We were all very concerned when the Lake Fire erupted over the 4^th of July weekend.  It was within a few miles of the winery but fortunately burned into the Los Padres National Forest heading south and east.  This was deja vu of the Zaca Fire in 2007, which burned 240,000 acres and lasted until October.

For Au Bon Climat and other local wineries, the fire did not come near vineyards, and most importantly, the smoke blew south away from the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills vineyards. While it made for a scary few days, the fire will not affect the 2024 vintage. 

We want to thank the thousands of firefighters, pilots, and first responders who fought the fire in hot and harrowing conditions.  Yet again, they have protected us.

Santa Barbara is open for business under clear blue skies and abundant sunshine, with daytime highs generally in the mid-70s. The beach fog dissipates by mid-morning, making for a genuinely divine fall. It’s perfect weather for exploring the region and, of course, for enjoying some exquisite wine.