Wine Wednesday: Eco Friendly Wines From Clif Family Winery & Farm

Back when I was more athletic, I ate my fair share of Clif Bars and LUNA Bars. The makers of these nutritous foods (Clif Bar & Company) are also behind the Clif Family Winery & Farm. I decided to write an entire post about the winery in general, because I know that quite a few La Jolla Mom readers are interested in sustainable and/or organic wines.  Plus, a lot of you are probably already familiar with the parent company. I was definitely hoping that the wines would reflect the same quality and proactive attitude as Clif Bar & Company.  So far,  I am not disappointed.  Learning about the winery gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling like I wanted to curl up next to a fireplace with a blanket….and Clif Wines! 

Clif Family Winery & Farm Sustainablility:  I’m pretty sure that if it wasn’t possible for Clif Winery & Farm to produce wine in a sustainable manner, they wouldn’t do it.  It would seem to go against their core beliefs.  Here’s only some of what they do:

• They source sustainably and organically grown grapes. 
• They have reduced waste in their packaging by using lighter glass, fewer components and recyclable materials whenever possible.
• They offset carbon emissions by purchasing renewable wind energy credits from NativeEnergy.
• They have also created meaningful partnerships by supporting non profit organizations that promote family family farms, environmental sensitivities and wildlife habitat.

But this isn’t the end of it, Clif Family Winery & Farm is constantly striving to improve in all these areas.  It’s a very impressive operation and you can clearly tell the owners have poured their heart and soul into it. 

Organic Grapes:  Their grapes come from some of the best vineyards in Napa Valley. Clif Winery & Farm uses some organic grapes and they are working to eventually source 100% CCOF certified organic fruit. As I mentioned in a prior post, there is a difference between a 100% organic wine (USDA Organic, no sulfites) and a wine made with organic grapes only (can have sulfites). Clif Family Winery & Farm allow sulfites in their wines, so the wine will never be labeled USDA Organic. I’m ok with that, because the sulfites serve as a preservative that prevents bacterial spoilage.  Sulfites also can occur naturally in the wine making process. Remember, USDA Organic wines are rare and but wines labeled “Made With Organic Grapes” are becoming more common.

Wines:  The wines are made offsite at The Ranch Winery, located in Napa Valley. The varietals include:

• The Climber White Blend
• The Climber Red Blend
• Gary’s Improv Napa Valley Zinfandel
• kit’s killer cab Nappy Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

They also make a limited production extra virgin olive oil and trail mix snacks which can be purchased online.  If you happen to be in the neighborhood, their tasting room is open by appointment. And if you’re worried about a health food company’s ability to make great wines, have no fear, industry experts were brought in.

Clif Family Winery & Farm means for these wines to be enjoyed with friends and family over good, wholesome meals.  I was sent The Climber White Blend and The Climber Red Blend complimentary for review, so that’s what I did.  Stay tuned for the reviews next week (hurt my hand = slow typing). In the meantime, keep an eye out for these wines.

Tagged as: Clif Winery, Going Green, Napa, Red Wine, White Wine, Wine, Wine Wednesday, Wineries