Highlighting seasonal produce from their organic Napa Valley farm and plant based products from local purveyors, Clif Family offers the option of a Plant-Based tasting experience at their St. Helena Tasting Room.
Eating meals that feature fruits and vegetables and reducing reliance on animal products continues to grow among U.S. consumers who want to have a positive impact on the climate and realize the health benefits of eating more plant-based foods.
Clif Family Winery & Farm co-owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford began eating a plant-based diet several years ago and sought to offer more plant-based options on the winery's Bruschetteria Food Truck menu. This year, they took that a step further with the addition of plant-based wine and food pairing experiences. The Clif Family culinary team, led by Executive Chef John McConnell, took up the challenge to create plant-based pairings that would hold up to the bold and fruit-driven Napa Valley Cabernet that the winery produces.
By putting a fun and familiar twist on traditional wine and food pairings, we are able to create plant-based pairings that hold up to our wines. This approach challenges us to be creative and highlight seasonal produce at the peak of flavor.
John McConnell, Clif Family Winery & Farm Executive Chef
Clif Family Winery continues to offer meat-based pairings, but has added plant-based offerings to each of their Tasting Experiences. This allows guests within a group who want to opt for a meat-free tasting to still receive a top-tier culinary experience with their wines. Each tasting experience can be booked online at www.cliffamily.com and the guest can request a plant-based tasting in the booking.
The current Seasonal Plant Based Tasting Menu is $50/person and includes the following pairings. This menu changes frequently to highlight the best seasonal produce organically grown on the Clif Family Farm.
- Clif Family Oak Knoll District Unoaked Chardonnay: Paired with Miyoko’s “Double Cream Classic Chive” Nut Cheese and Clif Family Organic Meyer Lemon Marmalade
- Clif Family Gary’s Improv Howell Mountain Zinfandel: Paired with Miyoko’s “Double Cream Sun-Dried Tomato” Nut Cheese and a Freshly Baked Warm Gougere Made with Clif Family Spanish Pimenton Almonds
- Clif Family Cold Springs Vineyard Howell Mountain Cabernet: Paired with a Slow-Roasted Heirloom Tomato Topped with Garden Herbs and Crunchy Sourdough Crumbs
At Clif Family, we are guided by our values to sustain our planet, our community and our people. We strive to support a healthier, more sustainable world through the enjoyment of wine, food and connection. We organically farm the grapes, olives, fruit and vegetables that go into our wine and food products and we work with our suppliers to source organic ingredients. Every Clif Family product is made with the highest quality and care while having the lowest impact and cost to our planet. Visit us online at www.cliffamily.com