Wineries in California: With an ever-growing passion for good food farmed sustainably, Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford started Clif Family Winery in 2004.
Gary and Kit were already widely known as the founders of Clif Bar & Company, the leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition food and drinks. Between running a booming business, hiking, bicycling, and riding horses, they had to make a concerted effort to take it easy. When they did, they found inspiration in slowing down at the end of the day, preparing fresh food from local ingredients, and enjoying a connection to their food source. And that’s where the idea to make wine began.
Sarah Gott, former winemaker for Quintessa and Joseph Phelps Vineyards and currently working with Joel Gott Wines, joined Clif Family
Winery as consulting winemaker in 2007. “Like Gary and Kit, my goal is to over-deliver when it comes to putting high-quality wine in the bottle,” Sarah says. She sources fruit from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley, Mendocino County, and beyond—always supporting farmers who are using or making the transition to organic and sustainable farming practices.
The winery’s green efforts extend beyond its winemaking practices. One innovative Clif Family Winery program, Green My Shipment, gives online wine customers a chance to donate to a carbon emissions program to reduce the environmental impact of their order. The Clif Family Farm runs all its vehicles on biodiesel and grows 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables. Although the winery’s grapes are currently sourced elsewhere, Gary and Kit plan to plant their own vines and someday make wine from their own 100 percent organic estate-grown grapes.
Recently, Gary & Kit’s Gourmet Mountain Mix, made from four varieties of organically grown fruit and nuts, was launched for those who want to take it slow. They can enjoy the mix paired with a distinctive Clif Family wine.
WHAT TO BUY
CONTACT
707.968.0625
winery@clifbar.com
cliffamilywinery.com
1312 Vidovich Ave
St. Helena, CA 94574
Tastings by appointment only.
GETTING THERE
Located in downtown St. Helena. From Hwy 29, go west on Vidovich Ave to the big yellow building on the right.
Touring & Tasting
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