Spicy Camarones (Shrimp) by Dalia Ceja

Join Dalia Ceja as she makes her cooking debut! "Camarones a la Dalia" is an easy and succulent dish to prepare that is sure to impress all your guests. Pair this delicacy with Ceja Vineyards' Carneros Chardonnay and we promise you'll be the talk of the town!

Nov 16, 2009 at 12:48 PM

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World's Oldest Bottle of Wine

Unearthed during excavation for building a house in a vineyard near the town of Speyer, Germany, it was inside one of two Roman stone sarcophaguses that were dug up. The bottle dates from approximately 325 A.D. and was found in 1867.

The greenish-yellow glass amphora has handles formed in the shape of dolphins. One of several bottles discovered, it is the only one with the contents still preserved.

The ancient liquid has much silty sediment. About two-thirds of the contents are a thicker, hazy mixture. This is most probably olive oil, which the Romans commonly used to "float" atop wine to preserve it from oxidation. Cork closures, although known to exist at the time, were quite uncommon. Their oil method of preservation was apparently effective enough to keep the wine from evaporation up to modern day.

The bottle is on permanent display, along with other wine antiquities, at the Historisches Museum der Pfalz (History Museum of the Pfalz), worth a visit if traveling near the area of Speyer, Germany.

Reprinted from www.winepros.org

Nov 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM

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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. Cheers!

Nov 2, 2009 at 12:50 PM

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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.

Oct 29, 2009 at 12:51 PM

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What is a Wine Club?

What is a wine club exactly? I have been asked this question so many times, and a wine club is so many things! It’s an opportunity to take part in something you love, that brings a smile to your face, and that makes you want to quickly open another bottle and share it with your friends. Here at Ceja, our wine club members become part of our family. We love to have our newly found family members around, listening to Latin music and eating amazing cuisine whilst sipping on one of our fabulous wines with friends and family. It’s all part of the Ceja experience.

Casa Ceja wine club members receive shipments four times a year – in March, June, September and December. Members can chose to receive 3 (Vinum), 6 (Cantus), or 12 (Amor) bottles per quarter, always consisting of 2 varietals chosen by our Winemaker Armando, our General Manager Ariel and our President Amelia – and always something new! We offer the benefit of shipping the wine directly to you or you may pick it up if you live locally and can attend one of our spectacular wine club pick up parties (just ask around, we are known for them). They are always full of music, wine, delicious food, and lots of fun and conversation!

With the holidays in the air (yes, this is your wake up call, Christmas and Hanukkah are 2 months away) keep in mind a wine club gift membership for a friend or family member. It is the gift that keeps on giving! They will think of you each time these delicious wines show up at their doorstep and will always be accompanied by one of Amelia’s amazing recipes.

So jump on board, come join the Casa Ceja family and enjoy the benefits. Just give me a call or email me, I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.

¡Salud, amor y vino!

Wine Club Wendy
707-255-3954
Wendy@CejaVineyards.com

Oct 23, 2009 at 12:56 PM

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Meet and Greet: Wendy Newman

Meet Wendy Newman, Ceja Vineyards' wine club manager and peace keeper of the wine world.

Oct 19, 2009 at 12:57 PM

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Spanish Rice by Amelia Ceja

Olé! In this episode we travel to Spain to make a traditional rice dish. Sautéed veggies and a little chicken broth bring out the savory flavors of this nutritious delight! Ah yes, the vino try it with Ceja Vineyards' crisp dry Rosé!

Oct 16, 2009 at 12:58 PM

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Filet Mignon and Roasted Potatoes by Amelia Ceja

Amelia Ceja prepares the ultimate comfort food - savory filet mignon and rich roasted potatoes! Paired with Ceja Vineyards' classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine and food pairing is not to be missed!

Oct 12, 2009 at 12:59 PM

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Wine Club Wendy’s Facebook Haiku Contest

-brought to you by CejaVineyards.com

Submit a fun and creative Haiku (HI-coo) about our 2006 Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir for the chance to win a bottle of said amazing wine (we can ship it for those who don’t live locally)! We will be accepting Haikus until Sunday (Oct. 11th) at midnight, then our staff will vote on their favorite Haiku and we will announce the winner on Monday (Oct. 12th) – so get your pencils ready, bust out the Ceja wine, put those creative caps on, and post your Haiku on our Ceja Facebook Discussion Board today!
(Go to www.facebook.com/cejavineyards and look for the DISCUSSIONS tab at the top of the page). ¡Salud!

What is a Haiku?
We are looking for Haikus in the traditional 5-7-5 form; which means that it has 3 lines, the first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 and the final line has 5 syllables. Be creative and have fun with it.

Example:

2006 Ceja Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir

A black cherry nose
Taste silk velvety layers
Deliciousness yum!

Oct 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM

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Crostini with Roasted Bell Peppers by Amelia Ceja

President and executive chef Amelia Ceja prepares crostini with roasted bell peppers - a perfect appetizer or simple snack. It's paired here with Ceja Vineyards' Vino de Casa Red Blend.

Oct 1, 2009 at 1:07 PM

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