|
Welcome
to Ceja Vineyards. Each day as we gaze at the surrounding
vineyards, we are reminded of the first Ceja vine.
Planting our first vine together in rich Carneros
soil was an exciting moment. That vine symbolized
our bond as a family and strengthened our shared commitment
to produce premium wines. We proudly continue a three-generation
tradition of growing choice grapes in the beautiful
Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite you to join us
on our journey.
Terroir,
(pronounced tair wahr), is a French term and strictly
translated refers to the earth. In the Carneros Region,
the term is defined as a special set of conditions
encompassing all the components that affect the grapes
grown here. The soil’s chemistry and physical
structure, the slope and orientation of the hills
and valleys and the weather are all factors of terroir.
Located
approximately 40 miles northeast of San Francisco,
the Carneros Region’s moderate climate is created
by fog, moist air, and cool breezes from the Pacific
Ocean. Protected from harsh weather by the Coastal
Range, Carneros summer days are warm with cool nights
and winters are mild. As a result, grapes stay on
the vine longer, reaching high acidity and full flavor
development.
At
Ceja Vineyards, we match vines to terroir, planting
each variety where it grows best. Our wines are a
true reflection of their origins.
The
cool Carneros climate allows our grapes to remain on
the vine longer, achieving high acidity and ultimate
flavor development. We tend our vines diligently and
wait for the exact moment when full maturation has been
reached before harvesting.
Minimal
interference is needed during crushing. Fruit is handled
gently during the wine making process and we select
the best yeast strains to carry out the fermentation.
New French and American oak barrels do not overpower
the fruit, yet provide the perfect environment for
aging.
The
grapes speak for themselves, expressing full flavor,
resulting in wines that are crisp, with a hint of
the tropics and depth of character.
As
a family of growers, we are so proud of our grapes;
we wish we could bottle them right from the vine.
It
was late afternoon in a small village in Mexico. Warm
sun illuminated the narrow winding streets. Church
bells were ringing as if announcing the arrival of
good news.
One
child clinging to each leg, Pablo Ceja shuffled awkwardly
across the room and plopped his heavy load of presents
on the polished kitchen table. Juanita, black eyes
shining, smiled a warm welcome. Shouts of glee rang
out as the children tore into the packages, scattering
paper and ribbon everywhere.
"Papá,
Papá, tell us stories about el norte!"
cried Pedro, the most curious of the children. He
climbed into his father's lap, expectant, waiting.
"Ah,
Pedro," said Juanita gently, "Be patient
and let Papá rest, he's had a long journey."
"It's
all right, mi esposa, I'm glad he asks. Come, children,
gather around, and I will tell you of the most beautiful
place on earth, where sun shines golden on crimson
vines and the green of the grass on the hills is so
bright it hurts the eyes. They call it St. Helena.
Like a magical lady, she is a place that can cast
a spell on you. I have come to love her very much."
"Is
she a lady, Papá?" asked Armando, an expression
of wonder on his young face.
"No,"
laughed Pablo, "She is a town in the Napa Valley,
surrounded by vineyards growing the finest, sweetest
grapes, where hard work is plentiful for those that
are strong. I will take you there someday. That is
my dream for all of us."
"I,"
stated Pedro confidently, "Am going to have some
land with grapes just like that when I grow up."
"That,"
said Pablo, glancing at his wife, then looking deeply
into his son's eyes, "Is my dream for you."
In
1967, Pablo Ceja, Juanita and their six children said
goodbye to family and friends in Mexico and immigrated
to the United States. After many years in the brasero
work program Pablo was finally moving to "el
norte." True to his promise-as if presenting
a friend-he proudly introduced his family to St. Helena
in the Napa Valley. There they settled, renting a
modest house and quietly adjusting to American ways.
Pablo and Juanita found work in local wineries. Later,
drawn by the beauty of the rolling hills and temperate
climate, they moved to the Carneros region. When the
children were not in school and on weekends, the entire
family could be found working in the vineyards, laughing
and learning together.
Pablo
and Juanita's family grew. By 1977 there were ten
children cluttering the comfortable home they had
built. Juanita ran her household in a disciplined
yet tender manner. She urged her brood to embrace
adventure and opportunity without fear. Celebrations
were frequent and loud. Pablo and Juanita strongly
encouraged the Ceja children to go to college. Pedro
and Armando, brothers close in age and spirit, did
not resist. They had dreams of their own. Pedro studied
engineering, Armando enology and viticulture. Their
bond solidified.
Pedro
was the first to be captured by love. Amelia Morán
Fuentes, beautiful and soft-spoken, yet bursting with
energy and a zest for life, married Pedro Ceja in
1980. As they nurtured each other, beginning their
own family, they also gave voice to a common goal-to
buy land and grow grapes in the Napa Valley. In 1983
Pedro and Amelia, with Armando, Pablo and Juanita,
pooled their resources and invested in 15 luscious
Carneros acres. The future had begun.
Pedro
and Armando inherited the desire to work hard and
like their parents before them, loved the land. Armando
became a highly respected vineyard manager, never
losing sight of the family plan. 1986 was a triumphant
year, 13 acres were planted with Pinot Noir grapes
and Martha Brambila, radiant and engaging, joined
the Ceja family as Armando's wife. As the family expanded,
once again little children could be found playing
and digging in the vineyards, only this time it was
Ceja land.
Passion
and determination led to the first harvest in 1988.
Pablo and Juanita's house was filled to the brim as
the entire family celebrated the occasion. Friends
who had encouraged and supported them entered the
house without knocking, finding their way to the huge
kitchen. There they discovered a crowd of cooks, creating
tantalizing aromas with recipes tested on three generations.
Pablo and Juanita beamed with pride at the accomplishments
of their children and their spouses.
Seventeen
years have passed since that monumental day in the
life of the Ceja family. There are now 113 producing
acres and in 1999, Ceja Vineyards, Inc., was founded
by Pedro, Amelia, Armando and Martha to produce premium
Carneros wines. A glass of Ceja wine is like a drink
of history. You can see the land, smell the passion
and dedication, taste the journey and the love-one
sip at a time. The dream has not ended. Ceja children
are still growing up and entering the family business.
An operating production facility is planned for the
near future. Consider yourself invited. When you visit,
you won't have to knock.
|
