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! 

All That Glitters

There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold and she's buying a stairway to heaven... -Led Zeppelin

Happy Holidays! There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to combine all of the girliest details into a single, over-the-top look, complete with a gold sequin jacket, cream colored dress, bright lips and peep-toe heels. Sequin statement pieces consistently work anytime you want to get dolled up for the holidays or a night out in the town.

With the end of the new year approaching, this is the perfect excuse to shell out all things that glitter, sparkle and shine and what a better way to refresh your wardrobe then with a dose of glam. Ole!

{H&M sequin jacket - similar here, BCBG dress + gold ring, Kenneth Cole heels} 

This past weekend, I went to Lake Tahoe for a much needed girls trip! Our agenda was jam packed with ice skating, hot tubbing, mimosas, white elephant gift exchange and more. Stay tuned for a fun blog post to come - I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Take Me to Apple Hill

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I had the opportunity to explore Apple Hill, nestled away in the high Sierra Foothills. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful November day that simply screamed of fall with all of the vivid yellow, orange and red hues highlighting the apple trees and vineyards.

It was the perfect fall outing spending the day visiting apple farms and wineries and was a refreshing change of scenery being surrounded by the rustic charm and beauty. I was like a little kid in a candy shop with every stop we made. From the endless apple orchards, to the pies baking at the roadside stands {you have to try the apple crisp & hot apple cider at Kids Inc.}, to the quaint tasting rooms scattered throughout area.

This is unquestionably a fun playground not only for kids but for adults too. Did I mention there's also a micro-brewery? Umm, yes please! You’re never too old to love going to Apple Hill and I will now make it a yearly fall tradition. 

P.S. What traditions do you have during the holidays?

Postcards from Puerto Vallarta

Oh hello, Thanksgiving week! I just came back from spending 10 glorious days in Puerto Vallarta.  This was no ordinary trip and in fact I was there for work (yes, work) promoting Ceja Vineyards wines at the Festival Gourmet International at The Grand Mayan Resort. It was quite the honor to participate considering my mom was the invited chef at Tramonto Restaurant. I also acted as her Sous Chef and we both joined forces to heavily promote our wines during the winemaker dinners every evening.

I had been to Puerto Vallarta once before as a kid but now I could really appreciate the lush landscape, the vibrant culture and the beautiful beaches. We had a strict agenda most of the time but during the day we had a few hours to escape and explore the quaint colonial town, eat fresh fish on the beach and catch some rays with a refreshing Paloma in hand.

Here are a few highlights of the trip - both working & relaxing. 

Every night I was floored by the reactions that the guests had of the delicious food, the wines and the overall dinning experience. We couldn’t have done it without the help of such an amazing and cohesive team at the Grand Mayan Resort. From the talented chefs, to the sommeliers, to the servers at the restaurant, everyone collaborated as a unit and made it a 5 star experience – both unique and unforgettable. I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again!

Chefs: Cassandra, Felipe, Amelia & me in Tramonto's kitchen

Grilled Chile Relleno

Tortilleria "tortilla bakery." They make over 50,000 tortillas a day for the entire resort

Testing our recipes with the chefs

Lobster + Ceja Chardonnay

Inside the test kitchen

Inside the restaurant, working the floor