It’s impressive enough to make exceptional organic wine in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley, where cooling marine influences create a unique micro-climate for bright flavors, but the Clif Family Winery is also a surprisingly ideal source for healthy snacks, retreats, gift sets, business gifting, wine sets, subscriptions, various culinary experiences and unique artisanal foods. Co-creators of the Clif Bar, the Clif Family Winery crafts small-batch foods at their verdant farm’s organic vegetable garden and fruit orchard. Their distinctive condiments, quality ingredients and flavor-packed snacks support organic and sustainable agriculture, fair labor practices, and a community working together to create a better world. That is worth supporting.
I’m not exaggerating in the least when I say their herbed nuts snacks are the best I’ve ever tried – fresh, healthy, and jam-packed with flavor. They pair well with the Clif Family Winery’s complex Napa Valley wines for a summer picnic or backyard party. For example, the Organic Rosemary Almonds & Pistachios are beyond delicious, and are complemented by the organic grape Sauvignon Blanc, which has notes of tropical fruit and citrus: peach, tart lemon, green apple, ripe pear, jasmine flowers.
Pair their Organic Hot Honey Cashews and Peanuts with the Kit’s Killer Cab Cabernet Sauvignon, which garnered a Gold Award in The San Francisco Chronicle‘s wine competition. This is a deep purple organic beauty with blueberries, raspberries, cedar, and mocha.
Here in NYC, on the opposite and less sun-drenched coast, I banished a spring cough with the Clif Family Solar Grown Hot Honey, which is the perfect blend of cobanero chili and honey from flowers on their solar farm. Truly one of Mother Nature’s finest offerings!
I had some questions for them…
What is your brand mission?
Our mission is to nourish a healthier, more sustainable world through the enjoyment of wine, food, and connection. Committed to organic food and farming, sustainable production, zero waste, and conserving and restoring our natural resources, we proudly hold B Corp certification. Joining a global community of businesses making a positive impact, at Clif Family, our 5 Aspirations guide us toward a brighter future, rooted in balance, respect, and collective action.
How did Clif Family begin, and how has it evolved?
When Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford started Clif Bar & Company in 1992, they were fueled by their passion for food and adventure and a desire to create convenience, portable and delicious-tasting food for active lifestyles. Their vision at Clif Bar was always to do business in a better way, placing organic farming and organic ingredients at the forefront of their sustainability efforts as a business. When they started Clif Family Winery & Farm in 2024, they were driven to create a more meaningful connection between food, wine, and the land. The Clif Family farm began as a way to connect with family members, planting fruit trees and harvesting and milling olives from the original 100-year-old olives trees on the property. Over the years, the farm has grown from a small garden to a fully working farm, where we grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that make their way to our Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck and into our preserved products. In addition to our gardens, we grow nine grape varietals on 90 acres of Estate vineyards located in Napa Valley’s famed Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll District AVA’s. The winery and farm is not just a business venture, it is an extension of Gary and Kit’s values, a homage to their farming roots, and a way to give back to their people, planet and community.
What do you see for the future of the brand?
We see a future where delicious wine, sustainable practices, and a vibrant community go hand-in-hand. We’re constantly innovating in the vineyard and cellar to create even better wines that reflect the unique character of Napa Valley. We’re also committed to pushing the boundaries of organic and sustainable winemaking and inspiring others to join us on this journey.
What are your favorite products, and what are the most popular products?
Our most popular wines include our Rose of Grenache and our Kit’s Killer Cab Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines demonstrate winemaker Laura Barrett’s ability to make wines across the spectrum from light and fruity to bold and complex. A personal favorite is our Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc for its crisp and refreshing flavors. On the food side, our new Organic Salt & Vinegar Mixed Nuts and Organic Hot Honey Cashews & Peanuts are favorites among our team.
How can I experience Clif Family wine and food?
You can join us for tastings at our Main Street tasting room in downtown St. Helena, a casual afternoon at our award-winning Bruschetteria Food Truck, or private food and wine tastings at our Enoteca Tasting Salon. No matter where you visit, our commitment to quality and hospitality will be clear. You can also purchase our wine and food online at Cliffamily.com.
Follow: @Cliffamily
