A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words...

Mi madre - Amelia Ceja

“If a picture is worth a thousand words then family is worth 10 million…”

I dedicate this post to my mom, Amelia Ceja. Today happens to be her birthday and in honor of her special day I want to take a moment to celebrate her achievements and recognize a very inspiring individual who has not only made an impact in my life but also in the thriving wine industry.

This past week proved to be very exciting! My mom, our family and our business, Ceja Vineyards, were featured on NBCs Today Show {watch the segment HERE}! The interview captured the essence of my mother’s voice, representing a Latina woman that went from ex-immigrant to vineyard worker, to winery owner. I am proud of what she and my entire family have accomplished. We are not perfect. We have our own challenges but as a family we make it work and want to leave behind a legacy that through hard work, sacrifice, passion and dedication, anything is possible.

Photographer, Norma Quintana, took these portraits of my family in 2005. We were honored to have been part of a photo series she shot, titled, Forget Me Not/No Me Olvides.

Back in the day - age 20

Sr. Pablo and dad Pedro Ceja

My Abuelita - Mama Juanita

Uncle - Armando Ceja

{My bro, musician - Navek Ceja}

Happy Birthday Mom! Te quiero muchisimo.

Spring Fever in Napa Valley!

Min Agostini Teal Dress, Chloé Sunglasses, Vintage Jewelry, Kenneth Cole Nude Sandal

Let's find a beautiful place to get lost in the mustard flowers...

Spring in the Napa Valley casts a strong spell, with its yellow-hued vineyards, 70-degree days and cool nights warmed by vino and night bocce ball (in my case). This time of year leaves a stunning yellow trail of mustard blossoms that literally causes cars to stop in their tracks and admire the bold beauty. It’s also the perfect transitional season to shift from boots and fussy layers, to light airy dresses, sandals and lots of sunshine.

Today’s look was inspired by the recent election of Argentine, Pope Francis. I swept through my closet and found this dress that I had purchased on my last trip to Buenos Aires. It’s made by one of my favorite Argentine designers, Min Agostini, whom I happened to stumble upon during one Sunday afternoon at the popular San Telmo Street Market. Agostini uses her skills as an architect to bring a new level of structural innovation, which I absolutely adore when designed right - hence the cap sleeve ruffle and bubble bottom. I can't wait to go back! 

Ceja Vineyards Wine Club Cruise

Sail away with me to paradise...

There is nothing more appealing than leaving the chilly California weather during February and embarking on a cruise to the Western Caribbean! In fact, this was no ordinary cruise and instead marked our inaugural Ceja Vineyards wine club cruise with over 100 of our fabulous club members. Traveling will forever remain a huge passion in my life and this trip was nothing less than unforgettable and amazing.

The Celebrity Silhouette was our home for seven days, which was not only grandiose but also luxurious in every facet. We set sail from Fort Lauderdale and leisurely made our way to Cozumel, Grand Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti. Each stop was simply breathtaking with gorgeous panoramic views of crystal clear Caribbean water, white sandy beaches and lush vegetation.

Our agenda was relaxed but was naturally interweaved with socializing, dining and getting to know our wine club members on a personal basis. We held exclusive food and wine pairing dinners and tastings that were both educational, entertaining and fun! Overall the experience was such a huge success that we will be embarking on a wine club cruise every year. So, who’s coming with us next time? Ole!

Rock and Vine Book Launch

Oh hello, 2013!  This past month has already proved to be an exciting year with lots of exhilarating projects and events in the works. I’m so honored to announce (and be included) in the book launch of Rock and Vine – a stunning coffee table book which features the lives and innovations of eleven young change-makers who are shaping the future of wine through their own skill and style.

Authored by publisher Chelsea Prince, edited by Master of Wine Christy Canterbury, and photographed by Mary Steinbacher, the book introduces talented wine industry trailblazers who are primed to perpetuate and evolve the legacy of Napa and Sonoma Valley.

The eleven profiled Rock and Vine leaders include:

• Joe Wagner of Wagner Family Made Wine
• Nicole Marchesi of Far Niente
• Angelina Mondavi of Dark Matter
• Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards
• Christina Turley of Turley Wine Cellars
• Tony Leonardi of BNA Wine Group
• Jason Exposto of Futo
• August Sebastiani of The Other Guys
• Jordan Kivelstadt of Free Flow Wines
• Morgan Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co.
• Danny Fay, Mike Benziger, and Ben Flajnik of Envolve Winery
• *Maggie Pramuk of Robert Biale Vineyards - writes the introduction

Here’s a sneak peek and behind the scenes look…

P.S. A portion of all profits from Rock and Vine sales will benefit Wine To Water, a non-profit organization focused on providing clean water to people in need around the world. For more information on Rock and Vine and to purchase the book, please visit www.rockandvinebook.com - Chelsea, thank you again for your passionate vision and for bringing this beautiful book to life.

Twenty Eight Candles

28 Lessons for 28 Years

Yep. Yesterday I turned 28. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way…

• A new year equals new beginnings.
• Laughing is the best medicine in the world.
• Yelling will lead to nothing but tears and disappointment.
• Take a chance with love. You will regret it if you don’t.
• Eat more vegetables + drink more water. Daily.
• It’s ok to let your guard down when someone makes you feel good.
• Be passionate about what you do and you will never have to work a day in your life.
• Life is too short to drink bad wine.
• Relationships take work. A lot of work.
• Cherish your time with your grandparents + parents. They are a part of your history and legacy.
• Seek a mentor in your professional career. New insight and perspective is valuable + refreshing.
•  People make mistakes. Listen to their side of the story before you shut them out of your life.
• Never stop reading. Our brains are only as good as what we digest intellectually.
• Do something that challenges you {everyday}.
• Work hard and play harder.
• Exercise as much as possible. The older you get the harder it is to loose weight.
• Never cheat. Not on exams, taxes, or on your boyfriend/partner.
• You can never own too many dresses. Treat life like a runway.
• It’s ok to splurge on yourself once in awhile. You deserve it! (hello, Chloé bag).
• Random acts of kindness are always appreciated and never expected.
• People will come and go in life but family + best friends will always be there for you.
•  Girls night out motto: Be sexy not sloppy…
•  Smile more often and people will notice.
• Ask for help when you need it. Being stubborn and proud is not a good thing.
• Education is the best investment in life. Taking out student loans shouldn’t make you hesitate.
• Drink more green tea & less coffee.
•  A true best friend will support you and be there for you no matter what.
• When in doubt, pop champagne and dance on the table.

Some of these were easier to learn than others {and it’s still a work in progress} but I’m grateful for each experience. Have a great weekend!