Ceja Vineyards

Mike's Guide to the World of Wine - Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine - gotta love it. Michael Wray explains the three processes of making this bubbly beverage but focuses on the traditional "methode champenoise." Of course, talking about has his limits so Michael indulges the audience on proper opening techniques using a Pinot Noir Brut Reserve from Domain Chandon.

 

Ceja Family Crest

 

A family crest, also known as a coat of arms, is the expression of a family's pride and aspirations; it is a graphical display of a family name history. While perusing the internet and doing research on the Ceja name, I found the Ceja family Crest in three styles as well as information on the origin of the Ceja name.

Purportedly, the Ceja name comes from Galicia in Northern Spain. This area has strong Celtic roots and in fact shares many Celtic traditions with Ireland and Scotland. The first reference to the Cejas was in 1387 in the small village of Friol, in the province of Lugo in Galicia. More references to the name were made in Brates near the Northern coast. There were several spellings of the name, and it was pronounced in the Galego language (Galician). Don Vasco Gomez das Seixas (Cejas) was a communal leader in those times, an important leader who oversaw several communities during his reign. Other spellings of Ceja are: Aceijas, Azexas, Aseixas, Acejas, Acexas, Azeixas, Sejas, Seixas and Xexas. The surname also spread to Portugal and to the Canary Islands where they were known as "Cejas,” "Seijas" or "Sejas."

Spain was a great sea power and one of their major ports was Vigo, on the western edge of Galicia. Most likely the first Cejas probably left from this port to the New World. Although it is not certain of the date that the name Ceja appeared in the New World, the earliest reference to a Ceja was in the mid 17th century in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico. Guanajuato borders the state of Michoacan where the Ceja family of Ceja Vineyards originated from before immigrating to the United States in the 1960s.

Popcorn with a Kick by Pedro Ceja

Pedro Ceja serves up popcorn Latin style! Who knew those little kernels could taste so good! Watching movies just got a whole lot better.

 

Mike's Guide to the World of Wine - Decanting Wine

Michael Wray of Ceja Vineyards explains the intricacies of decanting a wine and why it's a wonderful tool that can enhance the wine experience.

 

Ceja Vineyards Harvest 2009: A Day's Labor

If wine is created in the vineyards then it's the men and women tending to the vines that are the true artisans. A short look into this year's Pinot Noir harvest.

 

Mike's Guide to the World of Wine - Wine Openers

Michael Wray of Ceja Vineyards explains the various wine openers that exist today and how to properly use them. From old school to new school!

 

Mike's Guide to the World of Wine - Tasting Technique

Michael Wray explains his tasting technique enjoying Ceja Vineyards' 2006 Vino de Casa Red Blend.

 

Cooking with Juanita Ceja - Refried Beans

Juanita Ceja prepares her famous refried beans.

 

Dalia Ceja Shares the Ceja Vineyards Story

Dalia Ceja talks about the history of Ceja Vineyards.

 

Meet & Greet - Mama Juanita

Meet Juanita Ceja, mother, grandmother, amazing chef, and valued Ceja team member as she talks about first settling in the Napa Valley.