Wine Club Wendy Reflects on 2009

With 2009 drawing to a close and the holidays in full swing, there comes a time for gratitude and reflection. Stopping to think about my last 8 months here at Ceja Vineyards I realize how much knowledge I have gained, how many new friends I have made, and the good times that have been had. I have learned so much about food and wine it’s hard to know where to start. My very first week working here Amelia showed up with 60 fresh oysters from Hog Island, and I watched as she and Javier barbequed them to perfection (in front of the camera, of course), added a little Mexican flare, and then we all plopped them in our mouths with some Ceja Chardonnay to wash them down until our bellies were full. I had to pinch myself, is this really where I work? As the days passed on, I grew to realize that this was a way of life here at Ceja Vineyards. Not only was my wine knowledge growing on a daily basis, but I was also learning about cooking and pairing various foods with wine.

My significant other and family are delighted when I come home and use some of my freshly learned cooking tips and recipes. They look at me slyly and ask, “Did you learn this at work?” Some favorites so far have been the Cabernet Reduction Sauce that I lightly poured over a plump filet mignon and the Chardonnay Poached Pears for dessert paired with our Dulce Beso late harvest wine (you can find the recipes and videos on our website and Facebook page). I hope you have had a chance to try your hand at cooking some of the recipes that we have shared with you – and please let us know how it goes, we love to get feedback!

For all of you out there that I may have helped solve a shipment issue, fixed a credit card glitch, or, if I was lucky enough to actually spend some time in the tasting room with you and our lovely wines, I want to thank you for being a part of the Ceja vision and family. Assisting you and bringing these wonderful wines to your table is a great joy to me and I am honored to do so. Here’s looking forward to a fantastic New Year ahead of us, more amazing wines, great food, and lots of good friends!
¡Salud!

~Wine Club Wendy
Wendy@CejaVineyards.com