The Clif Family team was introduced to Reyna Noriega through a project with the LUNAFEST film festival team several years ago. We were immediately drawn to Reyna’s work, commenting on how beautiful and inspiring it would be on a wine label. This excitement became a reality during the 2021 harvest season and the result was our first Napa Valley Red Wine Blend collaboration. We asked Reyna a few questions about her background and what inspires her art. We hope you enjoy!
Q: How did you get started as a visual artist and author?
RN: My father is an artist so one part of it comes from there, I was stealing his sketchbooks to doodle so many unrecognizable figures as a child. I took art as an elective in my 11th grade year in high school and fell in love! My classmates were so supportive of my journey, it really gave me the courage to take it seriously. Writing was something I discovered I was good at early in elementary school. My writing and English teachers would always encourage me to enter contests, and they would always pin up my work as examples. I guess as a young impressionable kid I was highly motivated by the praise. I stuck with art because the support of my classmates made me feel that I could be good at it but overtime I stuck with it because it became a way that I could express myself, communicate my thoughts and imagine a better world.
Q: What inspires your creativity?
RN: My work is inspired by a need to communicate with the hearts of others and encourage them to prioritize their peace, joy, and growth no matter where in life they might be. I tend to look at the barriers people may have to attaining those things and that has led me to focus on women of color as the primary subjects of my work.
Q: Why did you choose Clif Family to work with on this project?
RN: Clif Family was the perfect partner for this project! We both share a deep passion for creativity and giving back. Having collaborated with them through the LUNAFEST film festival, I knew about their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Being a B Corp Certified winery truly aligns with my values. Their focus on supporting their people, community, and the planet is inspiring. The fact that they host events to benefit local art organizations with each release just solidified the perfect fit. They were the ideal partner to bring this artistic vision to life, while also amplifying the message of supporting marginalized voices, which is so important to me.
Q: What inspired the artwork for these wines labels?
RN: Wine itself is such a rich and multifaceted subject, from the grapes to the way it dances in a glass. I wanted to capture that whole experience on the label. You'll see hints of the flavors of the wine in the color palate. For the red wine, I used deeper, richer tones than I usually do to reflect the depth and character of this wine. For the white wine, I used a more vibrant palate to reflect the characteristics of Chardonnay and Viognier. It was fantastic to explore this world - there's a real connection between the artistry of crafting a delicious wine and the artistry of creating a captivating image. The wine bottle became my canvas, and I poured all the beauty and complexity of winemaking into this visual story.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your time in Napa Valley?
RN: I love the people, the breathtaking landscapes, and the delicious wine and food! Every time I visit, I am greeted by such warm individuals who make may stay so much more enjoyable. It’s truly a special place.
Q: What do you want people to take away when experiencing the Clif Family x Reyna Noriega wine collaborations?
RN: I want the wine to bring joy of course! I want it to give people a reason to sit and relax and enjoy the good company of loved ones while pondering the good days to come.
Q: What food pairings do you suggest with these wines?
RN: I’m currently on a white cheddar and prosciutto kick. That’s a pairing that goes with both our red and white blend. I always look forward to sharing these wines at a movie night with the girls.
Q: If you could collaborate with any famous artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
There are so many! But I think I would choose Dalí because I would love to hear him talk through his process and where the visions for his work came from. 
The Clif Family x Reyna Noriega Collaboration collection is now available for purchase.
SHOP THE COLLECTION:
2021 Clif Family x Reyna Noriega Red Wine
