Stories from Clif Family
The Clif Family Blog
Updates from the people behind our wines and food, including our winemaker Laura Barrett and Executive Chef Magnus Young. Read on for entertaining ideas, recipes, events, membership news, press, and our sustainability work.
Stories
Oct 21, 2026
Personalized Corporate Gifts People Actually Keep
A personalized corporate gift is one chosen for the person getting it: their name, a real note, and something they’ll enjoy. It isn’t one that carries your logo. That difference...
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Sep 18, 2026
Beyond Sauvignon Blanc: 5 White Wines Worth Discovering in 2026
You know your Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the bottle you grab when people are coming over in an hour and you’d rather not think about it. Bright, dry, cold, done. Now...
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Sep 9, 2026
Corporate Wine Gifts for Employees: Appreciation That Doesn’t Feel Corporate
Corporate wine gifts for employees, from new-hire bottles to retirement sets. Organically farmed Napa wine, farm-made food, and a personal note in every box.
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Sep 4, 2026
Corporate wine gift baskets: a practical guide
Every November, our gifting inbox fills with a version of the same message: I have 60 clients, a budget, and three weeks. Help. We get it. Corporate gifting tends to...
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Jul 23, 2026
Bringing Aperitivo Home: How Italy Taught Me to Slow Down at Golden Hour
Written by Linzi Gay, President, Clif Family Winery & Farm This summer I spent two weeks in Italy, and I came home changed by a single moment of the day....
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Jun 11, 2026
White Wine for Beginners: Best Bottles, Sweetness Levels & Tasting Tips
Nobody hands you a quiz at the end of a glass of wine. White wine especially is meant to be easy: bright, refreshing, the kind of bottle you open on...
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Jun 9, 2026
Red Wine for Beginners: The Best Bottles, Terms, and Tasting Tips to Start With
If you have ever stood in front of a wall of red wine and thought, I have no idea where to start, this guide is for you. You do not...
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Jun 8, 2026
Why Family-Owned Wineries Are the Soul of Napa Valley
Drive through Napa Valley early on a clear morning and you will see it before you can name it: fog lifting off the hillsides, rows of vines someone has trained...
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May 27, 2026
What Is the 75-85-95 Rule for Wine? (A Simple Guide to Reading Wine Labels)
You’re standing in the wine aisle, holding a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, 2022. The label looks great. But what’s actually in that bottle, and how much of...
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Apr 20, 2026
Napa Valley Food Truck Reviews: From Calistoga Tacos to St. Helena Organic Eats
Napa Valley is synonymous with world-class dining, but some of the most exciting flavors in the region aren't found behind white tablecloths; they’re served through a window on four wheels....
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Apr 6, 2026
Napa Valley: How to Choose Your Own Adventure—Casual vs. Luxury
Napa Valley is world-famous for its legendary Cabernet Sauvignon, sweeping vineyard views, and Michelin-starred five-course meals. But there is a secret the locals know: Wine Country has a "come as...
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Mar 23, 2026
What's Happening in Napa Valley Right Now
Napa Valley never stands still. While the vines follow their seasonal rhythm, the valley’s culinary and social scenes are constantly evolving. Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt...
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Mar 23, 2026
Red Wine or White Wine? Here's How to Choose
You're staring down a wine list, or maybe an entire wall of bottles at the shop, and you can't decide: red or white? We've all been there. And honestly, there's...
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Feb 1, 2026
From Finish Line to Wine: Your Napa Valley Marathon Weekend Guide
You've signed up for the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon (or the half marathon or 5k)—congratulations! Whether you're a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, this guide will help you plan the...
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Jan 5, 2026
Your 2026 Adventure Awaits - Adventure Boldly, Sip Lightly
From the bike to the kitchen to the open road, our story has always been fueled by adventure. In 2026, we’re inviting you to find your own wine & food...
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Dec 22, 2025
🍜 Street Food Napa Valley: Globally Inspired Dining at Clif Family Winery
St. Helena Food Truck: Experience the World, Every Wednesday Night Every Wednesday night, our talented culinary team creates unique, globally inspired Street Food dishes right from the Clif Family Food Truck. We...
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Dec 8, 2025
Organic Savory Nut Mixes: Gourmet Snacks Crafted for Wine Pairings
More than an accouterment — an experience. Our crunchy, flavorful savory nut mixes are created by the culinary team at Clif Family to be everything from a solo snack to...
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Oct 2, 2025
Farm-to-Table Wine Country: Your Fall Destination for Napa Tasting & Dining
Make Clif Family a “must-do” on your fall travel itinerary to Napa Valley. Why? Because we blend organically farmed wine with cool farm-to-table culinary experiences—an approach that just earned us...
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Sep 29, 2025
The Professional's EOY Survival Guide
Let's be real: Q4 is always a sprint. You're the one juggling the holiday rush, closing the year strong, and somehow setting the entire team up for an amazing 2026....
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Sep 23, 2025
Falling for Cabernet Sauvignon
Your Fall 2025 Cima Shipment features two of our members' most popular wines. These are perfect for a special celebration -- or for no reason at all. With October ushering...
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