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Top Five Reasons to Visit Napa Valley in the Winter

Top Five Reasons to Visit Napa Valley in the Winter

Napa Valley is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, attracting visitors from all over the globe. With this world-class reputation, weekends in Napa Valley can get very busy. If you are looking for a Napa Valley visit without the crowds and hustle, visiting during the winter has many perks. And we certainly hope a visit to Clif Family Winery, our family-owned winery in St. Helena, is on your itinerary! Here are our top five reasons to plan a winter trip to Clif Family Winery.

1. Avoid the Crowds

One of the most significant benefits of visiting Clif Family Winery in the winter is that you’ll avoid all the crowds. When you visit during the cooler temperature days, you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere by taking your time, savoring the wine, and enjoying the beautiful scenery without feeling rushed or crowded. If you're in the mood for your own private experience in our Enoteca Tasting Salon, we recommend our Cima Tasting Experience which highlights Chef Magnus’ farm-to-table pairings shown alongside Winemaker Laura Barret’s Estate wines, including our highly sought-after Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

2. Personal Attention

Another benefit of visiting in the off-season is that you’ll receive more personalized attention from the staff. Our Wine Educators are often able to offer a more in-depth tasting experience and are more ready to share some extra splashes of wine or food pairings. With fewer visitors, the staff can spend more time with you, answering your questions, and providing more detailed information about the wines. Reserve our Seasonal Tasting Flight to enjoy a selection of our current wine releases, paired with small bites prepared by our in-house culinary team. And sometimes our Winemaker Laura Barrett pops in to say hello when she’s not busy in the cellar. A wine tasting is set up on a table in the Clif Family Tasting room. Four glasses of wine sit in front of a plate with three small bites of food. A hand is reaching for one of the glasses of Napa Valley red wine. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, we also offer a Farm Elixir Mocktail Flight. These unique non-alcoholic creations like Persimmon Bellini, Meyer Matcha Cooler, Sea-Berry Mojito, or Red Pepper Caesar feature Clif Family artisan food products and highlight flavors of the current season. This flight also comes with bites from the culinary team. A flight of non-alcoholic mocktails sit in a wooden frame presenter with a hand lifting up one of the glasses. The mocktails are made using unique combinations of Clif Family artisan food products and sparkling water.  

3. Street Food Napa Valley + Extended Hours - Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday, indulge in a special Street Food Napa Valley menu from the Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, featuring a rotating menu of international favorites. Popular weekly menus have included Vietnamese, Thai, Baja, and Indian. Additionally, we extend our hours for both the Tasting Room and the Food truck to allow for community socializing and happy hour. This is THE spot in Napa Valley where you’ll get a chance to rub elbows with fellow winemakers and chefs—and it’s no wonder, as our Food Truck has been voted the Best Napa Valley Food Truck 8 years in a row by Napa Valley locals. Our Wednesday crowd loves mixing and mingling over a glass or two of Clif Family wines. A group of people sit at a table on the Clif Family Tasting Room Patio. The table is full of dishes from the Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck as well as glasses and bottles of Clif Family Napa Valley wines.

4. If You Must...Work Remotely

If you can’t fully break away from work, why not try working remotely? Remote working from the Clif Family Tasting Room can be a much-needed break for those looking for a change of pace and scenery. Taking in the fresh air and beautiful Napa Valley scenic views on your drive-up valley, set up your laptop at a cozy table in the Tasting Room or on our covered garden patio and enjoy a handcrafted espresso. When you’re ready for a break, indulge in a guided wine-tasting experience followed by lunch from our Bruschetteria Food Truck featuring organic produce grown on the Clif Family Farm. A day working outside of the office can be a great way to boost your creativity and productivity.

5. Enjoy the Scenery

Finally, visiting Clif Family Winery in the winter allows you to enjoy the beauty of Napa Valley without the crowds. The area is renowned for its stunning scenery, including rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque towns. Take your time, explore the area, and soak up the beauty of the region by taking a leisurely drive up the highway or meandering St. Helena Main Street for some small-town charm. So, next time you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley, consider visiting Clif Family Winery during the winter for an unforgettable experience. Reserve one of our experiences HERE.

Special Offer 2-for-1 Winter Mid Week Tastings!

If you are visiting during the week, take advantage our Mid-Week 2 for 1 Winter Seasonal Tasting Offer, available Monday – Thursday. To reserve this, please reach out to our Hospitality Concierge at wineryexperience@cliffamily.com or give us a call at 707-968-0625. Mention Clif Family Blog when booking.

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