At Sea with Casa Ceja Wine Club

I feel pretty fortunate to call this life of mine work.I just got back from an eastern Caribbean cruise with 120 of our awesome Casa Ceja Wine Club members. The Celebrity Reflection was our home for seven days, which is undoubtedly the most luxurious and magnificent ships I’ve been on. Our agenda was relaxed but was naturally interweaved with six exclusive wine focused events (heaven for foodies and winos). Some of my favorites included, a winemaker luncheon, a cooking demo and a salsa dance cocktail fiesta, all in which were entertaining, informative and fun!

We set sail from Miami and leisurely made our way to St. Maarten and then to St. Thomas to explore the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands. Each stop was simply glorious with stunning panoramic views of crystal clear Caribbean water, lush vegetation and white sandy beaches - paradise in a nutshell.

I

P.S. Stay tuned for the announcement of our third cruise, as this location is a mystery destination.

La Casa Azul de Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo - Cover of French Vogue Magazine, 1939

I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you... -Frida Kahlo 

A few weeks ago my mom and I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City to promote Ceja Vineyards at an international wine exhibition. As a travel aficionado, I was elated to visit the birthplace of the iconic Frida Kahlo. We jumped at the chance to visit her eclectic home and spent an afternoon catching a glimpse into her life. She lived, painted and eventually died at her home suitably called, La Casa Azul or The Blue House in Coyoacan.

Ever since I can remember, I have been intrigued and inspired by her work, her controversial lifestyle and complex marriage to Diego Rivera. Frida embodied a saint, muse, lover, mistress, bisexual, victim, and survivor. She was the very model of the bohemian artist: unique, rebellious, and contradictory. A cult figure adopted by feminists, artists, fashion designers and pop culture.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots. Take a peek inside her incredible life…

La Casa Azul courtyard

La Casa Azul. Inside her home patio

Luscious gardens inside La Casa Azul

Self portrait of Frida found in her home in 2004

Frida's art studio desk and personal portrait mirror

Frida's colorful wardrobe - discovered in her home in 2004

Self portrait, "Las Dos Fridas" - 1939

Frida's kitchen. My mom  and I were in complete awe

Wedding portrait. Frida and Diego - 1931

Her bedroom & the place where she passed away

One of my favorite paintings, "Viva La Vida" -1954

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!