Certified B Corp Winery: Clif Family Winery, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California

In the picturesque town of St. Helena, Clif Family Winery stands out as a beacon of planet wellness in the Napa Valley. Co-owners Kit Crawford and Gary Erickson, renowned for their sustainable farming, have seamlessly integrated their passion for organic agriculture and the outdoors with the art of winemaking. This unique approach, combined with their dedication to active lifestyles and healthy eating, has made Clif Family Winery a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.

Clif Family Winery is one of a handful of wineries in Napa that have gone above and beyond to achieve B Corp Certification, a prestigious designation recognizing companies for their commitment to balancing profit with purpose. B Corp certification is not easy to obtain. Companies must undergo a rigorous assessment of their social and environmental practices, governance structure, and transparency. It’s a comprehensive process that requires companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable business practices and positive impact on their employees, communities, and the environment.

From sourcing grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards to using renewable energy and minimizing waste, Clif Family is dedicated to practices that unequivocally support the health of its people and surroundings.

Winemaker and advocate of sustainability Laura Barrett came to Clif Family Wines with confidence, knowing the company shares her values. “The B Corp certification is global for all businesses—not just wine. It is grander than organic and makes you accountable.” Additionally, she confirms that her life choices, professionally and personally, align with what she eats and purchases.

With a background in chemistry, Barrett began her career devoted to understanding the science of wine. She acknowledged there are hundreds of decisions to make for every wine depending on the desired alcohol level, color hue, and tannic structure. “It takes a long time to integrate wine; I taste from barrel daily, do mock trials, and find out what works or is missing on the finish.” Furthermore, she recognizes what her customers enjoy drinking and what works with the culinary team to deliver wines that enhance their broad organic menus.

Clif Family Wines grows nine grape varietals on 90 acres of Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain AVA. This region is known for its perfect concentration of volcanic ash, iron, and clay, which yields phenomenal Cabernet Sauvignon. The Oak Knoll District AVA, where the fog influence and diurnal shifts enhance fruit development, is also home to Clif Family Wine varietals. These vineyards, which are CCOF-certified organic and Napa Green-certified, further demonstrate the winery’s commitment to sustainable farming.

You can experience Clif Family Wines in their Main Street tasting room in downtown St. Helena, where you can also enjoy food from their Bruschetteria Food Truck. Furthermore, less than a mile from town, visit their Clif Family Enoteca tasting salon and take in the views of Napa Valley’s iconic vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountain range. Most tastings will offer food pairings, such as culinary seasonal bites and farm-to-table lunches designed to boost the tasting experience. Reservations are required for private tastings and events.

My Tasting Notes:

2023 Unoaked Chardonnay – Retail $38/bottle:

A beautiful array of papaya and apricots intermingled with citrus and tart apples balanced by a touch of salinity and minerality of wet slate and a clean, fresh finish. Food pairings: shellfish, salads, and seafood with champagne vinaigrette or creamy lemon sauces and light salty delights like soft cheeses, sushi, or even popcorn.

2023 Rose of Grenache – Retail $30/bottle:

The Provence-style rose is light with bright acidity, subtle fruit of just ripe strawberries and grapefruit with slightly sweet and peppery watermelon radishes. Hints of stemmy herbs and chalky minerality dance on the palate. Food pairings: chicken salad, salmon, grilled corn, shish kabobs and edamame. (The grapes were sourced from Mendocino County, a favorite of mine for elegant, delicate wines.)

2022 Bici Red – Retail $42/bottle:

The medium-bodied red blend boasts ripe cherries and blueberries, plum liquor, and baking spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Food pairings: burgers, flank steak salads with blood orange and fruity dressings of pomegranate and blueberry compote, and baked chicken dishes.

2021 Kit’s Killer Cabernet Sauvignon – Retail $75

A powerful, robust, fruit-forward wine with a punch of baked mixed berries, aromatic florals, notes of chocolate, vanilla, cream de cassis, and sweet nuts with a velvety tannic finish. Food pairings: filet mignon, duck confit, leg of lamb, and roasted chicken with fruity plum sauces.

To learn more visit cliffamily.com