GRAPE CLUSTERS:

Did you know that each grape in a cluster is already predestined prior to bud break?
Much like a family, each grape is growing individually in the cluster of grapes, they are individual pieces of fruit, yet growing in a cluster. Much like a family. External influence of water, sunlight and fertilizer can help each grape grow and if one grape spoils it can affect an entire cluster. But never be mistaken, each grape has it’s own road of success with in the cluster it is growing. And of course, you cannot make a great wine with just one grape, it is the cluster you need, with each unique and individual grape full of flavor and sweetness.

The Garvin Family is made up of three generations. Each generation has made a contribution to making Cliff Creek what it is today. From planting , harvesting, marketing and tasting we all have taken part in this wonderful adventure.

THE FIRST GENERATION

Vern and Dorothy Garvin, Managers

Vern and Dorothy have been married for nearly 50 years and in that time have started from scratch three business and been involved in numerous business ventures. They have raised three children and been actively involved in there three grandkids lives. Vern comes from a farming background, being raised on a dairy farm. After serving in the Army during the Korean War he returned to the Brookings-Harbor area of the Southern Oregon Coast and worked in the logging industry. There he met Dorothy, they were married and attend OIT, together. Vern got his associates in electronic engineering and Dorothy achieved her associates in bookkeeping. This was a winning combination. They returned to Brookings and started a television repair business, that lead to a two way radio operation and answering services. In 1960, Vern with a partner started the local radio station, KURY. Eventually, they bought the partner out and sold the station in 2005. The next business venture was building a cable TV system in 1974. They built several systems in the southern part of the state. These systems were sold in the late 1980’s and McDonough Ranch was bought with some of the proceeds. McDonough Ranch is what is now known as Sams Valley Vineyards. They have always been actively involved in their communities, church and social organizations. The wine business may be new to them, but with each new adventure they have managed to learn and grow and create a successful business

THE SECOND GENERATION Lee and Cristi Garvin- Lee is the oldest of the three children. After attending OIT and receiving his associates in electronic engineering he also returned to Brookings, Oregon. Lee was one of those lucky guys and found his true passion in life at an early age, flying. He has been flying since his was 14 years old. He has managed to turn his passion into his work. Not many people can say that. He flies for Cal-Ore Medical, has his own charter business and finds time to teach flying. He has been married to his wife, Cristi for 23 years and they have three children. Cristi came into our family with the same entrepreneurial spirit that we all possess from her parents. She has built and operates a Blockbuster franchise in Brookings, Oregon. She again turned her passion for the big screen into her own work.

Roy Garvin-

Roy is working towards his Doctorette in Biomedical Science and is the co-founder of Microstein, LLC. One of the leading manufacturers of innovative test tubes in the market today. His body of research is devoted to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. He is an avid horseman and enjoys competing in Dressage.

Ruth Garvin-

Ruth has owned Papaccino’s Coffeehouse’s in Portland, Oregon since 1988. She was at the start of the coffee craze in the Northwest. In addition, she has turned her love for cooking and baking into a in-house bakery that furnishes both coffeehouses with fresh baked goods and food items seven days a week. Coffee by day and wine by night is the perfect combination for her hospitality driven life. If not doing coffee or wine you will find her somewhere on water or near horses and dogs.

THE NEXT GENERATION Kelly Garvin – Kelly has completed two years at George Fox University where she played softball for the University. She has returned to Brookings and is still working on her degree, while she take sometime and works for a while. Teri Garvin – After attending Portland State University for one year. Teri has decided to go to SWOCC in Coos Bay to continue working towards a business degree. She also is thinking culinary school might be in her future. She is also a horse lover and enjoys surfing, as well. Cory Garvin- Cory is in the 7th grade at Azalea Middle School in Brookings, Oregon. He is involved in football and baseball,

No matter what age, 75 to 13 years old, we have all participated in this adventure. Though sometimes it is hard to all be on the same page, we think it is the best way to do it. We get dirty together and we dream together. We don’t see eye to eye and we perfectly blend. We reach for the common goal and support each other in our own goals. We are a family, imperfect and proud. Individual, yet a cluster, working together for the common good.