At TCHO, we believe that chocolate should be made fair & square—with sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, for B Corp Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight not only the incredible people, but a brand that inspires us: Clif Family Winery & Farm.
Clif Family, known for its delicious wines, farm-fresh foods, and deep-rooted sustainability efforts, has been a Certified B Corporation since 2012. Their approach to business is about more than just great wine—it’s about making a meaningful impact on people and the planet. We had the honor of chatting with Linzi Gay, President of Clif Family Winery & Farm, to talk about their B Corp journey, sustainability initiatives, and how businesses and consumers can work together to build a better future.
What inspired Clif Family Wine to become a
Certified B Corporation?
At Clif Family, our values are deeply rooted in our Five Aspirations business model – sustaining our business, brand, people, planet and community. Becoming a Certified B Corporation was a natural extension of our mission. We’ve always believed that making great wine and food should go hand-in-hand with taking care of people and the planet. By joining the B Corp movement, we wanted to hold ourselves accountable, measure our impact, and continue pushing for positive change in our industry.
What does being a B Corp mean to you and the
Clif Family team?
Being a B Corp means that every
decision we make—from how we farm our vineyards to how we support our employees and community—is guided by a greater purpose. It’s about using our business as a vehicle for meaningful impact. For our team, it fosters a culture of responsibility, innovation, and continuous improvement, knowing that we are all contributing to something bigger than just making wine and food.
At Clif Family, we offer fantastic benefits
and additional perks like wellness stipends, reimbursement for park passes and athletic events, and a community service program where each employee receives 16 hours of paid time off each year to volunteer in their local community.
How does Clif Family Wine incorporate
sustainability into its winemaking process?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We farm organically, use regenerative agriculture practices, and focus on soil health to create thriving vineyard ecosystems. We use lightweight glass bottles to reduce our carbon footprint and prioritize renewable energy. We also look at every step of our supply chain to ensure that our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our own vineyards.
How do you support the farmers and
workers in your supply chain?
We believe that the people behind our products are just as important as the products themselves. We work with partners who share our values of fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental stewardship.
How does being a B Corp influence the
way you run your business day-to-day?
Being a B Corp keeps us accountable. It means constantly evaluating our impact on our employees, customers, and community. Every decision we make—whether it’s packaging choices, employee benefits, or sourcing ingredients—goes through the lens of our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It’s not just a certification; it’s a way of doing business that influences every aspect of our operations.
Are there any partnerships or initiatives that Clif Family Wine is particularly proud of when it comes to giving back to the community?
Yes! One initiative we’re incredibly proud of is our Sip & Support program, which donates a portion of sales to nonprofit organizations in our local community. Each month, we spotlight different local nonprofits, contributing a percentage of our sales to support their important work. Collaboration is key, and we’re always looking for ways to amplify the impact of organizations making a difference in our community.
In addition to our local giving, we’re also proud to support American Forests with a $25,000 donation each year, helping to support forest restoration efforts in critical ecosystems and bring Tree Equity to cities across North America.
How can consumers and businesses work together to create a more sustainable and ethical food and beverage industry?
Transparency and education are key. Consumers have the power to drive change by supporting brands that align with their values and asking questions about sourcing and sustainability. Businesses, in turn, need to be honest about their practices, set ambitious
goals, and collaborate with like-minded partners. Together, we can create a ripple effect that transforms the industry for the better.
Partnering with TCHO Chocolate to make our Napa Noir bar was a natural fit for us. Both companies are deeply rooted in our communities and dedicated to creating exceptional products. We share a passion for sustainability and believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change. Our long-standing relationship with TCHO, using their chocolate in our Bruschetteria Food Truck and pairing experiences, has only strengthened our admiration for their craft.
What’s next for Clif Family Wine in terms of
sustainability and social impact?
We’re always looking for ways to improve. In the coming years, we’re focused on deepening our commitment to regenerative agriculture, reducing our carbon footprint, and expanding our impact through partnerships and advocacy. We’re also exploring new ways to make sustainable choices more accessible to our customers, whether it’s through packaging innovations or farm-to-table experiences.
How do you see the B Corp movement
evolving in the wine industry?
The wine industry is uniquely positioned to lead in sustainability, given its deep connection to the land. As the B Corp movement grows, we expect to see more wineries adopting regenerative farming, prioritizing ethical labor practices, and using their platforms to drive climate action. We hope to inspire more of our peers to take this journey with us, because when we work together, the impact is even greater.
Posted by: Alana Buckley
