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Au Bon Climat Summary

813 Anacapa St. 5B
Santa Barbara ,CA 93101
United States
(805) 937-6868
aubonclimat.com

Au Bon Climat Description

Au Bon Climat is a renowned winery located in Santa Maria Valley, California. Established in 1982 by winemaker Jim Clendenen, this winery has established a reputation for producing exceptional wines with a focus on Burgundian-style varietals, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The name, which translates to "good climate" in French, perfectly captures the region's optimal conditions for growing these cool-climate grapes.

What sets Au Bon Climat apart is their commitment to traditional winemaking methods and expressing the unique terroir of each vineyard site. Jim Clendenen believes in minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavors and characteristics of the grapes to shine through. The result is wines that exhibit a beautiful balance, elegance, and complexity.

Au Bon Climat sources their grapes from various vineyards in Santa Barbara County, giving them access to diverse microclimates and soil types. This allows them to produce a wide range of wines, each with its own distinct personality. Whether it's a crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay or a refined, silky Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat consistently delivers wines of exceptional quality that showcase the true potential of the region.

Aside from their renowned Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat also produces other varietals such as Syrah, Pinot Blanc, and Nebbiolo. With each vintage, they strive to create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the grapes, the vineyards, and the winery's philosophy. The dedication to producing top-quality wines has earned Au Bon Climat numerous accolades, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Santa Barbara County's winemaking.

What Makes Au Bon Climat Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Au Bon Climat is not just another winery in the region – it stands out in several ways that make it truly unique.

1. Pioneering Spirit: One of the key factors that sets Au Bon Climat apart is its founder, Jim Clendenen. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential winemakers in California. Known as the "Mind Behind" the winery, Clendenen is often called the "Wild Boy" of the region due to his non-traditional winemaking approach. He was one of the first winemakers to adopt and champion the restrained, Burgundian style of winemaking in California.

2. Burgundian Inspiration: Au Bon Climat takes its inspiration from the Burgundy region in France, particularly from the esteemed winemaking village of Burgundy. Unlike many wineries in California that focus solely on producing big, bold wines, Au Bon Climat places emphasis on crafting elegant, balanced, and terroir-driven wines that resemble the Old World style. This approach sets the winery apart and appeals to a different segment of wine enthusiasts.

3. Vineyard Sourcing: Another factor that distinguishes Au Bon Climat is its commitment to sourcing grapes from exceptional vineyards. The winery prioritizes relationships with vineyard owners who share their passion for producing high-quality grapes. This dedication to quality ensures that the wines produced by Au Bon Climat reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyards they come from, resulting in wines with a distinct sense of place.

4. Portfolio Diversity: Au Bon Climat offers an impressively diverse portfolio of wines. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Syrah and other varietals, the winery produces an array of wines that showcase the diverse terroir of California. This commitment to producing various varietals, all of exceptional quality, allows Au Bon Climat to cater to a broad range of wine lovers.

5. Aging Potential: While many wineries in the region focus on creating wines that can be enjoyed in their youth, Au Bon Climat specializes in producing wines that are not only enjoyable upon release but also have excellent aging potential. This focus on crafting wines that can evolve and develop with time distinguishes Au Bon Climat from many other wineries and attracts wine collectors who appreciate wines with depth, complexity, and maturity.

In conclusion, Au Bon Climat differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its pioneering spirit, Burgundian inspiration, vineyard sourcing philosophy, diverse portfolio, and wines with aging potential. These factors combine to create a winery that is truly one-of-a-kind and a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking a unique and exceptional tasting experience in California.

What Some Possible Concerns About Au Bon Climat ?

While opinions may vary, there are a few points that some people have mentioned as areas of improvement or reasons they didn't enjoy their experience at Au Bon Climat winery:

1. Limited Parking: Some visitors have commented on the limited parking spaces available at the winery. This can make it challenging to find a spot, especially during peak visiting hours.

2. Limited Tasting Menu: Au Bon Climat offers a focused tasting menu, which some visitors have felt is limiting in terms of the variety of wines available for tasting. It could leave some wine enthusiasts wanting to try a broader range of their wines.

3. Somewhat Sparse Ambiance: While the atmosphere of a winery is subjective and personal preference may play a significant role, a few visitors have mentioned that the ambiance at Au Bon Climat can feel slightly lacking compared to other wineries. Some have described it as being more industrial or less welcoming than they had anticipated.

4. Limited Food Offerings: Au Bon Climat primarily focuses on wine production, and as a result, the food options available on-site can be limited. Visitors who were looking for a more comprehensive culinary experience may have been disappointed by the lack of food pairings or dining options.

5. Staff Knowledge: While many visitors have praised the friendly and helpful staff at Au Bon Climat, a small number of visitors have mentioned instances where the staff lacked in-depth knowledge about the winery's offerings or were less engaging during the tasting experience.

It is important to note that these are just a few concerns that have been expressed by a minority of visitors. Overall, Au Bon Climat is highly regarded and appreciated for its outstanding wine quality, scenic location, and focus on traditional winemaking techniques. Wine preferences and expectations can vary greatly, so it's always recommended to visit the winery and form your own opinion.

Au Bon Climat History

Au Bon Climat, meaning "a well-exposed vineyard site" in French, is a renowned winery based in Santa Maria Valley, California. Established in 1982 by winemaker Jim Clendenen, the winery has become synonymous with producing exceptional cool-climate wines that express the unique terroir of the region.

Jim Clendenen, a native of Akron, Ohio, developed a fascination for wine during his studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His passion for Burgundian wines, particularly those from northern France, ignited a pioneering spirit within him that would lay the foundation for Au Bon Climat's success.

In the early years, Clendenen collaborated with fellow winemaker Adam Tolmach, and together they became part of the early wave of winemakers dedicated to producing high-quality wines made from grapes grown in cool-climate regions of California. The duo attracted attention for their minimalist winemaking approach, focusing on showcasing the true character of the fruit and allowing the vineyard's unique qualities to shine through.

Au Bon Climat gained critical acclaim in the 1990s when their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs began earning top scores and awards in prestigious wine competitions. Their wines were appreciated for their elegance, balance, and ability to age gracefully. This success firmly established Au Bon Climat as one of California's premier wineries, known for their commitment to crafting wines that embody Old World charm with a sense of place.

As the years went by, Jim Clendenen continued to experiment and explore new vineyard sources to further elevate the quality of his wines. He sourced grapes from various cool-climate regions across California, including Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Rita Hills. Each vineyard contributed its own distinctive characteristics to the final blend, resulting in a diverse and captivating portfolio of wines.

While Au Bon Climat is widely celebrated for their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, they also produce other varietals such as Syrah, Pinot Blanc, and Nebbiolo. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, Clendenen and his team ensure that the vineyards are treated with the utmost care and respect, resulting in wines that truly reflect the unique qualities of the land.

Beyond their commitment to winemaking, Au Bon Climat has also become a symbol of camaraderie in the wine world. Clendenen's relationships with other winemakers and his involvement in organizations such as the International Chardonnay Symposium and World of Pinot Noir have fostered a community of like-minded individuals passionate about cool-climate wines.

Today, Au Bon Climat remains at the forefront of producing exceptional cool-climate wines that have stood the test of time. With their unwavering commitment to quality and a genuine expression of terroir, the winery continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and collectors alike. As one explores their collection, it becomes evident that Au Bon Climat's legacy of crafting stunning wines rooted in tradition and exploration will endure for generations to come.