Viñedos en Flor 2025: Wine, Art & Causes Worth Toasting To

Experience Viñedos en Flor: A Festival of Wine, Food, and Fun

“Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (Which basically means: This land was made for wine—and we’ve got the talent to prove it)

This June 13 and 14, Ensenada will bloom—literally—with the 19th edition of Viñedos en Flor. It’s where wine, art, food, and social causes come together in the prettiest season of the year.

Hosted by the Provino Committee, the event will unfold at Rancho San Gabriel. Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival filled with education, sustainability, and, of course, wine.

A Program with Purpose

On Friday, June 13, the event begins with Conferencias en Flor at CEVIT Auditorium at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in both English and Spanish.

Speakers will explore topics like water conservation, migration, and land care. The lineup includes voices from the Berry Good Food Foundation, Capacity is limited to only 100 seats.

The main event takes place on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Rancho San Gabriel. This celebration will feature:

  • 80 local wineries
  • 160 wine labels to sample
  • An ecological corridor and educational zones
  • Entry capped at 1,000 guests only

Tickets cost $950 pesos and include a wine glass and unlimited tasting. Kids under 18 enter for free.
🍇 Buy tickets here 🍇

Eat, Sip, Give

Chef Miguel Bahena leads the food section, joined by chefs who work by donation. In addition, organizers are seeking fruit and vegetable donations to support local, seasonal cooking.

Furthermore, dishes will highlight regional flavors and pair beautifully with the wines. You’ll eat well, drink better, and support a great cause—all in one bite.

Besides, a farmers market will showcase bread, cheese, honey, lavender, and more. Every product comes straight from the Ensenada valley.

Meanwhile, kids get their own fun:

  • Art workshops for ages 3–11 (Prisma Academy sponsor)
  • Kite-making
  • A mini zoo from Pai Pai
  • A child-friendly food area, thanks to La Canasta

Art With a Mission

The event’s signature fundraising moment is the “Artists & Kids” art auction. Proceeds will support schools, sports fields, and the Porvenir Fire Department, which received 96,000 pesos last year.

This year, organizers expect to raise over 735,000 pesos. This isn’t a commercial festival—it’s a community effort.

Who’s Running the Show?

The logistics are managed by Daniel Sánchez Olivares, who’s been coordinating the event for six years. His wife, Gaby Melchum of Hacienda Guadalupe, is also rumored to be lending her magic touch.

Viñedos en Flor isn’t just about sipping under the sun. It’s about roots—of vines, people, and purpose. And like a good vintage, this event just keeps getting better with time.

A Different Kind of Construction

Empowering Rosarito: Supporting Kids with Beat the Cycle

Rosarito just got a little closer to hope.

Something unusual is happening in Rosarito—and it’s not another Starbucks or beachfront development.

This week, the nonprofit Beat the Cycle broke ground on a center for kids dealing with real struggles: autism, illiteracy, hunger, and poverty. While other projects target tourists or retirees, this one is all about local families who need help now.

Founders Irene Donnell and Sol Carrola lead the effort. They secured the land at Gabriel Esquivel Alvarado 22706, and they’re not wasting time. “We’re not just building walls,” said Donnell. “We’re building futures.”

A Celebration with Purpose

The group plans to host a community celebration on Sunday, May 25 at 12:30 PM, right at the site. Residents can stop by to learn more, meet the team, and sign up to help.

Visitors will hear directly from the founders and see how the land is being transformed. They’ll also find out how to get involved—whether that means donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word.

The center will provide therapy for kids with autism, literacy support, job training, and daily meals. Although modest in size, the facility represents a huge step forward for the neighborhood.

“This is more than a building,” said Carrola. “It’s a safe space where forgotten kids will finally feel seen.”

What’s Needed Now

While the first stage of grading is done, much more remains. Beat the Cycle needs funding, supplies, and local hands to keep moving forward.

Even small contributions can make a big difference. Tools, food, paint—anything helps. Volunteers are also needed to support construction and future programming.

Importantly, this isn’t just charity. It’s a smart investment in Rosarito’s next generation. And it sends a strong message: every child deserves a shot at success, no matter where they were born.

To get involved or support the project, visit www.beatthecycle.org. Because some cycles need to be broken—and this one is finally getting cracked open, shovel by shovel.

Waves of Love: Kids With Disabilities Ride in Rosarito

Rosarito’s most heartwarming tradition is making its way back to shore. After weeks of uncertainty, the beloved surf therapy sessions for children with disabilities are officially returning to Raul’s Beach starting May 31—and they’re bringing big smiles and even bigger waves.

The nonprofit behind this feel-good project, Olas Para Todos (Waves for Everyone), has been giving kids the chance to catch waves and confidence for over a decade. Spearheaded by Carlos Luna, the group pairs children and teens with expert volunteers who guide them safely into the ocean for what many call life-changing therapy.

Although Raul’s Beach, located near Kilometer 42 in Primo Tapia, has been closed off to the general public, the landowners have graciously agreed to open it for these monthly sessions through November.

Photo: Example of activities in the event

The first event will accommodate 40 participants, ages six and up. And here’s the kicker—it’s all free. From wetsuits to boards, everything is provided. Parents only need to sign up through the association’s social media pages.

This year, the organization is stepping up its safety game with help from a local paramedic school, ensuring more support both on land and in the water. And now that Olas Para Todos is officially registered as an association, it can receive donations—helping expand a program that already touches the lives of 350 to 400 kids annually.

Luna says the group is also hoping to rally support from the local government, including councilman Fidel Ortiz Mendoza, who heads up the Disability and Inclusion Committee.

With a fresh wave of backing and plenty of heart, Rosarito’s surf therapy program isn’t just back—it’s stronger than ever.

Want to donate, volunteer, or register your child? Look up Olas Para Todos on Facebook and be part of the magic.

Golfing for Good in Tijuana

Golf Clubs & Good Deeds: Tijuana Tournament

An event with a purpose, not just a swing.

On May 22, Fundación Mi Chante will tee off at the Club Campestre de Tijuana with its 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year, the day honors José Sulaimán — the late boxing icon whose legacy still fuels dreams in and out of the ring. While many charity tournaments exist, this one stands out because it’s about more than golf. It’s about changing young lives.

Through this event, the foundation raises funds to support athletes across Mexico. These aren’t just handouts. Instead, proceeds cover real needs: travel to competitions, athletic gear, training costs, physical therapy, and even school expenses. Meanwhile, Fundación Mi Chante works directly with these athletes to find sponsors, mentors, and resources. In fact, their support goes far beyond the field or the gym — it’s a full-circle approach to youth development.

#Golfing for Good in Tijuana

President Abelardo Peña Madrigal leads the organization with a clear mission. “This tournament is a celebration of community and generosity,” he said. “It’s about giving talented young people the chance to pursue their dreams and stay on the right path.” That vision has turned a simple sports fundraiser into a regional event with real momentum.

A cross-border effort with local heart.

This year, they’re getting a major boost from their main sponsor: Escondido Golf Cart Center, a California-based company that specializes in all things golf cart — sales, rentals, repairs, and custom jobs. Their work stretches into hotels, warehouses, and industrial spaces, but their support of this tournament shows their reach goes beyond business.

CEO Victor Lopez Duron sees the partnership as a perfect fit. “We believe in supporting the next generation — not just through business, but by investing in their future,” he said. As a result, the company’s involvement adds not only resources, but real heart to the event.

While golfers from across northern Baja are expected, the invitation is open to anyone who wants to help out — from San Diego to Ensenada. Whether you play a killer short game or just want a good excuse to be outside for a cause, you’re welcome to join.

For details, donations, or registration, visit www.fundacionmichante.com.

Because sometimes, changing a kid’s life starts with a tee-off.

Over 900 Kilos of Trash Collected in Ensenada Beach Cleanup

Ensenada, B.C. – In a fitting close to March’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month, the city wrapped up a massive cleanup at Playa Hermosa, right at the mouth of El Gallo stream. Over 900 kilograms of trash were collected, proving that when the community comes together, big changes can happen.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz led the charge, with about a hundred dedicated volunteers joining forces. Team members came from various city departments—Wellness, Education, Youth, Ecology, and Environment—as well as crime prevention and even specialized environmental units like Zofemat. The effort also drew in personnel from the Navy, Cicese (the Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education), and local fire services, plus support from councilors Ana Daniela García Salgado and Jorge Eduardo Vega Zamora.

This spirited cleanup wasn’t just about collecting garbage—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our water and natural resources. The event encouraged locals to take part in preserving the environment, showing that everyone can contribute to a cleaner, healthier community.

Throughout the month, the city also hosted three “Water Guardians Fairs” at local primary schools, spreading the message of conservation to even the youngest citizens.

It’s a shining example of community action where every piece of trash picked up makes a difference. Keep an eye out for more ways to get involved and help keep our beaches beautiful!

Sheinbaum Kicks Off Housing Program in Playas de Rosarito

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently visited Playas de Rosarito to launch the National Housing Program, aiming to build 50,000 homes in Baja California as part of a nationwide effort to construct one million affordable residences. 

The initiative focuses on providing housing for vulnerable groups, including single mothers, young people, indigenous communities, and the elderly.  In Playas de Rosarito, approximately 500 homes are planned, prioritizing female beneficiaries. 

During her visit, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure the success of the program and addressed other regional priorities, such as improving access to potable water.

This housing initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing living conditions for underserved populations across Mexico.

Rosarito’s Club for Boys and Girls Seeks Vital Support

BY ARCHER INGRAM

In Rosarito, BC, the Club de Niños y Niñas, a vital community resource that has served over 4,500 children in its 12-year history, is facing a critical need for financial support to continue its operations. The club, which currently caters to 140 children, offers a safe and educational environment for after-school learning and activities. Despite its success, the club struggles with an operational cost of 100,000 pesos per month, covering staff salaries and essential services.

Rosy Torres, president of the club’s board, highlighted the ongoing challenge of securing enough funding to sustain the facility. “We are desperately seeking sponsors. Right now, we are struggling to maintain our payroll, which amounts to 100,000 pesos monthly, in addition to other necessary services,” Torres explained. The club largely relies on donations from individuals, companies, and U.S.-based associations.

The proximity of new manufacturing companies to Rosarito presents a potential boon. However, as Torres noted, “While there is a commitment to support us, these companies are not fully operational yet, so we have to wait.”

The club plays a crucial preventative role in the community. It keeps children from vulnerable communities off the streets after school, a time when many are at risk due to parents working late hours and unable to supervise them. The goal is to prevent these children from facing dangers alone.

Support from U.S. associations has been pivotal, but the need for more participation is acute. The club provides children with opportunities to engage in sports, learn musical instruments, study new languages, and enhance their academic skills in subjects like Spanish and mathematics. Torres emphasized the importance of broadening support to continue offering these essential services.

For those interested in supporting this cause, more information is available on the club’s official website and social media platforms. By becoming a sponsor, individuals and companies can help ensure that the Club de Niños y Niñas de Rosarito remains a beacon of hope and safety for the community’s youth, fostering their development in a nurturing environment. This support not only sustains the club’s daily operations but also secures a brighter future for hundreds of children each year.

Make a Difference for Animals in Need

Red Barn Rescue, based in San Diego, CA, and extending its help to Baja, Mexico, serves as a safe haven for animals that have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. More than just a rescue, this nonprofit educates the public on important issues like the benefits of spaying and neutering and the joys of adopting a rescue animal.

The organization invites you to support their mission by attending a special fundraising event on April 29, 2024, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Hacienda K43. For a $25 USD donation, guests will enjoy a mini buffet featuring pizza, pasta, and salad, and receive a complimentary margarita or sangria.

This fun-filled afternoon offers a chance to meet fellow animal lovers, enjoy delicious food, and contribute to a cause that transforms lives—one animal at a time. Funds raised will help Red Barn Rescue continue their work, partnering with approved local fosters to provide nurturing temporary homes until each animal finds their forever family.

To learn more about the event or how you can help, visit Red Barn Rescue. Your support can lead to a brighter future for these deserving animals. Join us on April 29th to make a lasting impact in your community!

Kids With Autism Receive Wave Therapy in Rosarito

Wave lovers unite! Kids from the Fundación Autismo Esedin in Mexicali got to ride the waves, thanks to the free “Olas para todos” (Waves for All) program offered by the Locales Surf School.

Here’s the fun part: this wasn’t just any trip to the beach. The kiddos and their families were chauffeured free of charge, all thanks to the “Corazones Viajeros” (Traveling Hearts) initiative. The heart behind this? The Tourism Department of Baja California! They’ve kickstarted this Social Tourism Program to sprinkle some magic and offer enriching experiences for locals. The big goal? Free and accessible tours showcasing the splendid tourist spots of the state.

Just like the previous year, these little surfers-in-the-making received guidance from the top pros of the sport. The Escuela de Surf Locales has been diving into this for a whopping nine years, striving to give these children an unparalleled sea experience.

Our main man, Juan Carlos Luna, who heads the “Olas para todos” program stated that the surf therapies started rolling in April and are set to make a splash till October. October is particularly exciting as they’ve got back-to-back sessions planned in Rosarito and Ventura, California.

Here’s a heartwarming tidbit: these therapies are a Godsend for families with children diagnosed with Down Syndrome or other conditions. The number of beneficiaries has been on a steady rise. To give you an idea, a digital count over the last three years recorded about 800 enthusiastic participants, including beneficiary children and volunteers. As Juan puts it, “The numbers keep growing because parents spread the word, and pictures from the sessions shared on social media only adds to the buzz.”

Juan adds that the therapies are held at beaches where the waves are gentle. But they don’t leave it to chance. Dedicated teams monitor the currents and waves, predicting the wave conditions a cool 16 days in advance.

Safety first! The therapy zones are pristine, free from pollution. The water quality? Top-notch. There have been zero reported cases of allergic reactions or other ailments.

In closing, a massive shoutout to the volunteers who ride this wave of goodness. These are not just experienced surfers but also young enthusiasts chipping in to the program.

Women Campaign to Improve the Community

Fundacion de Amazonas was founded about 6 years ago, and its original goal was to provide shelter and employment opportunities for battered women.

The project was established by Nataly Valdos, who named the organization “Amazonas” as recognition for the fact that historically, women have shown strength, resolve, and capability in situations where such characteristics were beneficial.

Working with women in the community to acquire the resources necessary to initiate and expand the program from a concept to a reality, Nataly found several people eager to assist her in achieving her goal.

What better time than October to recognize the altruistic efforts of Nataly and women like her, because this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BCAM is an annual global campaign by major breast cancer charities, all of which seek to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

It also stresses the importance of annual screening to detect the presence of the disease early, thus allowing treatment to occur before the situation becomes a major crisis.

Nataly is a cancer survivor herself; she’s 58 years old, and has been undergoing cancer treatment for the last 4 years.

In keeping with the moniker “Amazonas,” Nataly has shown her strength and resolve in maintaining the program to provide opportunities for women to find work that gives them a sense of accomplishment and simultaneously satisfies a need in the community of which they are a part. She refuses to let her own difficulties deter her from providing the essential service that is so meaningful to her, and so helpful to others.

Nataly met a friend through the Ensenada chapter of Companeros Asociacion Civil, a local partnership of people who meet to focus on, and attempt to resolve, issues within the community.

Together, they envisioned an opportunity for women to work by learning to use sewing machines to manufacture clothing and accessories which they could then sell as a means of supporting themselves.

Nataly and her friend, along with other women who joined their cause, solicited funds from the community to purchase the machines, along with the materials and accessories necessary to begin their projects and to embark upon a newly found sense of worthiness and independence.

These women, who had suffered physical and sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and financial insecurity were now able to support themselves in a manner which gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment, while at the same time teaching them a new skill and fulfilling a need within their community.

Initially, the idea was to simply make clothes and sell them.

Eventually, the ladies realized that besides engaging in a sort of “retail” activity, they could assist other members of the community by providing clothing to children in orphanages and schools.

In that way, they themselves became benefactors, graduating from people in need to people now in a position to help others in need.

Their work has been gratefully received by the children, who look sharp and feel proud in wearing garments that are clean, new and stylish, clothing which was made specifically for them.

As with any charity during the Covid-19 crisis, Nataly and her organization needs donations and volunteers to continue the community service which she and her friends so unselfishly provide.

Please search for her timeline on Facebook under “Fundacion Amazonas de Ensenada” and offer whatever help you can to make life a little better for these women, who in turn make life better for struggling children and others in need.

Thank you for your support!

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