Always an Adventure – Clif Family Winery
Clif Family Winery is owned and operated by outdoor enthusiasts Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford. Driven by their passion for food and adventure, when they originally founded Clif Bar & Company in 1991, their mission was to create convenient, portable delicious food for today’s busy lifestyles. When they moved their family to Napa Valley in 1997, what started out as a country home in Pope Valley launched an exciting new adventure in winemaking and sustainable farming.
The Clif Family Farm is comprised of two properties: “Home Farm” and “Croquet Estate”. Both are farmed to olive and fruit orchards and extensive herb and vegetable gardens. The farms are dedicated to local, organic & sustainable farming practices and their bounties provide a portion of the fresh, seasonal ingredients into packaged food or dishes prepared in their celebrated “Bruschetteria” food truck most often found parked outside their St. Helena tasting room. Each Estate property is planted to vineyards that produce Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and present lush, well-balanced fruit that complement the attributes of the soil, elevation, and micro- climates of each unique terroir. Their third Howell Mountain property, Cold Springs Vineyard, is located on the south side of the mountain. Its 1660-foot elevation and rich, volcanic soil offer the perfect growing conditions for the opulent composition of their Cold Springs Single Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The small production Estate Cab and Zinfandel from these properties are offered exclusively to direct customers and club members.
In addition to the Estate fruit on Howell Mountain, Clif Family sources grapes from growers in Napa, Mendocino and Anderson Valley, and in 2018, they purchased a 40- acre vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. In 2022, they are looking forward to harvesting their first vintage of CCOF certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting Experiences at Clif Family Winery are designed to offer versatility and a sense of adventure. Whether it’s a simple wine tasting or cyclists returning from one of their hosted biking tours, the Tasting Room on Highway 29 in St. Helena is always bustling. For the foodie aficionado, don’t miss the notorious “Bruschetteria,” a gourmet food truck operated by Executive Chef John McConnell. Inspired by their friends’ bruschetta restaurant in Northern Italy, Gary & Kit re-created a way to bring people together through delicious food. Always brimming with an ever- changing menu expertly created from the seasonal bounties of Clif Family Farm, the Bruschetteria has gained industry acclaim as one of the top food and wine experiences in Napa.
The Clif Family mission is to craft distinct, regional wine and food experiences using practices that care for the earth. Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have proven providing a more vibrant and healthy food community should be part of any food and wine lovers unique adventure.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Article By: Laura Larson
