Garvin Family

The Garvin Family took ownership of what is now the Sam’s Valley Vineyard in the early 1990’s. At the age of 70, Vern Garvin decided to build one more business. In 1999 Vern began the process of starting the vineyard.

Vern and his wife Dorothy had a lot of excitement through the years and lived life to the fullest. Their children, Lee, Roy and Ruth were always involved in the family businesses including a cable company, radio communications and 24 hour answering services. The Garvin children could often be found on the pulling cable, working on the switchboard or doing whatever else was needed to help in building the success the family has always achieved.

Vern was the vineyard manager supported by Dorothy from the initial ground break of the vineyard in 1999. In 2009 at the age of 78, Vern passed away, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurship, stewardship and a blueprint for success to his family and community. Dorothy continued to actively participate in the growth of both the vineyard and the winery until October of 2015 when she passed. It is now up to the future generations.

The part of the second generation: Lee and Ruth are involved with all aspects of the business. Lee juggles his time between his job as Pilot and Purchasing Agent for South Coast Lumber Company in Brookings, Oregon and the family business. Ruth works full time and manages the marketing and distribution segments of the business and is the liaison for the family as needed.

The third generation: Kelly, Teri and Cory are always willing to help, and are busy creating their own lives. Kelly is a High School teacher and coach at Brookings Harbor High School, Teri is married and has the first of the fourth generation, a little girl, Bailey. She also works for the School District 17c office and is the payroll and benefits manager. Cory is the farmer of the crew. He is farming in the sea as a commercial fisherman and also helps with vineyard and farming projects.

Mission, Vision and Big Reds

We at Cliff Creek Cellars are dedicated to producing quality, estate-grown wines that will stand the test of time, obtaining local, regional and national recognition and distribution and to foster an enjoyable experience for the consumer at all points of contact.

Our vision is to share our family’s legacy of the practice of good stewardship, love of fine wine and passion for the people we share it with.

What are Big Reds?

Big Reds are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends around a dinner table. We believe the varietals we grow at our vineyard are best suited when aged in oak as well as in the bottle. Each wine is released when we feel they are ready to drink, but with the knowledge they have many years in a cellar to reach their full potential. We are committed to producing the fruit and making our wines in a traditional