Clif  Family-Trail (mix) Blazer

Have you ever had a Clif or Luna bar?  These well known snack bars have a family behind them, and this family, the Clif family, also makes some really great wines, that go surprisingly well, with, uh..trail mix.

In 1992 the Clif family, with a passion for food, family and adventure began making these wildly popular health bars.  This passion eventually led them to the Napa Valley where they purchased  a piece of property with plenty of room to raise animals, grow a garden, and eventually plant vineyards.

Last year they opened a tasting room and began offering one of the most unique tasting experiences in the Napa Valley, a food and wine pairing.  However, this is no ordinary food and wine pairing because the food is a high end delicious variety of trail mix (i.e. fruits and nuts.) especially formulated to pair with their Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cab, and Zinfandel.

The folks at Clif Bar have an interesting twist on zin.   The zin is incredibly balanced and earthy.  So rather than do the normal pairing of bringing out the fruit and jam of the zin, the pairing is a smoked paprika almond and herb mix.  Something so different yet so delicious coming from a family who made the sweet and salty MOJO bar, should come as no surprise.

Next time you are in Napa make sure to visit Clif Family Winery where you not only get great wine with a unique food pairing, but you get a little closer to this family owned winery and farm.