Hats, Grapes and Bachata in the Valley
#Sip, stomp, and swing your sombrero this September 21 at Limbo Hotel Boutique. Wine never looked this stylish. 🍷👒

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.

Horses, Wine and a Night with Majo Aguilar
#September 27 rides in with equestrian shows, fine wine, and live music at Indómito. Saddle up, Baja style.

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.

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 Ensenada, Rosarito

Ensenada Told to Hand Over Rosarito Land, Again

The Baja California Congress has had enough of the territorial tug-of-war between Ensenada and Playas de Rosarito. Lawmakers have once again told both city halls to sit down, coordinate, and finally wrap up the handover of disputed land and assets.

Yes, again.

This latest “exhorto”, basically a strongly worded reminder, was approved unanimously in Congress. The message was clear: Ensenada needs to finish delivering the goods to Rosarito, and Rosarito needs to get its ducks in a row to take over. The call came from Morena deputies Juan Manuel Molina García and Jaime Eduardo Cantón Rocha, who insisted that after years of dragging feet, residents deserve legal certainty and decent public services.

The backstory goes like this. The Baja California Territorial Statute (Decree 15, for those keeping score) set rules for municipal boundaries. It told Ensenada to hand over certain properties, records, and even tax authority to Rosarito. Articles Five and Six of the statute gave a 180-day deadline for transferring files and updating regulations. That deadline passed long ago, yet here we are.

Even January 2024 saw a similar resolution pushed by the very same players: Rocío Adame Muñoz (now Rosarito’s mayor) and Claudia Agatón Muñiz (now mayor of Ensenada). Both promised cooperation. Both still have homework.

In the meantime, confusion reigns in the disputed neighborhoods. Which city collects taxes? Which city provides services? Residents aren’t amused. Congress says the situation undermines trust in government.

The new exhorto adds a layer of accountability. It calls for a legislative follow-up table involving committees on governance, finance, and municipal strengthening. Translation: lawmakers will keep checking until the job is done.

Some voices are calling for more than just a handover. Miguel Ángel Lazcano Campos, legal advisor for the Pro Municipio Committee, argues that Ensenada should not only stop charging taxes in Rosarito’s turf but also pay back what it’s already collected. That idea should spice up future negotiations.

For her part, Ensenada mayor Claudia Agatón recently met with deputies and promised to cooperate. “We want this resolved so residents have certainty and can receive all the services they’re entitled to,” she said. Sounds good on paper—now it’s about action.

Congress isn’t pretending this is optional. The unanimous vote shows legislators are done with excuses. Rosarito and Ensenada have to finish the handoff, transfer the files, and put the territorial dispute to rest.

Until then, it’s a tale of two cities sharing one headache.

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