By Linzi Gay
Our culinary program was designed to highlight the bountiful fruits and vegetables that we grow on our organic Napa Valley farm. Our Bruschetteria Food Truck features a rotating menu of bruschetta, salads and side dishes that highlight our produce at the peak of its seasonal flavor and ripeness. And our Wine and Food Tasting Experiences highlight both fresh and preserved ingredients from the farm, such as our Hoshigaki persimmons which make a beautiful pairing with our Napa Valley Chardonnay.
With this culinary approach already in place, it was not a difficult leap to begin offering a plant-based wine and food tasting experience at our St. Helena Tasting Room and Enoteca Tasting Salon. The idea began in early 2022 as co-owners Gary and Kit transitioned to a more plant-based diet. As our Executive Chef and culinary team started exploring plant-based food pairings that could hold up to our wines, the creative juices began flowing. And with so many delicious pairings and requests from our guests for plant-based options, a full-fledged tasting menu was developed. Guests can select this option when booking their tasting experience with us.
We are fortunate to also have a wonderful and local plant-based cheese partner in Miyoko’s Creamery. Founder Miyoko Schinner basically invented the category of artisan vegan cheese. From their Chive and Garlic Herb Cashew Milk Cheese to their Black Ash and Winter Truffle, there are many options for our culinary team to use for wine pairings.
Although our tasting menus change based on seasonality and current wine releases, here is an example of some of the plant-based pairings you may find on our menu when you visit.
- Clif Family Gary’s Improv Zinfandel
Paired with Miyoko’s “Double Cream Sun-Dried Tomato” Nut Cheese and a freshly baked warm Gougere made with Clif Family Organic Smoked Spanish Pimenton Almonds
- Clif Family Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Paired with a Savory “Tostone” Clif Family Farm Potatoes, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms from Sonoma County and a Tamari based sauce
To book a tasting experience at Clif Family, visit our web site or give us a call at 707-968-0625.
