Blog Post By Meg Barkley
4 Ways to Celebrate the New Year, Wine Country Style
Beauty abounds in the Napa Valley when winter arrives. Vibrant, chilly sunrises and cold evenings make for a lovely backdrop for celebrations in Wine Country. Holiday lights sparkle on the dark vines against green hills, special bottles are opened, and menus celebrate the bounty of the season. Celebrate the New Year in Napa valley or bring the spirit of the Wine Country to your festivities at home.
Picnic Anytime
Being in wine country gives anyone an excuse to picnic anytime. Bright, sunny winter days make for perfect picnic weather. When you select your cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers at the market, don’t forget to add your favorite seasonal Clif Family Preserve or Savory Nut Mix. Or create a luxurious spread in your own backyard with a nod to Napa Valley wines. If the temps are chilly, bring your picnic indoors fireside. And we’ve got tips on how to Build a Cheese and Charcuterie Board to make your holiday planning easy. Explore winter friendly whites like Clif Family’s Chardonnay or a delicious red with dark spice notes like Clif Family’s Bici Rhone-style Red Blend to pair with your cheese and charcuterie board.
Wine Tasting, Wine Not?
Did you know that most wineries are open for New Year’s Eve? Take advantage of fewer crowds and schedule a day of tasting in the valley. It’s always best to schedule in two to three tastings for the day and a lunch stop so you’re not too rushed through the day. Make it extra special by enjoying elevated wine tastings such as Clif Family’s Cima Tasting which features our Howell Mountain Cabernets paired with seasonal food pairings from Chef John. And don’t forget to pick-up a bottle of Clif Family Sparkling Brut Rose to toast at midnight.
Stay-In with Style
Maybe you’re not quite up for a party out, but you can still embrace the New Year with a festive gathering at home. Cook-up a decadent menu of Wine Country flavors like Chef John’s Wild Mushroom Ragout Polenta as your main courses. Add a winter seasonal salad of fresh greens with a side of fresh bread dipped in Clif Family Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Make the evening extra special by hosting a Blind Tasting for your guests. At Clif Family, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and created a Red Wine Blind Tasting that can be delivered to your doorstep. Each Blind Tasting Kit comes with three Clif Family Wines each concealed in their own canvas bag along with wine tasting instructions and worksheets created by Winemaker Laura Barrett.
Get RejuVINated!
Clif Family opens our doors on January 1st to welcome the New Year in style. Chef John and the Food Truck team offer a delicious Brunch Menu that is not to be missed. This first come, first served menu is a local’s favorite and sells out quickly. Menu items include French Toast, Ssam Style West Coast Fried Oysters and Pimento Skillet Cornbread. Order a glass of wine or a bottle and plan on relaxing your way into 2022 with Clif Family.