The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

{Mi madre – Amelia Ceja}

 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… Ole!

{Back in the day – age 20}

{Sr. Pablo and dad Pedro Ceja}

{My Abuelita – Mama Juanita}

{Uncle – Armando Ceja}

{My bro, musician – Navek Ceja}

{My bro, salsero – Ariel Ceja}

Happy Birthday Mom! Te quiero muchisimo. xoxo

Besos,

 Dalia

A little update…

Spring has sprung and so are a few changes here a The Ole! Report. Pardon the dust but let’s just call this a time of spring cleaning. This past year has proved to be both rewarding and challenging while juggling work,  getting my Masters (8 months to go!) and focusing on various passion projects. I want to thank all of my lovely followers for continuing this journey with me. You guys are awesome and make me smile (oh so BIG). Have a fabulous Easter weekend. Ole!

Besos,

Dalia x

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! Ole!

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

Besos,

Dalia x

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!

Besos,

Dalia x

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… Ole!

{The changemakers}

{Our welcome kitty}

{I never leave home without my cowgirl boots}

{Lipstick and vino go hand-in-hand}

{Bocce ball and wine anyone?}

{The only way to study for your EMBA}

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.

Besos,

Dalia x