The Tasting Panel magazine

April 2017

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384

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THE MESSAGE Brief Encounters Whether The Tasting Panel goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy. —Meridith May, Publisher & Editorial Director A Green Thumb 16  /  the tasting panel  / april 2017 C alifornia State Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma looks throughout her District 2 each year to honor one agriculture producer with her Environmental and Economic Equalizer Award. This year's winner, Ceja Vineyards, is an ultra-premium Latino family-owned winery founded in 1999 by Amelia, Pedro, Armando and Martha Ceja— first-generation Mexican-American vintners in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Dalia, Ariel and Belen Ceja represent the next genera- tion and the future of the wine industry. Ceja was one of the first Mexican-American owned wineries in California. The family put down roots in Carneros-Napa with 15 acres in 1983, planting their first vineyard there in 1986. The initial harvest was in 1988, dedicated to growing Pinot Noir grapes. Today, 115 acres are farmed, including 125 established olive trees. This award targets California's eco-friendly agriculture operators. The Ceja family goes above and beyond in this category. Water is recycled from the winery back into the vineyards in Sonoma Valley and a drip irrigation system is utilized throughout the estate vineyards in both valleys. Cover crops are used to bring nutrients to the soils to provide a habitat where beneficial insects thrive and damaging insects are elimi- nated. All paper and glass products in the tasting rooms and production facility are made from recycled products. The family is also currently installing solar panels throughout entire winery. Members of the Ceja family (left to right): Navek, Ellie, Armando, Belen, Martha, Dalia, Pedro, Amelia and Ariel Ceja.

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