[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THE CEJA FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Ceja family, Pablo, Juanita, Amelia, Pedro, Armando and Dalia who own 
and operate Ceja Vineyards in Napa, California. Passion and dedication 
led the Ceja family to the successes they see in their grape harvests 
and production of premium Carneros wines.
  The dream to build Ceja Vineyards began in a small village in Mexico, 
where Pablo Ceja's family lived while he worked in the Brasero Program 
in ``el norte.'' While working in California, Pablo came to understand 
what many people in our community have learned: in the Napa Valley, 
hard work and sacrifice in a fair system will result in great 
successes.
  Pablo promised his family that he would bring them to a place 
``surrounded by vineyards growing the finest, sweetest grapes, where 
hard work is plentiful for those that are strong.'' In 1967, Pablo, 
Juanita and their six children left Mexico and settled in St. Helena, 
where they found work in the growing number of local wineries. In 1983, 
the Ceja family came together to purchase 15 acres and plant their own 
grapes. By 1988, the second and third generations of the family were 
celebrating their first harvest on ``Ceja land.'' The family founded 
Ceja Vineyards, Inc. in 1999 and today own 113 producing acres.
  The Ceja family understands the needs and realities of their workers. 
They provide a pesticide-free environment and treat their workers like 
family. Many of Ceja Vineyards workers are loyal to the company and 
stay on season after season. Their story is remarkable. The Ceja family 
traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-
American vintners, not only to support the mission of the Smithsonian 
Institution, but also to further educate Congress about their vital 
contributions to our economy and community. Their stories of 
immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make America great.
  Mr. Speaker, the Ceja family has built a successful business and are 
producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such a family working 
and living in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we 
honor them here today.

                          ____________________