Meet the Winemakers

Producer: Au Bon Climat
Winemaker: Jim Clendenen
Region: Santa Maria Valley
Country: USA

This not just another label, it is a project of passion for winemaker/owner Jim Clendenen. These are artisan, small lots of distinctive wines where commerce is not the driving force. These wines have the luxury to be in barrel as long as they need it (5 years for the Nebbiolo!). Wines that are nuanced, long lived, food-friendly, with firm acidities, and moderate alcohol.

Au Bon Climat sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards on the Central Coast, primarily in Santa Barbara County. These include Clendenen’s own Le Bon Climat Vineyard and estate plantings at the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard – both in Santa Maria Valley. Other iconic locations such as Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos Vineyard (Santa Barbara County), and San Luis Obispo County's Talley Vineyard, are also regularly employed. The winery has cultivated an international reputation for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

Jim also established another brand, Clendenen Family Vineyards. This project of passion allows him to make artisan, small lots of distinctive wines from a wider spectrum of varieties in styles conducive to small lots. He has received high acclaim for Italian varietals particularly his Nebbiolo that has a five year aging regimen in barrel.