The Ole! Report featuring Dalia Ceja

After a long weekend attending my first 2 days of EMBA class, my family and I celebrated Sunday afternoon with brunch and a bit of wine tasting at one of my favorite wineries, known for its stunning panoramic views. Artesa sits high in the hilltop of the Carneros region in the Napa Valley and beckons both locals and visitors to experience their unique fusion of architecture, art and wine.

Sitting on their outdoor patio and sipping their Pinot Noir was undeniably one of the most relaxing afternoons I’ve had in awhile…Ole!

{J Crew Cardigan, Mossimo Dress, Vintage Boots & Belt, H&M Bracelets, Gifted Pendant Necklace via Annabella’s Boutique}

p.s. This upcoming weekend kicks off April in Carneros! It’s a fun & festive “passport” event with over 20 participating wineries {in Carneros & Sonoma} including Ceja Vineyards. Each winery offers live music, food, wine tasting and more. If you like jumping from fiesta to fiesta then this is definitely for you! I’ll be working at Ceja Vineyards all weekend so pop in and say hola! For more information and to buy tickets click HERE.

Besos,

Dalia x

Living in the Napa Valley definitely has its perks. If you are a foodie & wino, this is an obvious destination to live or to visit. People assume that I drink wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner but, thankfully, that is not true {no vino lush over here!}. When family and friends visit, that’s actually the time to go wine tasting and, when we go, a must stop is Domaine Chandon for some of their delicious bubbly.

I have to say that Domaine Chandon has some of the most elegant and beautiful grounds in the valley with their lush forest setting, beautiful ponds, and giant trees that surround the property. Domain Chandon also houses étoile, the only fine dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley, and one of my favorites. I spent two summers in college working at étoile as a hostess so this restaurant holds a special place in my heart. Ole!

{Max Studio Dress, Steve Madden Boots, Forever 21 Blazer, Barneys New York Belt, Vintage Bag, Anthropologie Necklace & Ring, Jonathan Adler Iphone 4 Case}

Happy first day of Spring! x

Experience the true California lifestyle!

Two weeks ago my mom and I attended the “Dreamland” movie screening in Sacramento {we attended the world premiere in London last November}. The film features essential elements of California’s lifestyle – cuisine, wine, music, entertainment and film. I’m particularly excited to share this post because my family and I had the unique opportunity to be selected as part of the cast and to represent a wine focused family living in the Napa Valley!

The plot – “DREAMLAND” tells the story of one day in California. Filmed simultaneously from dawn until dusk on November 19, 2010, it follows a remarkable ensemble of Californians who are pushing the bounds of the possible. On this one-day event, a dozen documentary film crews scattered across the Golden State – all working together to tell the story of one day in time by individually capturing unique stories of people and places.

The cast includes entrepreneurs, daredevils, entertainers, scientists, politicians, chefs and technologists who are all in California for the same reason: to make their dreams a reality. Each embodies an adventurous and innovative spirit that symbolizes California.

The film provides detailed snapshots of what makes California so desirable to travelers from around the world – I feel so lucky that I can call this place my home! The film was sponsored by Visit California and will air on PBS this fall and will also be shown on international T.V. channels. Stay tuned for more info! Ole!

I hope everyone has a marvelous week! x

Life can be terribly unpredictable and so incredibly harsh sometimes. Putting aside my usual upbeat fashion, food or travel posts, I needed a moment of reflection…

This past week has proved to be one of the most difficult times for my family and close friends. My best friend received the most tragic and heartbreaking news that her mom, her aunt and her cousin were killed in a horrible car accident caused by a drunk driver {Vanessa, I love you and am here for you, forever and always}. Let this serve as a reminder to everyone to please, please, please not drink and drive. The consequences are literally deadly, and will always lead to loss, sadness and families and friends left without their loved ones.

Within the same week, my family received very sad and upsetting news that my dearest uncle is dying from cancer. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer less than 6 weeks ago and his body has already begun the shutdown process {te quiero mucho tio Ramon}. We are holding his hand, playing his favorite mariachi music and supporting him through his final days.

My heart and soul breaks for them as I write this. The loss of a parent or any family member is tragic and heart wrenching. I realize that in life we cannot avoid pain, but we can help make it seem less painful by providing sincere support and endless love. Life is so fragile and with all the hustle and bustle of today’s world we need to cherish those we hold dearly. Remember to hold your family and friends tight today and forever. They are all we have in this world and that is really all that is important…

Sending hugs & kisses to everyone.

With all my love,

Dalia

There is no other game where drinking, while playing, is such a good combination…

A few years ago my dad became infatuated with the game of bocce ball and decided to build not one, but two bocce ball courts at our Ceja Vineyards headquarters in Carneros. It’s a fun and addicting game, especially when you put two highly competitive and energetic teams together. The only major rule {that we really enforce} is that you have to have a glass of {Ceja} wine in your hand when you play. Pretty simple, right?

I came across these two bocce ball sets, and they’re the prettiest I’ve ever seen. The $2800 Chanel one, of course, is for serious players and would take your bocce ball game to a whole other level. With Spring only a few months away, which outdoor games are you looking forward to playing?

{Chanel Bocce Ball Set – Regulation Bocce Ball Set}

P.s. Click here to see my dad explaining the bocce ball court construction process. Ole!

 Besos,

Dalia x