Kit inherited a passion for natural food from her mother and father who instilled in her the value of growing your own food and caring for the natural resources of the land. At Clif Family Farm, Kit has fun creating meals for family and friends from the organic fruits and vegetables that she grows on the Farm. Kit's interest in wine began when she worked at a popular artisan pasta, wine and cheese shop in San Francisco and expanded when she and Gary purchased a home and farm in the Napa Valley. Kit has a passion for animals and raises chickens and turkeys on the farm. Kit plays a very active role in her local and global community. As a St. Helena High School parent, she is very active in fundraising activities for the local community. As President of Clif Bar Family Foundation, she is responsible for the fiscal oversight of the foundation and its programs.

 

Gary has been cooking and baking since high school under the watchful eyes of his mother and grandmother. He began Kali's Sweets and Savories (named after his grandmother) in 1986 as a small bakery making calzones and gourmet cookies. Kali's went on to become Clif Bar & Company, the leading maker of organic energy food and drinks. Gary's love of food and wine began with his cycling trips through Europe. A day of cycling would inevitably end with a long meal and a great bottle of wine. The European's connection with their food was an inspiration for what would later become Clif Family Winery & Farm. Whether it's cycling in the French & Italian Alps or a mountain bike ride on his Napa Valley property, good food and wine are always part of the adventure. When he's not busy running his two companies, Gary can be found at home, cooking eclectic dishes for his family or playing jazz trumpet.

 

“The key elements to an extraordinary bottle of wine are not that different than those of a good climb — balance, focus and a connecting of the senses.” Gary Erickson, Founder of Clif Family Winery