Clif Family Winery

What it's like

Clif Family Winery's tasting room is on Main Street in St. Helena, in a modest building with bar and table seating indoors and a shaded patio out back. It opened in 2012 and has a relaxed, neighborhood feel rather than an estate-grandeur feel. On the grounds, the Clif Family Bruschetteria serves seasonal bruschette, porchetta, rotisserie chicken and salads from Wednesday to Sunday, so you can taste and eat at the same stop.

Who it's best for

Casual visitors, groups who want something unfussy, and anyone who would rather sit on a patio with a snack than take a formal seated flight. It suits travelers who prefer to walk in and decide on the spot, since walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday.

What to book

Three tasting experiences are offered. The tasting room is open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday tastings have been listed as free, though pricing for the other days varies by experience, so look at the experiences page for the current menu before you go. To reserve an experience, call 707.968.0625 or email wineryexperience@cliffamily.com. Weekends and groups are better handled with a reservation.

For transport, use a designated driver or a rideshare. The tasting room is walkable from many downtown hotels, which helps.

How it fits into a day

Because it is right in town, Clif Family fits comfortably as a lunch stop (via the Bruschetteria) between two more formal appointments. It pairs easily with Merryvale or Charles Krug in the morning, and you can walk the rest of Main Street afterward. Allow about an hour.