Clif Family Winery

Clif Family Winery is the Napa Valley project of Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the creators of Clif Bar, who brought the same commitment to sustainability, community, and adventure that defines their energy bar brand to the production of wine, food, and experiences in downtown St. Helena. Founded in 2004, the winery operates from a downtown tasting room that includes the Bruschetteria food truck, a bicycle rental program, and wine tastings that emphasize the connection between wine, food, and active living. The concept is uniquely Clif: purposeful, health-conscious, and community-oriented.

The winery sources from organic and sustainably farmed vineyards across Napa Valley, with the sourcing philosophy reflecting the Clif Bar founders' environmental values. The wines are crafted from fruit grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and the winery operations prioritize energy efficiency and waste reduction. The portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and a Rose, each produced with the goal of making wine that is as responsibly made as it is delicious.

Winemaker Laura Barrett produces wines that are designed for the active, food-loving lifestyle that the Clif brand represents. The Cabernet is well-structured and food-friendly, the Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, and the Rose is light and perfect for warm-weather sipping. The wines are not trying to compete with the valley's power Cabernets; they are designed to accompany a meal, enhance a picnic, or reward a day of cycling through the vineyards.

The downtown St. Helena tasting room is the hub of the Clif Family experience. The Bruschetteria food truck serves seasonal, locally sourced bruschetta and other small plates alongside the wines. Bicycle rentals allow visitors to explore the valley on two wheels, and the winery hosts regular events that combine cycling, food, and wine. The $40 tasting fee includes the wine flight, and the food truck adds an affordable culinary dimension.

Clif Family demonstrates that a winery can be an expression of its founders' values rather than simply a profit-driven enterprise. The sustainability commitment, the food program, the cycling culture, and the community focus all reflect the ethos that made Clif Bar one of America's most admired companies. The wines are the centerpiece, but the experience is the product.