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-Editorial
The Provino Baja California Committee has officially unveiled the details of the 25th edition of the Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo, set to take place from April 10 to 13 in Ensenada, Baja California. This highly anticipated event will once again celebrate the region’s rich shellfish industry, emerging wines, and dynamic culinary scene.
During a press conference at the Coral & Marina Hotel, key figures outlined the festival’s significance and the robust program planned for this landmark year. The panel included Wenceslao Martínez Payán, President of Provino Baja California; Andrés Martínez Bremer, President of the Deliberative Council of Proturismo de Ensenada, representing Mayor Claudia Josefina Agatón Muñiz; renowned Chef Benito Molina Dubost, the festival’s culinary coordinator; Juan Carlos Ochoa Morales, Provino Baja California Manager; and Augusto Bárcenas Juárez, representative of Baja Shellfish Farms.
“This year holds special meaning as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of both Provino and the Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo, alongside the 35th anniversary of Baja California’s Fiestas de la Vendimia,” said Wenceslao Martínez. “We are proud to showcase the excellence of our wines, the richness of our land, and the innovation within our culinary industry.”
What began as a small gathering among friends to promote regional products has now grown into an international event, attracting nearly 3,500 attendees. The audience comprises 60% regional visitors, 25% national attendees, and 15% international guests. The festival is expected to generate an impressive economic impact of $20.2 million MXN. Over the course of four days, an estimated 4,182 bottles of wine will be consumed, along with three tons of food and nearly 25,000 culinary samples.
Chef Benito Molina emphasized the festival’s evolution, stating, “The Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo has become a premier event, bridging the worlds of shellfish and wine while uniting some of the best chefs from the region and beyond.”
Among the festival’s key highlights is the XVI Taller de Moluscos (16th Shellfish Workshop), scheduled for April 10-11. Hosted by the Mexican Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS), this academic and industry-focused event will include expert presentations, panel discussions, and working groups covering crucial topics such as aquaculture health, the role of women in oyster farming, and mollusk traceability. Viticulture-related subjects will also be explored. The workshop will take place at the El Cielo Auditorium, CEVIT-CETYS University, Ensenada Campus, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with free admission.
On April 11, the festival will introduce the IX Salón del Vino (9th Wine Salon), an exclusive business-to-business platform designed to connect 70 Baja California wineries and aquaculture companies with national and international food and beverage professionals. This strategic event aims to strengthen commercial relationships and expand market reach. The Salón del Vino will be held at the Coral & Marina Hotel from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and is accessible by invitation only.
One of the most anticipated experiences of the festival, V Mesas Marinas (5th Marine Tables), will take place on April 12 at the UABC Cultural Walkway, Sauzal Unit. This exclusive seaside dining event will feature 15 beautifully arranged tables, each seating 20 guests. A regional winemaker, a shellfish producer, and a local host chef will be paired with an invited chef to craft a unique four-course menu featuring fresh shellfish and regional wines. Guests will be welcomed with sparkling and white wines, and desserts will be curated by top pastry chefs in collaboration with Distribuidora La Canasta. The experience will begin at 2:00 PM, with tickets priced at $3,500 MXN per person.
The festival will culminate with the XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo on April 13 at the Grand Terrace, Coral & Marina Hotel. This grand tasting event will bring together 80 Baja California wineries, presenting over 160 new-release wines, alongside more than 50 regional restaurants offering exquisite shellfish-based samples. Attendees can look forward to live cooking demonstrations and a highly anticipated mussel preparation contest.
The final day’s festivities will commence at 12:00 PM, with tickets priced at $1,400 MXN. Attendance is restricted to adults, and pets will not be allowed.
As the Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo marks its 25th anniversary, it continues to solidify Baja California’s reputation as a premier destination for wine and gastronomy. With an exceptional lineup of events, this year’s edition promises to be a remarkable tribute to the region’s evolving culinary landscape and the enduring synergy between the sea and the vine.
