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Articles, Breaking News, Wine

UABC Announces the 2024 Mexico International Wine Competition

The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), through its School of Enology and Gastronomy, has officially announced the 2024 edition of the Mexico International Wine Competition (MIWC). The event will take place on October 29 and 30, 2024, at the Department of Informatics and Libraries on the UABC Ensenada campus.

The MIWC is set to bring together top-tier wines from around the world, where they will be evaluated by a specialized jury. The competition aims to recognize excellence in winemaking according to international oenological standards, in a setting that promotes transparency, academia, and institutional integrity.

Alejandro Jiménez Hernández, the director of the School of Enology and Gastronomy, highlighted the event’s long-standing history. Initially organized by Baja California’s winemaking sector, the competition has been under UABC’s management for 17 years. The MIWC holds the distinction of being the first international wine competition in Mexico backed by an educational institution and meets the standards of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). Faculty and students from various university programs actively participate in the event, reflecting its academic roots.

Jiménez Hernández emphasized the expertise of the judges, who come with extensive national and international experience in the wine industry. This guarantees that the evaluation process will be both serious and objective.

UABC has also pioneered the use of a computerized wine evaluation system, developed in-house. This system ensures the results are processed and announced quickly, demonstrating the university’s commitment to transparency.

Griselda López González, the competition’s technical coordinator, provided details about the registration process, which is open to all winemaking companies interested in participating. Entries must meet specific technical requirements, such as chemical analysis, and wines will be judged in categories like white, red, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines. López González also mentioned that the registration deadline is September 27, 2024, with entry fees varying depending on the number of samples submitted by each winery.

Winning labels in each category can earn distinctions such as Grand Gold, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the prestigious Mexico Medal, awarded to the highest-scoring wine in its category. The total number of medals awarded cannot exceed 30% of the total entries, ensuring a selective recognition process. López González added that labels previously awarded in past editions—those with the same name, varietal, or vintage—are excluded from competing again.

UABC encourages regional, national, and international winemaking companies to take part in the MIWC. The competition not only recognizes excellence in wine production but also fosters collaboration and exchange within the industry.

For more information on registration and the competition’s guidelines, visit the official Mexico International Wine Competition website: https://concursodelvino.ens.uabc.mx.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Food, Tijuana, Wine

Join Us for Wine Without Borders 2024!🍷

Mark your calendars for October 5th, 2024, when Tijuana’s Club Campestre will host the 3rd annual Wine Without Borders festival! This year, over 40 wineries from Baja California will offer tastings from more than 100 wine labels, and 25 regional restaurants will present a delicious gastronomic experience. Expect live music, guided tastings, and cooking demonstrations to elevate the festivities. Plus, Temecula, California, will be featured as the guest wine region!

Tickets are priced at $1,500 pesos, which includes access to all the fun and flavors this exciting festival has to offer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cross-border culture and cuisine.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to savor the best of Baja and beyond!

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 Articles, Breaking News, Food, Wine

No Paella Left Behind in the 2024 Paella Contest

BY LUISA ROSAS

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix a competitive spirit with delicious food and fine wine, look no further than the Dr. Ramón García Ocejo Paella Contest. Held on August 18, 2024, at Viña de Liceaga as part of the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia, this event is where paella meets pageantry—Ensenada style. With over 2,500 attendees, it was the talk of the town, or should we say, the taste of the town?

Picture this: a balmy summer afternoon, surrounded by the rolling vineyards of Baja California, shaded by ancient oak trees. Now add 160 different wines from 84 wineries, live music, and 90 teams determined to create the perfect paella. If that doesn’t scream “perfect day,” we don’t know what does.

The Fiestas de la Vendimia aren’t just about drinking wine and eating paella (though, honestly, that’s reason enough to go). It’s also about celebrating Ensenada’s rich culture and deep-rooted traditions. The Paella Contest, organized by Provino Baja California, brings together locals and tourists alike to enjoy the fruits of the region’s labor—literally.

The Competition Heats Up

You might think that making paella is just about tossing some rice and seafood in a pan, but you’d be wrong. Very wrong. These 90 teams took their craft seriously, preparing their paellas with the same intensity as a chef on a cooking show—minus the dramatic background music. The rules were simple: cook the paella in the same-sized pans, with the same amount of rice, and over an open flame. The catch? Impress a panel of judges from the Asociación Gastronómica y de Paelleros de Baja California, A.C. (AGAPE) with the best color, appearance, flavor, and texture. No pressure, right?

The judges used a color-coded system to keep everything anonymous and fair. The paellas were graded not only on taste but also on presentation. After all, you eat with your eyes first, and nothing says “delicious” like a perfectly golden paella, glistening in the sun.

And the Winners Are…

Let’s get to the good stuff: the winners. In the “Quality” category, first place went to San Sebastián, followed by Martes de Ricos and Pacífica at Ensenada Bay in second and third, respectively. For “Presentation,” Los Jacaleros took the top spot, with Vivencias and Tía Margarita rounding out the top three.

What did the winners take home besides bragging rights? Trophies, wine, and, of course, paella pans—because you can never have too many. They also got some stylish aprons, t-shirts, and hats, so everyone knows who the real paella masters are. Thanks to sponsors like Banco Afirme and Distribuidora La Canasta, the lucky teams also received promotional goodies and vouchers totaling 14,000 pesos. That’s a lot of paella ingredients.

Music, Fun, and Family

But the Paella Contest wasn’t just about food and competition. It was a full-blown fiesta, complete with live music on two stages. DJ Robbie Solis kept the energy high with his electronic beats, while Ovejas Negras took us back with some classic rock in both English and Spanish. And let’s not forget La Gran Familia, who had everyone dancing for five hours straight—burning off all that paella, no doubt.

For the younger crowd (and those young at heart), the event featured workshops in arts and mural painting by the Prisma Academy, along with a pétanque game hosted by the Mexican Pétanque Federation. It’s not every day you get to throw metal balls around while your parents sip wine and munch on gourmet rice dishes.

The Grand Finale

Just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, there was a raffle. Courtesy of the Baja California Sur Tourism Promotion Trust, one lucky attendee won a package for two, including round-trip tickets from Tijuana to Loreto, four nights at La Misión Hotel, dinner at Raíz Restaurant, and a tour of Bahía Loreto National Park. Now that’s what we call a grand finale!

As the 34th edition of the Paella Contest wrapped up, it was clear that the event had once again brought together the best of Ensenada’s food, wine, and culture. The only downside? Waiting another year to do it all over again.

In the meantime, don’t worry—there’s no bad news here, only good times and great food. Cheers to that!

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 Articles, Events, Wine

Muestra del Vino 2024 Brings Wine, Music, and Food Together

The 2024 Fiestas de la Vendimia kicked off this friday August 2nd in style as wine lovers gathered at Ensenada’s Riviera Cultural Center for the much-anticipated Muestra del Vino. Now in its 34th edition, this event showcased some of the best wines that Baja California has to offer. Guests had the chance to sample 168 different wines—reds, whites, and rosés—from various local producers. With commemorative glasses in hand, attendees strolled through the event, stopping at different stations to sip and chat with winemakers. And of course, what’s wine without great food? Over 50 top-notch local restaurants brought their best dishes, pairing perfectly with the wines on offer.

It wasn’t just about the wine. Live music filled the air as guests wandered the scenic gardens and halls of the Riviera Center. From norteño beats to smooth jazz and lively cumbia, the music had everyone in good spirits. And to cap off the evening, Kinky rocked the stage, lighting up the night with their electric performance.

This year’s event wasn’t limited to showcasing Baja California wines. Chihuahua was featured as a guest wine region, adding a bit of variety to the offerings and building connections between different wine-producing areas in Mexico.

If you missed it, don’t worry. Muestra del Vino is an annual must-do. With a ticket price of 1,350 pesos, it definitely was a great deal for a night filled with fantastic wine, gourmet food, and live entertainment. Just remember, it’s an adults-only event—no kids or pets allowed.

Just like every year Muestra del Vino isn’t just a wine tasting event—it’s a celebration of Mexican wine culture, where great flavors and good times come together. Ready for next year?

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 Articles, Breaking News, Wine

Celebrate the Harvest in This Year Fiestas de la Vendimia

BY LEONARDO QUINTERO

From July 31 to August 18, 2024, Ensenada, Baja California, will once again be the epicenter of Mexican wine culture with the XXXIV Fiestas de la Vendimia. Organized by Provino, which encompasses 84 wineries, this festival aims to promote Mexican wine, attracting an expected 120,000 attendees and generating an economic impact of 800 million pesos.

This year’s theme focuses on sustainability in agronomy, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. As Provino celebrates its 24th anniversary, the festivities will feature over 30 events throughout the year, offering something for everyone.

Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tasting tours priced at 1,350 pesos, experiencing the rich flavors of local wines. Additionally, events like the one at Viña de Liceaga will showcase local talent such as the group “La Gran Familia” from Mexicali. For 1,450 pesos, guests can enjoy wine tastings paired with delicious paella.

Safety is a top priority, with the business sector collaborating to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. Despite the expected influx of cars, the event has a history of incident-free celebrations, a tradition they intend to uphold for many years to come.

Join the celebration of Mexican wine at Fiestas de la Vendimia and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe.

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 Breaking News, Events, Tijuana, Wine

Tijuana’s Ultimate Wine Festival Returns!

UPDATE: This event date was changed to Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Get ready to sip and savor, wine enthusiasts! The third edition of the “Festival Vino sin Fronteras” (Wine Without Borders Festival) is set to take Tijuana by storm on Saturday, June 29th at Club Campestre Tijuana, starting at 3:00 PM. This fantastic event is all about bridging our border with the rich enological and gastronomical offerings of the region, thanks to the efforts of the Comité Provino Baja California. 

Last Wednesday, June 12th, a press conference was held at the CANIRAC Tijuana conference room to unveil all the juicy details of this year’s festival. Attendees included representatives from Provino Baja California, Zaida López Sánchez, President of CANIRAC Tijuana, Dr. Karim Chalita Rodríguez, President of COTUCO Tijuana, and José de Jesús Quiñónez, Deputy Secretary of Tourism of Baja California. 

“The main goal of the event is to continue promoting the culture of wine to the public on both sides of the border, while also serving as a significant promotional platform for enotourism among national visitors and those from Southern California,” emphasized Juan Carlos Ochoa, General Manager of Provino. 

This year, the festival moves to the picturesque Club Campestre Tijuana, providing an ideal atmosphere surrounded by trees to enhance the enogastronomic experience. Attendees will get to enjoy the best from the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja California’s wine valleys, with 45 participating wineries offering tastings and sales of over 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. Additionally, Temecula, CA, will be the guest wine region, featuring prominent wineries such as Doffo Winery, Falkner Winery, Churon Winery, and Oak Mountain Winery, enriching the event’s wine selection. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) of Tijuana, the festival will feature 25 regional restaurants from Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito. These establishments will offer a variety of gastronomic samples, supported by supplies from Distribuidora La Canasta, and some will also sell dishes. 

The musical lineup is set to entertain with regional talent, including DJ Maury de la Vara spinning retro ’80s tunes, DJ Amy with contemporary electronic sounds, and DJ Winstone closing the night with a tropical set guaranteed to get everyone dancing. The main act will be Astros de Mendoza, a Mexican duo with 12 years of experience, who will delight the crowd with their blend of organic and electronic tropical sounds. 

Tickets are priced at $1,500 MXN per person, including a wine glass and tastings of wine and food (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy the enogastronomic and musical experience. The event also has a social impact, as part of the proceeds will support Provino Baja California’s projects benefiting the communities of the wine valleys, such as the reconstruction of San Vicente Park in the Valle de San Vicente, south of Ensenada, where the Antigua Ruta del Vino is located. 

Tickets can be purchased at various Farmacias Roma locations in Rosarito (Giramar Juárez), Tijuana (Paseo Playas, Triángulo de Oro, Campestre, Las Américas, Conquistador, Hipódromo, La Mesa, Tropicana, Plaza Torre Agua Caliente, Zona Río Urbana, Chapultepec, Cuauhtémoc), Mexicali (Justo Sierra, Caballito, Plaza 686), and Ensenada (Parque Revolución).  Online tickets are available here.

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 Breaking News, Events, Food, Wine

We Bring You All the Details About Viñedos en Flor 2024!

Get ready for the vibrant XVIII Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor, happening this June 8th at the scenic Jardín Decantos in Valle de Guadalupe. Wenceslao Martínez Payán, president of the Comité Provino Baja California, has announced that this charming family-friendly festivity will open its doors free to youngsters under 18, promising an unforgettable day for everyone. This annual gathering, rooted deep in the community for 17 years, primarily aims to fundraise through the sale of wine, food, and art.

Highlighting the event’s charitable spirit, last year’s proceeds went to substantial improvements at the local CBTA number 323 high school, benefiting 150 students. This enhancement included upgraded sports facilities, classroom furnishings, computer equipment, and a nearly completed civic plaza. Despite the fundraising not covering all the costs, Provino members generously filled the financial gap, ensuring the school remained a crucial stepping stone for local youth aiming for higher education.

As for the event itself, adults can enjoy wine tastings for a ticket price of 750 pesos, while children participate for free, without any limit per family. This year expects a turnout of about 200 kids, engaging in various artistic and recreational activities. They’ll get to contribute to a collective mural, fly kites, interact with farm animals, and even try their hand at large-scale painting, with the finished artworks auctioned off at the end of the day.

Foodies are in for a treat as well, with 84 wineries offering over 160 different wine labels to sample. The culinary section, led by chef Miguel Bahena, will feature a Mercadito Campestre showcasing local honey and cheeses, and multiple food stations manned by renowned chefs highlighting local ingredients. The event will also celebrate local cultures with traditional cooks and artisans.

For those interested in diving deeper into sustainable agriculture, don’t miss the Conferencias en Flor on June 7th at CETYS University’s Cevit Auditorium. This free event will feature expert talks on sustainable agriculture, aligning with Provino’s strategic themes.

Tickets are available at the Comité Provino offices, Decantos Vinícola, La Contra, at the door, or online at provinobc.mx. Don’t miss out on this beautiful blend of community, culture, and cuisine at Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor!

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 Articles, Breaking News, Wine

Baja’s Best Shine at Bacchus 2024 as Local Wines Triumph Globally

As the sun sets over the vine-laden landscapes of Baja California, our local vintners have once again proven that when it comes to wine, they’re not just on the map—they’re stars on the global wine chart. The recent Bacchus 2024 in Madrid was not just any event; it was a stage where our Baja wines shone brightly, bagging an impressive slew of medals that have us all brimming with pride—and our glasses brimming with the finest vino!

Bacchus 2024: A Stage for Global Titans

This prestigious international competition, set in the heart of Spain, draws the crème de la crème from the wine world, turning it into a fierce battleground of aromas and bouquets. Over four days, esteemed judges from around the globe sampled wines blind, ensuring only the best of the best prevailed. And prevail, Baja did! Our beloved region outdid itself, smashing previous records and setting a new benchmark for excellence.

The Secret Behind the Success

What makes Baja California’s wines so spectacular? It’s not just the Mediterranean climate or the uniquely suited terrain—it’s the passion and dedication of our local winemakers. From robust reds to crisp whites, our wines reflect a legacy of agricultural excellence and a future filled with promise. This year, Mexican wines, with Baja leading the charge, clinched a total of 56 medals, growing a staggering 47.4% from last year’s haul.

A Cultural and Economic Boon

Each medal is not just a win for the winery but a win for Baja California. These accolades serve as a beacon, drawing wine lovers and tourists alike to our sun-soaked shores, eager to sip on world-class wines. The recognition from Bacchus 2024 reaffirms our place as leaders in the wine industry, promising continued growth and innovation.

The list of medals obtained by the wineries affiliated with Provino is described below:

Special Recognition “Best Wine of Mexico Bacchus 2024”:

  • Roganto: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Grand Bacchus Gold:

  • Decantos Vinícola: El Peor Vino del Mundo White 2021
  • Roganto: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Bacchus Gold:

  • Bajalupano: Merlot 2020
  • Bajalupano: Chardonnay 2022
  • Bodegas Domecq: Château Domecq White 2022
  • Bodegas Domecq: Reserva Real Viognier 2022
  • Châteu Camou: El Gran Vino Tinto 2018
  • Concierto Enológico: Allegro 2021
  • Corona del Valle: Tempranillo 2019
  • Finca La Carrodilla: Astra Alba 2020
  • Finca La Carrodilla: Tempranillo 2019
  • Hacienda Guadalupe: Merlot 2020
  • Hilo Negro: Tricot 2023
  • Las Nubes: Stratus 2017
  • Las Nubes: Nebbiolo 2019
  • Lomita: Singular 2016
  • Monte Xanic: Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
  • Monte Xanic: Calixa Blend 2022
  • Monte Xanic: Sauvignon Blanc 2023
  • Roganto: Chardonnay 2023
  • Rolu: Blend 2021

Bacchus Silver:

  • Emevé: Los Nietos 2022
  • Monte Xanic: Cabernet Franc 2022
  • Roganto: Pinot Noir 2022
  • Roganto: Valle Colorado 2018
  • Rolu: Nebbiolo 2021
  • Vinos Martlot: Rey del Valle 2019
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 Breaking News, Cuisine, Ensenada, Events, Food, Wine

Come Join the Fun at the Vineyard Fiesta in Valle de Guadalupe!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable family-friendly event in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe! The “Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor” is happening on June 8, 2024, at Jardín Decantos, and it promises to be a day full of sun, fun, and some fine wine.

Imagine a day where you can taste over 160 wine labels from 84 local wineries, munch on gourmet dishes from food stations run by guest chefs under the guidance of the acclaimed Chef Miguel Bahena, and shop for unique regional products at the Mercadito Campestre. All of this is set against the backdrop of large-scale live art creations, with three big paintings being auctioned off right where they’re made!

Kids will have a blast too, with plenty of arts and crafts, kite flying, and even a little farm to explore. Local Baja California tribes will be there as well, showcasing traditional cooking and crafts.

The event runs from 12 PM to 7 PM, and while adults need to grab their tickets for 750 MXN (about $45 at the current exchange rate), kids under 18 can join in for free—just remember, no pets allowed!

For a smooth experience, be sure to bring your QR-coded ticket and ID, and follow all health guidelines to keep everyone safe and happy.

So, bring your family and friends to Jardín Decantos for a delightful day among the vines. It’s not just a wine tasting; it’s a celebration of local culture and community spirit!

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 Articles, Events, Rosarito, Wine

Crossing South Wine & Food Festival – Segunda Edicion

BY REN DRAKE HILL

Directly from last year’s “resounding success,” the Crossing South Wine and Food Festival will again adorn the Gardens of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, Saturday, April 20, 3 – 9 pm. Crossing South claims there was an “overwhelming” demand for a second Festival. Jorge Meraz, host of Crossing South on PBS will again be the Host of Honor this year. There will be many photo ops around the festival, so feel free to take some snaps of your favorite chefs, vintners, and the host Jorge, himself. 

Due to this success, the number of restaurants, wineries and entertainers were expanded. Thirteen wineries of the Valle de Guadalupe will join with 25 restaurants and three craft breweries from Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and points in between. Restaurants will provide tastes of their signature dishes. Now I know you may have a different “signature dish” in your minds, but this will be a chance to sample other great menu items from your favorite bistros. All this while being entertained by many talented musicians and entertainers. There may even be a salsa dancing class, or two.

This year’s Crossing South event promises to be more spectacular. One new touch, to celebrate spring, the Crossing South Wine and Food Fest will be a White Attire Event. (I hope I can still wear my blue Crossing South hat!)

Some of the local restaurants include Marea Alta, Pasta y Basta, Chaubert’s (Rosarito Beach Hotel’s fine dining establishment), Tacos Kokopelli, ad Hacienda de Badu, a favorite of roasted lamb lovers. 

Crossing South on PBS is in its 12th season. New episodes featuring arts, artists, culture, and food, from fine dining to the best in taco stands, will be airing starting this month. If you are unable to catch the episodes as they air on PBS, many episodes are available at the PBS website. Some past shows have highlighted the Blues Against Hunger drive and the Rosarito Club de Ninos y Ninas. 

PBS joins COTUCO and CANIRAC of Rosarito, the ministry of tourism, and the Chamber of Restaurants as co-hosts of this gastronomic event. 

Tickets are available at www.Eventbrite.com, under “events in Mexico.” General admission to this “all you can eat/sip event”: $80; VIP admission $150, or $72 and $145.90 respectively with the 10% discount. Last year this event sold out, so get your tickets pronto. Your attendance doesn’t merely delight your taste buds, but you will be supporting the emergent culinary scene in northern Baja California. 

Crossing South is a “Feel good” show to entice those in the southern US to visit our beautiful Baja, and to remind those of us living here, Tijuana to Ensenada, what a culinary paradise we are living in.

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