Famous California winery whose founder was a DC titan is slammed for hosting ‘brutal’ camel rides

A popular Southern California winery has found itself in the crosshairs of animal rights activists after offering guests a chance to ride camels after sipping Merlot.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido is facing a stampede of vitriol over claims the hump-backed attractions were being exploited.

The winery, known for its scenic views and acclaimed reds, recently introduced the rides as a unique weekend draw — but the move has left a sour taste in the mouths of PETA types.

“Please stop using animals as part of your weekly activity line-up…,” Nicole Escudero responded on one of Orfila’s social media posts.

“It is really disappointing that you are continuing to do so…. not sure if I will continue my membership there as I do not enjoy going there when you do events like these.”

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“This entire idea of torturing animals for your drunken pleasure makes me sick,” another critic wrote on Instagram.

The backlash began when local activists caught wind of the desert dwellers being led around the vineyard’s grassy lands last Sunday.

Proponents of the boycott claim the animals are subjected to being yanked for amusement and a quirky photo-op.

“Encouraging day-drinking customers to clamber on top of a skittish camel in a strange and hectic environment is a recipe for disaster, since injuries are common whenever wild and exotic animals are often beaten and whipped into submission and worked to exhaustion,” Debbie Metzler, managing director of Captive Wildlife for the PETA Foundation, told Fox 5 San Diego.

“It’s a little sad seeing some of the negative comments here,” another countered. “Orfila has always been about bringing people together and trying fun, creative events for the community. If it’s not someone’s thing, that’s totally fine but a lot of us appreciate the effort and the experience.”

The camels at the center of the sandstorm appear to be “commuters” themselves. Social media videos showed employees leading the rides sporting gear from Giddy Up Ranch, a business located in Phelan–roughly 116 miles north of the vineyard.

While Giddy Up Ranch bills itself as a premier outfit that serves “Southern California with the best camel rides, pony rides and friendliest petting zoo,” the long trek to the vineyard has only added fuel to the fire for protesters claiming the animals are being overworked.

This latest dust-up comes hot on the heels of “giraffe gate.” In November 2025, Orfila received massive backlash after hosting a live giraffe on the property for a “Groovin’ with a Giraffe” event.

The stunt was so poorly received it triggered a federal complaint from PETA and reportedly led to many Orfila Wine Lovers club membership cancellations.

Founded in 1994 by Alejandro Orfila, a former Argentine ambassador who once navigated the waters of international relations as the Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

Orfila even presided over President Jimmy Carter as he signed the Panama Canal Treaty with Panama’s General Omar Torrijos in 1977.

Orfila Vineyard and Giddy Up Ranch did not respond to a request for comment.