If you’ve been hearing rumors about an international airport in Ensenada since the ‘90s—you’re not alone. It’s been the Baja version of “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But this time, it might not be just talk.
From Rumors to Blueprints
Plans for a new airport date back to the mid-1990s, and in 2007 it was even listed in Mexico’s National Infrastructure Plan. Multiple studies were commissioned for a site in Ojos Negros, about 80 km inland. At the end, only one dirt runway was built, which is barely used as an alternative to the Cipres airport, during the Baja 1000 off-road race.
Fast forward to 2024, and the federal Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), which oversees infrastructure and transportation, allocated over 16 million pesos for studies on hydrology, soil conditions, and environmental impact in Ensenada. That’s a lot more than just lip service.
Then, in July 2025, Ensenada’s mayor Claudia Agatón confirmed that the project is officially back on the radar. According to her statement and sources from federal agencies, the plan is for a new international airport to be located in El Tigre, a zone about 30 km north of downtown Ensenada.
The ASA Plan
The airport would fall under the management of Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the federal agency in charge of Mexico’s airport network. ASA has already released blueprints that include:
A 2,800-meter runway
An 8,000 m² terminal
A new control tower
Commercial zones, parking, and access roads
The total investment? 5.5 billion pesos—but important note: that budget is not just for Ensenada. It’s part of a broader ASA strategy that includes multiple airport projects across Mexico. So while Ensenada is in the mix, it’s sharing the pot.
So… Is This Finally Happening?
We know what you’re thinking: Didn’t they say the same thing in 2007? And in 2016? Yep. Baja residents (and frequent visitors) have seen this movie before. But this time we’ve got:
Confirmed site and design (El Tigre)
Federal and municipal coordination
Concrete funding allocations
A proposed timeline: earthworks in 2026, terminal structure in 2027, and operations by 2029.
Bottom Line
We’re cautiously optimistic. With backing from SICT, project management by ASA, and a mayor who’s actively promoting it, this version of the Ensenada airport feels more grounded than ever.
But let’s be honest—we’ll believe it when we see the bulldozers. Until then, Gringo Gazette North will keep a close eye on progress. And if it does happen, maybe you can book your next flight into Ensenada instead of dealing with Tijuana or San Diego.
Lights, camera, community. If you’ve been editing a film in your garage or storyboarding between coffee breaks, now’s your moment. “Séptimo 2.0,” Ensenada’s indie film showcase, is back—and this time, it’s calling for filmmakers from all corners, including you, dear Gringo.
Set to take place on September 6, the event is organized by local cinephile and creative agitator Víctor Valdez, and backed by the Subsecretariat for Creative Industries under the Baja State Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Their mission? To shine a projector-sized spotlight on emerging storytellers who are often overlooked in the big-budget, algorithm-driven film world.
This isn’t your typical red carpet affair. Séptimo was born in the shadows—literally—where independent films rarely get the recognition they deserve. According to Valdez, the goal is simple: create a space where the stories, messages, and raw talent of new filmmakers get the attention they’ve earned.
What Can You Submit?
Short films or music videos made in 2022 or later
Minimum duration: 1 minute
1080p resolution or higher
All content (including music) must be 100% original
Whether it’s a poetic piece about tacos and existential dread, or a punk-inspired music video shot on the Malecon, they want it—as long as it’s yours.
How to Apply
Submit your work via Google Drive to: 📧 septimo.muestra@gmail.com
Include a PDF with:
Project title
Genre
Synopsis
Official poster
Full credits list
Not From Ensenada? Even Better
While the event is based in Ensenada, this is a call for creators everywhere, especially our readers across Baja and beyond. If you don’t live here, it’s the perfect excuse to visit. Come for the screening, stay for the coastline—and yes, the wine.
We actually have a hot tip for an incredible local rosé that’s about to hit the radar… but you’ll have to stay tuned for that one.
What to Expect
The Séptimo 2.0 showcase includes screenings, panels, and authentic networking—not the business card kind, the beer-and-brains kind. Think less stuffy film school, more creative BBQ with projectors.
Interested? Follow @septimo.ens on Instagram or message +52 646 256 4016 via WhatsApp.
And who knows—your next big break might start with a cold Tecate, a room full of strangers, and a story only you could tell.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Valle de Guadalupe, some wineries try way too hard to seem important. Symmetria doesn’t have to. It doesn’t shout—it speaks in soft sips, kind gestures, and balanced bottles. And once you try it, you’re in.
We first crossed paths at a Provino press event a few years ago. That’s when we met Lola, a modest-looking bottle that hit different. Fresh, smooth, balanced. A year later, at the Muestra del Vino in 2024, we tasted it again. Still magical. That’s when we realized: Symmetria wasn’t a fad—it was a quiet revolution. The only problem? We had no idea where to find them again.
The Secret Ingredient: Balance
So what won us over? Their wines feel grounded—balanced enough to show skill, but never flashy. You can tell a barrel was involved, but it doesn’t try to dominate the room. Just enough to whisper “I’ve got your back”, not “I’ve got something to prove.”
Everything made sense after talking to Mauricio and Denise Soler, the couple behind the label. He’s the winemaker with a mission. She’s the force behind every label, sale, post, and good vibe. Their story started in Valle, but it wasn’t at Symmetria—it was when they became a couple around Monte Xanic. From the beginning, this was Mauricio’s dream, and Denise was right there building it with him, step by step.
From Vision to Vineyard
Their journey began in 2005, when the Soler family purchased a 5-acre property in the heart of the valley. Symmetria officially launched with the 2014 harvest—but long before that, Mauricio was already mapping out something bold.
While others followed tradition, he took a different route. Instead of studying winemaking locally, he enrolled in the Enology and Viticulture program at U.C. Fresno. After graduating, he gained real-world experience in the U.S., taking on key roles at several top wineries:
Artesa Winery (Cellar Worker/Lab Tech)
Roederer Estate (Enologist/Assistant Winemaker)
Maui Winery (Winemaker)
Longoria Winery (Associate Winemaker)
Each stop added depth. After years of learning and unlearning, Mauricio returned to Baja to pour it all into Symmetria. And now? He’s earned a spot on the “Wineries/Winemakers To Watch” list—and deservedly so.
A Logo with a Story
Their name comes from the Greek word for “balance,” but with a Baja twist. Their wines are global in style, but proudly local in roots. And their logo? A hummingbird for Denise’s grandmother, and a deer for Mauricio’s father. Two symbols, branded on every barrel, that tell the story of family, nature, vision, and love.
Fancy Words and Ice Cubes
During our chat, they shared a tasting room story that still makes them laugh. A sommelier once said, with full flair, “This wine has notes of sotobosque.” We all cracked up. I chimed in with, “You mean like when people say ‘terruño’ instead of dirt?”
(Just so you know: sotobosque means forest undergrowth. Not a character in Star Wars.)
And if someone asks for ice in their wine? No scandal here. They just smile and say, “How many cubes would you like?” No snobbery. Just enjoyment.
Pairings, Myths, and Grapes with Personality
We asked what pairing the wine snobs might hate—but they secretly love. Their answer?
Sparkling wine with pork rinds. No shame. Just crunch and bubbles. And they’re clear on the order of things: food first, wine second.
Favorite grape to work with? Chenin Colombard.
Most rebellious? Zinfandel. “It’s wild,” they laugh. “But fun.”
And the best part of the process? Mauricio jokes: “Drinking it!”
But truthfully, they love every step. Like that time at Tre Galline, when they opened a ten-year-old bottle of their own and found it full of memories. For them, wine is a time capsule you can pour.
So how much of winemaking is magic, and how much is nature?
“95 to 99% is nature,” says Mauricio. “The rest? Just patience.”
Oh—and they’re also working on a Nebbiolo that sounds like it might steal the spotlight. But we’ll save that for our next visit.
The Road Ahead: Growing with Soul
When asked what’s next for Symmetria, Mauricio was clear:
“We want to grow—but with intention. We don’t want to be a massive winery. We want to stay soulful. If someone comes back in 20 years, they should feel exactly what they feel today.”
Denise added:
“And we want to keep learning. You never fully master wine. Each year teaches something new. We want to grow as a family and as a team.”
That kind of mindset? You can taste it. They don’t bottle just to sell. If a wine doesn’t live up to their standards—it doesn’t go out. Period.
Your Next Favorite Bottle
Here are a few bottles to keep an eye out for:
Eje – perfect for surviving awkward family dinners.
Luminaria Blanc de Noirs – already rocking 91 points in the Guía Peñín.
Lola – the hug-in-a-bottle you didn’t know you needed.
Wanna Try It?
📞 619 659 4707
📧 denise.g19@gmail.com
Visits are personal, small, and cozy—best for groups of up to 10. Bigger group? Let’s talk. And yes, they speak perfect English.
Spoiler alert: A Sauvignon Blanc is coming—and it’s shaping up to be as juicy as a harvest-day rumor.
Symmetria exports 70% of their sparkling wines to the U.S. (Arizona, California, Nevada, Minnesota…), but you can also order online through La Competencia Imports.
And if you happen to see a roadrunner on the way there… don’t ignore it. For Mauricio and Denise, it’s a sign that something good is quietly fermenting.
