Clif Notes

First Harvest

Originally Posted by Candice Crawford on Sunday, October 31, 2010

Our first harvest from the Howell Mountain Vineyard wrapped up last Thursday and boy did Mother Nature prove once again that she is in charge! The unusal weather in Northern California this year made for a challenging vintage. But the fruit looks great and we are very exited about our inaugural vintage from our Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

A Bold New Look

Originally Posted by Candice Crawford on Saturday, October 2, 2010

Soon you will start seeing our new Climber labels in your local stores and restaurants. Don't worry, it's still the same great quality wine at a terrific value...we just spiffed up the labels a bit! We've always compared the delicate art of climbing and winemaking. Both require balance and the ability to truly connect to the senses. The bold new look of our Climber labels celebrates our passion for the outdoors and mountain climbing. You can find the wines in stores soon or purchase them on our web site at www.cliffamilywinery.com - use code 'climber' at checkout and receive 30% off the wine ($14.00 per bottle - your price $9.80 per bottle). What a deal!

A Fine Day for Celebrating

Originally Posted by Efrain Barragan on Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Rain was in the forecast but the sun shone bright for the 2nd Annual Clif Family Winery & Farm Harvest Party.  As we breathed a sigh of relief, we were able to watch the afternoon unfold with smiles on our faces.  This year, our harvest party celebrated the end of a successful summer CSA box program and the start of the grape harvest.  There was much to be thankful for and the mood was festive as our guests enjoyed great food, wine, activites and music. 

Farm Fresh Gazpacho

The proceeds from this event benefit Community Alliance with Family Farmers. 

Thanks to all that came to celebrate.  If you couldn't make it this year, we hope to see you next year!

Recipe from the Farm: Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

Originally Posted by Efrain Barragan on Friday, August 20, 2010

With all this cool Northern California weather we have been having this summer, the tomatoes are taking their sweet time ripening.  The upside of this is that we will be enjoying tomatoes well into fall.  Here is one of our favorite recipes for enjoying summer's heirloom tomatoes. 

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

6-8 large heirloom tomatoes, seeded and diced into 1/4 inch cubes

1 cucumber, seeded and diced into 1/4 inch cubes

1 red onion, diced into 1/4 inch cubes

1 clove garlic

2-3 TBSP fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1-2 TBSP fresh basil, roughly chopped

2 TBSP red wine vinegar

1/4 cup lemon juice

Tabasco to flavor

Salt & Pepper to flavor

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar

Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and garlic in a large bowl.  Add cilantro, basil, red wine vinegar, Tabasco, salt and pepper.  Use a fork (or your hands!) to mash the tomatoes into a soupy mixture.  Add olive oil.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.  Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar before serving.

Serve with a little sour cream, croutons and a loaf of warm, crusty bread!

Out and About

Originally Posted by Efrain Barragan on Tuesday, August 17, 2010

We're going to be out and about over the next few months at events all around the country.  We know you can't all make the trip to visit us so we hope to see some of you when we come to your town.  Here are just a few of the places we'll be.

Sipping Our Way Around the World in Hollywood

Bottlenotes is hosting their 80 Sips Around the World event in Hollywood this Thursday (August 19th) at the trendy h.wood lounge and eatery.  We'll be pouring some new releases and enjoying the great food and wine. 

Celebrating Labor Day Weekend in Tahoe

Wine tasting, live music and a silent auction all benefit the nonprofit organization Can Do Multiple Sclerosis at this Squaw Valley event.  Over 40 wineries will be pouring at this event on Sunday, September 5th. 

More Labor Day Fun

We really can be two places at once!  We'll also be at the LA Times Celebration of Food & Wine event at Paramount Studios on Labor Day Weekend.  This is going to be a great event with lots of amazing wine and food.  September 5th. 

Heading to the Rocky Mountains

More great food, wine and celebration at the Denver International Wine Festival.  November 7th. 

San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival

One of our favorite events, this will be our fourth year attending.  You can't beat the setting in beautiful, sunny San Diego.  If you are at the event, be sure to check out both our wines and our tasty new gourmet food products.  We'll have two tables.  November 17-21. 

Hope to see some of you there!

New Release: 2009 Rte. Blanc

Originally Posted by Candice Crawford on Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Our 2009 Rte. Blanc Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc released this week. This is a deliciously refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for a warm summer evening (if summer ever arrives in the Napa Valley!). The fruit comes from organic and sustainably farmed vineyards in Napa's Oakville and St. Helena appellations. Great aromatics of melons, fresh figs and orange blossom and lots of citrus and tropical flavors.

The 2009 was also bottled with our brand new labels. Hope you enjoy what we think is a sophisticated new look!

Available online at www.cliffamilywinery.com and in our tasting room. Stop by for a visit!

Cheers!