Au Bon Climat Archives - Au Bon Climat Winery

September 2026 Wine Club Newsletter

Published August 29, 2026August 25, 2026

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Harvest came early this year—record-breakingly early—and there’s plenty happening at Au Bon Climat as we head into fall. This September release brings two exciting new additions to our Single Vineyard Series, alongside a closer look at the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape ABC.

Inside this issue:

Meet Enrique Rodriguez: ABC’s very first employee, now part owner, shares stories from nearly four decades of winemaking alongside Jim Clendenen.
Two New Single Vineyard wines: Get to know our inaugural 2024 La Encantada Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills and 2024 Spanish Springs Chardonnay from the SLO Coast, both included in this September Club Release.
Harvest is Here! Winemaker Sarah Atwood takes us behind the scenes of our earliest harvest start in ABC’s 44-year history and shares why we’re so excited about the fruit coming into the winery.
From our Table to Yours: Savor a handmade gnocchi with kabocha cream sauce recipe, created to pair with the new La Encantada Pinot Noir.
News from the Tasting Room: A look back at our August Pop-Up Series, a save-the-date heads-up for our November Club Pick-Up Party, and a warm welcome back to Wine Club Manager, Nicole.

And, of course, your September wines are almost here. Below, you’ll find everything included in your upcoming allocation, along with a few specially curated collections available to add to your shipment. It’s an easy opportunity to stock up on old favorites, discover something new, or add a few extra bottles for the season ahead.

september add-on specials

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Make your September allocation your own with a selection of specially curated add-ons, available exclusively to Wine Club members. Highlights include our first-ever release of the limited-production Cold Heaven Viognier 6-pack, the ever-popular Aligoté, a trio of 2023 Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, a three-vintage Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay vertical, and one last chance to stock up on our bestselling Summer Essentials 6-Pack.

Add your favorites to your upcoming shipment and take advantage of special Club pricing while quantities last.

Act fast: Deadline to add on is September 4th, 4:00pm PST!

LAST CHANCE: SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Our summer bestseller has been extended—just for our members! Add this handpicked collection to your allocation at our best price yet. Made for summer sipping, this 6-pack features 3 refreshing whites and 3 easy-drinking reds, perfect for poolside afternoons, beach days, camping trips, or relaxing evenings on the patio. Stock up while you can and keep summer going!

Regularly $163, SALE $140 + Wine Club Discounts

One of each: 2023 Grenache Gris, 2024 Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc, 2024 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, 2022 G-15 (Valdiguié), 2020 Grenache, 2024 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

2025 viognier 6-pack

Viognier is back—for one very special vintage. This exceptionally limited release is available to our September Club at special pricing for a 6-pack. Cold Heaven Viognier is Knox’s tribute to his mother and her acclaimed Cold Heaven winery, honoring the family legacy that inspired his journey as a winemaker. Elegant and vibrant, it unfolds with fragrant notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, pear, and citrus, framed by bright acidity, subtle minerality, and a long, refreshing finish.

Regularly $210, SALE $180 + Wine Club Discounts

2025 Aligoté 6-Pack

Our previous vintage sold out faster than expected, so here’s to Aligoté and the 2025 release! With deep roots in Burgundy and a long history at Au Bon Climat, this lesser-known white grape shines with freshness, precision, and quiet complexity. Sourced from Bien Nacido and Orcutt Road and aged in neutral French oak, it offers bright notes of white peach, lemon blossom, apple skin, and clover honey, with crisp acidity and a subtle mineral finish. Specially priced as a 6-pack, so you can make sure you’ve got enough this time!

Regularly $150, SALE $130 + Wine Club Discounts

Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Bundle

The 2023 vintage was exceptional for Pinot Noir, and we’ve brought together three of our favorites in one special collection: Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, and Talley. Sourced from historic vineyards across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, this trio showcases the character, elegance, and diversity of the Central Coast. A perfect addition to any Pinot Noir lover’s collection.

Regularly $185, SALE $170 + Wine Club Discounts

One of each: 2023 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, 2023 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict, 2023 Pinot Noir Talley

Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay Vertical

A rare opportunity to explore three consecutive vintages of our iconic Nuits-Blanches Chardonnay. First crafted by Jim Clendenen in 1996 to showcase the exceptional quality of Bien Nacido Vineyard, Nuits-Blanches is picked later, sorted more rigorously, and aged longer in barrel than any other Au Bon Climat Chardonnay—resulting in a richer, more structured, oak-driven expression. Experience how the character of each vintage evolves across 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Regularly $150, SALE $130 + Wine Club Discounts

One of each: 2021, 2022, 2023 Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay

How to add wines to your shipment:

1. Sign into your membership profile–click here

2. Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile

3. Choose your desired wines or bundle

4. Click ‘Save Selection’ at the top

5. View total breakdown including shipping discount under ‘TOTAL’

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS september 4th AT 4PM PST

If you would like to add on wines not featured in your club portal, please contact us. Email wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call 805-883-8165.

Included in this Shipment

2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Los Alamos

A true piece of Au Bon Climat history, the 2024 Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay brings together richness, freshness, and mineral-driven precision. Tropical notes of coconut and pineapple mingle with ripe melon, citrus, and subtle French oak spice, while bright acidity and salinity carry the wine to a long, elegant finish.

2024 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Spanish Springs

Our first Chardonnay from Spanish Springs Vineyard, just two miles from the Pacific Ocean, captures the site’s unique balance of ripe fruit, bright acidity, and coastal salinity. Aged for 18 months in French oak, the 2024 vintage is supple and beautifully structured, with notes of orange zest, jasmine tea, lemon meringue, and grapefruit custard. Fresh, precise, and distinctly coastal, this Chardonnay is a natural addition to Au Bon Climat’s collection of vineyard-designated wines.

2025 Au Bon Climat Aligoté

The 2025 Au Bon Climat Aligoté is a rare single-varietal bottling inspired by Burgundy’s historic white grapes. Bright, focused, and mineral-driven, this vintage opens with white peach, lemon blossom, and clover honey, followed by fresh acidity, apple skin, and a crisp, palate-refreshing finish.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Kick On

Kick On Ranch lies in the gentle hills of Los Alamos Valley, where ocean fog, coastal winds, and rare eolian sand soils create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The vineyard’s cool-climate influence yields wines with striking freshness and depth, balancing vibrant fruit with savory complexity. Aromas of redcurrant, pomegranate, and blood orange mingle with notes of fennel and lavender, while the palate reveals cranberry, spiced plum, and crushed stone. Expressive and beautifully layered, it captures the singular character of Los Alamos Valley.

2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Grenache Rancho La Cuna

The Grenache from Rancho La Cuna captures the distinctive character of the Los Alamos Valley, balancing generous fruit with savory complexity, structure, and finesse. Layers of ripe berry, warm spice, and earthy nuance unfold on the palate, making this a beautifully expressive Grenache with both immediate appeal and the structure to age gracefully.

2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Syrah/Viognier

A wine of intrigue and elegance as eucalyptus, pomegranate, coffee, and ginger culminate in a captivating aromatic experience. With a round structure accented by oak influences, plum sauce and white pepper flavors linger through the finish. Co-fermented Syrah and Viognier grapes, aged in new Hungarian oak puncheons, offer complexity and supple balance, making this wine a true embodiment of Rhône-inspired finesse.

2024 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Encantada

This Pinot Noir captures the cool maritime influence and distinctive diatomaceous soils of the Sta. Rita Hills, balancing dark fruit, savory herbs, green tea, and mineral-driven salinity with vibrant freshness. Aged for 18 months in French oak, it is an elegant yet brooding expression of this distinctive Santa Barbara County vineyard.

Tasting Room Updates + NICOLE IS BACK

Summer has been in full swing at the Tasting Room, and we just wrapped up our August Pop-Up Series. What a fun month it was! We welcomed four amazing local food vendors to our patio, featuring everything from Thai street food and fresh oysters to BBQ and delicious sandwiches. A huge thank you to all of our vendors and to everyone who came out to support these local collaborations. We loved seeing the patio filled with great food, great wine, and great company.

We’re taking a little break from events in September, but don’t worry, the last few months of the year are going to be full of exciting happenings. Club Members, mark your calendars for your next Wine Club Pick-Up Party in November! We’ll be bringing back a favorite with live paella cooking, plenty of wine, and a fun afternoon together. Stay tuned, we’ll share the official date soon!

We also have some wonderful news: our Wine Club Manager, Nicole, is back from maternity leave! We’re so happy to have her back and excited to have her rejoin the team. While Nicole was away, she welcomed her second child, Sigourney Jude, and somehow also found time to add two adorable rescue kittens to the family. After many months of keeping things running, Wiktoria is looking forward to taking a well-deserved vacation and a little time to recharge.

Thank you all for your support and patience during this busy season, and welcome back, Nicole, we missed you!

VISIT US In the tasting room

2026 Harvest – One for the Record Books

Published August 21, 2026August 21, 2026

By Sarah Atwood, Winemaker
Ghostwritten by Michael Meluskey, GM

Au Bon Climat brought in our first grapes on July 13th. In our 44-year history, this is the earliest harvest start we have ever had, a month to six weeks sooner than normal.

Getting the winery ready for harvest is never a small task: equipment gets moved, serviced, cleaned, and put back to work just as the fruit starts rolling in. Add a busy July and August bottling schedule to free up tanks and barrels, and we saw a few weeks of controlled chaos, which is also why this update is being ghostwritten.

The good news: even though harvest arrived early, the growing season has treated us well. A mild winter and early spring brought early bud break, but we avoided frost, had excellent fruit set, and have enjoyed a cool ripening season. We are very happy with the quality of the grapes coming in.

If 2026 teaches us anything, it is that flexibility is not just helpful in harvest, it is required. We are moving quickly, adjusting daily, and doing our best to stay one step ahead of the grapes.

Get to Know Our Winemaking Team Part 3: Enrique Rodriguez

Published August 21, 2026August 21, 2026

Great wine is shaped by the people who dedicate their lives to creating it. In Part 3 of our four-part series, we’re honored to introduce Enrique Rodriguez – Au Bon Climat’s very first employee and a true cornerstone of our winery’s history. From joining Jim Clendenen at the beginning of ABC’s journey to becoming a part owner of the winery today, Enrique’s passion, knowledge, and commitment have helped shape the wines and the legacy we continue to build. Through decades of harvests, challenges, and memorable moments, he shares the experiences that have defined his path in winemaking and his enduring connection to ABC.

MEET Enrique Rodriguez

What first sparked your love for wine and when did you realize it could become a career?
I started working at the winery at 16 and had no wine exposure at all. I saw how Jim Clendenen had a passion for wine. I began to share his passion, and he motivated me to stay in the wine business. Its’ been 38 years and my passion for wine continues to grow.

Harvest season: adrenaline rush or controlled chaos? (Or a bit of both?)
Both, early on I would get sick every year from the stress and hard work. Now it is controlled chaos as I know what to expect and we have a bigger team. We are all in it together and support each other, so it all works.

What’s something about the wine industry that surprised you once you were on the inside?
Surprised by the level of passion for wine by Jim Clendenen, Bob Lindquist, and Jim Adelman. I had never seen anything like it before.

If you could spend a month drinking your way through one Old World wine region, where would you go and why?
Bourdeaux. I appreciate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and we drink it daily. But I love Cabernet, specifically Bourdeaux.

Do you have a personal or “secret” wine project outside of your day-to-day winemaking?
No, nothing on my own. But I take great pleasure in maintaining Jim Clendenen’s passion and wine style.

What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Sushi, I could eat it every day. For many years at the end of harvest, the winemaking team would all go to Artati-Ya in Santa Maria and eat sushi for hours. Clendenen took me to Uraswa in Beverly Hills. The sushi was amazing, and it was one of the best meals of my life.

Stay tuned for the final installment of our series, coming in our November newsletter.

Introducing Two New Single-Vineyard Releases

Published August 21, 2026August 25, 2026

By Isabelle Clendenen

One of the greatest advantages of our winemaking philosophy is the opportunity to continually seek out exceptional vineyard sites. In 2024, while searching for outstanding new sources for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two vineyards immediately stood out: La Encantada Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills and Spanish Springs Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County. The quality of the fruit was so remarkable that each earned its own place in our Single Vineyard Series.

Our new La Encantada Pinot Noir comes from a 250-acre vineyard planted by Richard Sanford in 2000 and California Certified Organically Farmed. Located in the heart of Santa Rita Hills, the site consistently produces Pinot Noir of depth and elegance. The wine opens with aromas of sagebrush intertwined with blackberry, a classic expression of the appellation. On the palate, vibrant salinity mingles with notes of green tea and black cherry liqueur, creating a wine that is both brooding and refreshing. It is a wonderful example of the beautiful contradictions that make Pinot Noir so captivating.

Equally exciting is our inaugural Spanish Springs Chardonnay, sourced from a vineyard located less than two miles from the Pacific Ocean in San Luis Obispo County. The strong maritime influence preserves freshness while encouraging remarkable complexity. The nose is evocative and layered, revealing orange zest, pine tar, fragrant jasmine tea, and a delicate note of walnut. On the palate, the wine is supple and beautifully balanced, unfolding with flavors of lemon meringue and fresh canelés filled with grapefruit custard.

At Au Bon Climat, we have the opportunity to source out extraordinary vineyard sites and showcase their unique personalities through our winemaking.

We are delighted to share these two new single-vineyard wines in this September Club Release and hope you enjoy exploring these exciting additions to our portfolio.

Handmade Rolled Gnocchi with Kabocha Cream Sauce

Published August 21, 2026August 21, 2026

Inspired by my good friend Justine Whitney’s rustic gnocchi recipe and the flavors of the harvest season. This dish brings together everything I love most: comfort, great wine, and gathering around the table. Thanks, Justine, for the inspiration.

Vegetarian as written, but pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled chicken, pork, or steak.

-Ryan Rittmeister, Assistant Tasting Room Manager

Ingredients:

Gnocchi

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
1 cup “00” flour, plus extra for dusting
½ cup ricotta, drained
½ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Kabocha Cream Sauce

1½ cups roasted kabocha (or butternut) squash
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
10–12 fresh sage leaves
1 small shallot, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream (or about ½ cup mascarpone)
½ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
¾ cup vegetable stock
½ cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Procedure:

1. Roast the squash

Roast halved, seasoned squash cut-side down at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, until tender and caramelized. Scoop the flesh into a blender.

2. Cook the potatoes

Boil whole, unpeeled potatoes until fork tender (about 30–40 minutes). Peel while hot, rice them, then spread out to steam for 5–8 minutes.

3. Make the gnocchi dough

Mix the potatoes with flour, Pecorino, salt, ricotta, egg, and yolk until a soft dough forms. Gently bring together—don’t knead.

4. Shape the gnocchi

Divide into 4 pieces, roll into ropes, cut into bite-sized pillows, and roll over a fork or gnocchi board. Place on a lightly floured tray.

5. Make the sauce

Brown the butter with sage; reserve the crispy sage. Add half the butter to the blender with the squash. Sauté shallot and garlic in the remaining butter, deglaze with vegetable stock, reduce slightly, then add to the blender with cream and nutmeg. Blend until smooth.

6. Finish the dish

Boil gnocchi until they float, then cook another 60–90 seconds. Warm the sauce in a skillet, thinning with pasta water until silky. Stir in Pecorino, then gently toss in the gnocchi.

Serve immediately with crispy sage, extra Pecorino, and freshly grated nutmeg.

Suggested Pairing: 2024 La Encantada Pinot Noir

Wine Pairing Notes

The earthy squash, brown butter, sage, nutmeg, and Pecorino complement the elegance of the 2024 La Encantada Pinot Noir, highlighting the wine’s oak influence, savory character, and distinctive vineyard expression.

May 2026 Wine Club Newsletter

Published May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Scroll through for the latest news and updates from Au Bon Climat and as always, find the tasting notes and details for the wines featured in your May Wine Club Shipment below!

Click THE IMAGES BELOW to view our featured content & SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR MAY WINE CLUB SHIPMENT…

MAY add-on specials

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Enhance your May club shipment with three thoughtfully curated add-on opportunities: From effortlessly drinkable favorites to rare, time-spanning expressions of Sanford & Benedict, this trio of add-on offerings exclusively offered to wine club members invites both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful collecting. Click here to add these exclusive bottles to your shipment…

Act fast: Deadline to add on is May 8th, 4PM

THE SUMMER SIX BUNDLE

Six wines that don’t ask for much, just a glass and good company. This bundle brings together six effortlessly drinkable selections, perfect for late summer nights and simple seasonal dishes. Easy, inviting, and ready to enjoy, no overthinking required.

Regularly $193, SALE $150 + Wine Club Discounts

WHITES: 2023 Grenache Gris, 2024 Chenin Blanc, 2023 Pinot Gris
REDS: 2022 G-15 (Valdiguié), 2019 Petit Verdot, 2019 Syrah/Viognier

Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir Three Decades Library Bundle

A rare opportunity to experience three decades of Pinot Noir from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, this limited collection features the 2000, 2010, and 2020 vintages each capturing a distinct moment in the life of one of Santa Barbara County’s most historic sites. Planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict, the vineyard helped define the region’s reputation for world-class Pinot Noir. For over 40 years, Au Bon Climat has sourced fruit from this iconic, sustainably farmed site, crafting wines that reflect both its enduring character and the passage of time.

*Limited Availability: Only 12 bundles available!
Regularly $260, SALE $230+ Wine Club Discounts

2000 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir
2010 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir
2020 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir

Sanford & Benedict Anniversary Chardonnay

A focused look at three consecutive vintages from one of California’s most revered sites, this Sanford & Benedict Anniversary Chardonnay vertical (2016, 2017, 2018) highlights the precision and consistency of Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. Deemed one of the finest vineyards in America, it inspired Jim Clendenen to create Au Bon Climat’s “Vintage Celebration” Chardonnay program in 2015, an elevated tribute to its enduring greatness. Crafted from original plantings and aged in custom French oak barrels from François Frères, with extended time in barrel before bottling, these wines offer depth, texture, and remarkable aging potential.

Regularly $180, SALE $160 + Wine Club Discounts

2016 Sanford & Benedict Anniversary Chardonnay
2017 Sanford & Benedict Anniversary Chardonnay
2018 Sanford & Benedict Anniversary Chardonnay

How to add wines to your shipment:

1. Sign into your membership profile–click here

2. Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile

3. Choose your desired wines or bundle

4. Click ‘Save Selection’ at the top

5. View total breakdown including shipping discount under ‘TOTAL’

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS May 8th AT 4PM PST

If you would like to add on wines not featured in your club portal, please contact us. Email wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call 805-883-8165.

Included in this Shipment

2024 Au Bon Climat “Hildegard”

A refined expression of our signature white blend, Au Bon Climat’s 2024 Hildegard carries the tradition forward with clarity and poise. A beautifully expressive nose reveals aromas of macadamia nut, vanilla, and pastry dough, layered with notes of Gala apple and gooseberry. On the palate, the wine evolves with floral hints of white rose and bright key lime emerging retronasally. The interplay of fruit and oak creates a balanced, textured wine with depth and elegance, while a thread of vibrant acidity carries through to a long, refined finish, promising both immediate appeal and graceful aging.

2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict

Planted in 1971, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard remains one of California’s most historic sites. With its gravelly, well-drained soils and cool coastal climate, the vineyard has been celebrated as a home for Burgundian varietals. From this legendary site comes a Chardonnay reminiscent of Grand Cru Chablis, offering aromas of candied orange zest, starfruit, melon, flint, and a delicate touch of matchstick. On the palate, vibrant acidity shapes flavors of lemon zest and subtle caramel, promising both immediate elegance and graceful aging.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Grenache Gris

Rancho La Cuna is home to small vineyard parcels dedicated to unique, cool-climate grapes, including Grenache Gris. Lesser known than its Grenache Noir and Blanc counterparts, this grey/pink-skinned varietal produces a wine that is lean in texture yet remarkably expressive. Aromas of apple blossom, kiwi, honeydew, and white peach lead into bright flavors of lime leaf and yuzu on the palate. Hand-harvested and barrel-fermented in neutral French oak, this wine offers both elegance and vibrancy with a refined finish.

2022 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir

Planted in 1998 on Lala Panzi Ranch in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg, the Mendelsohns’ five-acre Pinot Noir vineyard was developed with viticulturalist Fred Peterson, who selected Dijon clones (114, 115, 667, 777) alongside the Pommard selection—mirroring plantings Jim Clendenen established at the same time in Santa Maria Valley; this shared focus on clonal precision, site expression, and a food-driven wine culture led to a lasting collaboration with Au Bon Climat. The 2022 vintage reflects that intent with impressive complexity, offering aromas of black cherry, currant, and bramble berry layered with dried thyme, sumac, and sassafras, while the palate unfolds with plum, bitter almond, sarsaparilla, and molasses, supported by fine, drying tannins and a persistent finish.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict

Sanford & Benedict is a cornerstone of Central Coast viticulture and remains one of America’s most celebrated sites for Pinot Noir. Au Bon Climat has sourced fruit from this iconic vineyard for over four decades, a partnership that reflects its lasting quality and character. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of vanilla, lilac, marzipan, and fresh red cherry, accented by a touch of spice. Flavors of raspberry and cherry cobbler lead to a finish of tomato leaf and the vineyard’s signature, soft, fruit-driven texture framed by firm tannins.

2020 Clendenen Family Vineyards Mondeuse

Experience a rare varietal with our Monduese! Fragrant violets, fresh lavender, and black tea aromas converge into flavors of passionfruit, cherry, and red currant. This full-bodied delight holds firm tannins, revealing nuanced notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and graphite that lead to a bold finish. Crafted with care, all grapes were destemmed and fermented in 5-ton open-top fermenters, then aged for four years in neutral Hungarian oak 500-liter puncheons.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Los Alamos

Los Alamos Vineyard has been part of Au Bon Climat’s story since our very first vintage, and it remains one of our most treasured vineyard sources. Tucked into the Los Alamos Valley—an area with a 40-year history of distinctive wines but no official appellation—this site produces Pinot Noirs that are dark, savory, and deeply expressive. Our 2023 bottling opens with aromas of red currant, rose petals, and white pepper, leading into layers of black plum, cedar, and dried herbs. A supple mid-palate carries notes of cherry and spiced cocoa through to a long, graceful finish.

Tasting Room Updates

Spring Pick Up Party: May 17th

Join us at the Tasting Room for our May Pick-Up Party, an opportunity to collect your latest allocation while enjoying an afternoon of wine, food, and exclusive offers. Curated 5-pour tasting, featuring a selection of library wines alongside current releases. The experience will be complemented by thoughtfully prepared bites from Monica of The Grazing Place.

As a member, you have complimentary entry for yourself and up to two guests (three tickets per membership). Additional guest tickets may be available upon request.

RESERVATIONS

During the event, take advantage of special Summer Case Deals, available exclusively during party hours:

WHITES (mix & match) – $200 per case (no further discounts):
2023 Pinot Gris, 2024 Riesling, 2023 Grenache Gris
REDS (mix & match) – $275 per case (no further discounts):
2019 Syrah/Viognier, 2019 Petit Verdot, 2019 Pip Red Blend

May Pick Up Party

Published April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

MAY 17th starting at 12pm

Join us at the Tasting Room for our May Pick-Up Party, an opportunity to collect your latest allocation while enjoying an afternoon of wine, food, and exclusive offers. Curated 5-pour tasting, featuring a selection of library wines alongside current releases.The experience will be complemented by thoughtfully prepared bites from Monica of The Grazing Place.

As a member, you have complimentary entry for yourself and up to two guests (three tickets per membership). Additional guest tickets may be available upon request.

RESERVATIONS

Seared Diver Scallops, Sunchoke Purée, and Spring Sweet Peas

Published April 29, 2026April 30, 2026

Dish created by our Tasting Room Associate Giselle Castillo and her husband Chef Roberto Riveros.

This dish is a perfect pair for the 2023 Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay — the scallop’s sweetness pulls the wine’s citrus forward, while creamy sunchokes and beurre noisette mirror its buttery palate. Finished with sweet peas and lime zest for a crisp, acidic lift, it’s a modern and seasonal riff on classic Normandy coquilles Saint-Jacques.

Ingredients:

1 lb sunchokes
8 oz snow/sugar snap peas
8 oz diver scallops (10/20 count)
7 Tbsp butter
¾ cup + 1 Tbsp heavy cream
⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp water
Pea shoots
Edible flowers (violas, calendula)
Zest of 1 lime
Olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Procedure:

1. Sunchoke Purée

Sauté & Caramelize: Peel the sunchokes and slice them thinly. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 80g of butter and sauté the slices for about 8 minutes. Aim for a light golden color to develop their natural nuttiness. Season lightly with salt.
Simmer: Once caramelized, pour in the heavy cream and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the sunchokes are completely fork-tender.
Refine: Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and process until smooth and silky. For a refined texture, pass the purée through a fine-mesh sieve (chinois).Finish: Return the purée to a clean saucepan over low heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving.

2. Sweet Peas

Blanch & Shock: Blanch half of the peas in salted boiling water for 10 seconds, then immediately shock them in an ice bath. Drain and pat dry.
Prep Raw Pods: Split the remaining raw pods lengthwise, keeping the peas attached to the shells for presentation.
Season: Toss both the blanched peas and the split pods with a small amount of olive oil and salt.

3. Scallops

Prep: Pat the scallops dry and season lightly with salt.
Sear: In a very hot pan, sear the scallops in olive oil for 2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
Baste: Add the remaining butter and baste the scallops continuously for 1–2 minutes until the butter toasts and develops a nutty aroma.

4. Plating

The Base: Place a generous spoonful of sunchoke purée in the center of the plate. Use the back of the spoon to spread it into a smooth, even circle.
The Vegetables: Scatter the blanched peas over the purée. Lean the split pea pods against each other or the purée to create height.
The Scallops: Set the seared scallops directly onto the peas and purée, ensuring they sit level.
The Garnish: Distribute the pea shoots and edible flowers across the top. Finish by grating fresh lime zest over the entire dish.

Suggested Pairing: 2023 Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict

Wine Pairing Notes

Get to Know Our Winemaking Team Part 2: Marc Piro

Published April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Great wine doesn’t happen by chance, it’s shaped by the people behind it. In Part 2 of our four-part series, we continue pulling back the curtain to introduce the individuals who bring our wines to life. From long harvest days to lasting inspirations, our winemakers share what drives them, what still surprises them, and what keeps their passion for wine alive year after year.

MEET WINEMAKER, MARC PIRO

What first sparked your love for wine and when did you realize it could become a career?
There was no spark for wine, it was initially a spark for flavor. Early on I learned to enjoy exotic foods, ingredients and flavors. The love of flavor led me to wine.

Harvest season: adrenaline rush or controlled chaos? (Or a bit of both?)
Harvest season is great if you are able to stay one step ahead of the chaos; a back up plan is usually required though.

What’s something about the wine industry that surprised you once you were on the inside?
I was surprised that someone actually made a decent dolcetto that was enjoyable to drink, but it turns out it was actually a nebbiolo.

If you could spend a month drinking your way through one Old World wine region, where would you go and why?
I would drink and eat in Barolo for the winter, then go to Burgundy for the summer.

Do you have a personal or “secret” wine project outside of your day-to-day winemaking?
My own brand, Piro Wine Company, is no secret. But within my brand I have a cool project going on. I procured some Mondeuse cuttings that my friend planted at his mom’s homestead in the Los Padres Forest. The vines are planted at 5,000 feet, own-rooted and head trained. 2023 was the first harvest of these grapes, the wine turned out to be exquisite.

What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Guilty pleasure food is an Old Fashion Hot Dog (dog with burger fixins) from Charlie’s in Los Alamos.

Stay tuned for the next part in our SEPTEMBER newsletter, where we’ll continue the series.

February 2026 Wine Club Newsletter

Published January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Scroll through for the latest news and updates from Au Bon Climat and as always, find the tasting notes and details for the wines featured in your February Wine Club Shipment below!

Click THE IMAGES BELOW to view our featured content & SCROLL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR FEBRUARY WINE CLUB SHIPMENT…

**Jim Adelman Says Adieu to Au Bon Climat**

Jim Adelman’s Grand Farewell

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE JIM ADELMAN’S RETIREMENT

For over 34 years, Jim Adelman was the steady hand behind Au Bon Climat, helping turn Jim Clendenen’s vision into reality and guiding everything from harvest to blending to mentoring generations of winemakers. After Jim’s passing in 2021, Adelman postponed retirement to help pass the torch and ensure the legacy carried forward. Now, as he officially retires, it’s time to celebrate him.

Adelman personally combed through the cellar to choose his favorite wines for the day. The celebration will be family-style gather, eat well, drink generously, laugh often, and share stories while toasting Jim with his hand-selected bottles.There will also be a playful “bargain table” featuring Barham Mendelsohn library wines and other special deals, including a few of his most memorable (and lovable) wine “missteps” to take home.

We’re expecting a crowd, so please don’t be late. Please note: no children or dogs are allowed, as this is a working winery with heavy machinery.

RSVP HERE: JOIN US FOR THE PARTY

Au Bon Climat Winery | 4665 Santa Maria Mesa Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454

FEBRUARY add-on specials

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Enhance your February club shipment with three thoughtfully curated add-on opportunities: a limited-release Isabelle Pinot Noir duo, or a Chardonnay trio and a Pinot Noir trio showcasing each of our historic vineyard sites. Click here to add these exclusive bottles to your shipment…

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is February 6th, 4PM

library isabelle duo

A rare two-bottle library release of Isabelle Pinot Noir from the 2011 and 2012 vintages. Drawn from select barrels across top vineyards, this set highlights the elegance, depth, and graceful aging of a long-standing classic.

Regularly $200, SALE $185 + Wine Club Discounts

2011 Pinot Noir Isabelle
2012 Pinot Noir Isabelle

Single Vineyard Chardonnay Bundle

This three-bottle February add-on showcases Chardonnays from Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, and Los Alamos. Each wine reflects its vineyard’s unique character, offering a focused look at the sites that define Au Bon Climat’s Chardonnay legacy.

Regularly $135, SALE $125 + Wine Club Discounts

2022 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict
2022 Chardonnay Bien Nacido
2023 Chardonnay Los Alamos

Single Vineyard PINOT NOIR Bundle

A February Pinot Noir add-on featuring three standout vineyards: Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, and Los Alamos. This bundle celebrates the distinct personalities of these iconic sites and why they remain perennial favorites among ABC fans.

Regularly $140, SALE $130 + Wine Club Discounts

2022 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict
2023 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido
2022 Pinot Noir Los Alamos

How to add wines to your shipment:

1. Sign into your membership profile–click here

2. Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile

3. Choose your desired wines or bundle

4. Click ‘Save Selection’ at the top

5. View total breakdown including shipping discount under ‘TOTAL’

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS february 6th AT 4PM PST

If you would like to add on wines not featured in your club portal, please contact us. Email wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call 805-883-8165.

Included in this Shipment

2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Nuits-Blanches au Bouge”

First crafted in 1996, “Nuits” was Jim Clendenen’s way of “showing off” the exceptional Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyard. Picked later, sorted with care, and aged longer in barrel, this bottling stands apart for its richness and depth. Aromas of caramelized oak, toasted pine nut, and salted butterscotch give way to delicate notes of orange blossom, coriander seed, and lemon curd. On the palate, vibrant citrus and structured acidity frame the wine’s fuller texture, with hints of grapefruit and caramel apple promising even greater complexity with age.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Pinot Gris

Our Pinot Gris takes inspiration from the classic Alsatian style, meant to be dry, crisp, and undeniably food-friendly. Bright aromas of tart candies and white peach lead into a refreshing palate layered with gooseberry, crisp apple, and a touch of chili-lime. Sourced from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, this wine balances lively acidity with a subtle richness from neutral oak aging. The result is a zesty, versatile Pinot Gris with both energy and elegance, perfect at the table or on its own.

2023 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Bien Nacido

Bien Nacido Vineyard is a cornerstone of Au Bon Climat’s Burgundian-inspired style. One of California’s most renowned cool-climate vineyards, it has supplied our winery with exclusively planted hillside vines for over three decades. This wine reflects the site’s history and richness, offering aromas of white cherry, French vanilla bean, and toasted macadamia nut, with undertones of Meyer lemon and citron. On the palate, vibrant freshness and limestone-driven minerality carry into a refined, lengthy and balanced finish.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Isabelle”

Created in 1995 to honor the birth of his daughter, Jim Clendenen envisioned “Isabelle” as the ultimate expression of what a premium Pinot Noir blend could be. Unlike Au Bon Climat’s single-vineyard Pinots, Isabelle is crafted each year from the finest barrels across multiple sites, making every vintage a unique reflection of elegance and balance. Supple aromas of pink peppercorn, white rose, dragon fruit, and raspberry lead into a silky palate layered with raspberry, ambrosia apple, nutmeg, and chamomile. Aged 22 months in 100% new François Frères French oak barrels, Isabelle remains our most refined and delicate Pinot Noir, with timeless potential to age beautifully.

2022 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au-dessus”

Jim’s dedication to traditional Burgundy winemaking is ever-present in our “party upstairs” wine. It is expressive with abundant botanicals like jasmine, oolong tea leaf, and sage, complemented by the lively aromas of wild strawberry, dried cranberry, and orange zest. On the palate, savor the rich flavors of cherry, nutmeg, and toffee, culminating in a rustic, woodsy finish. Crafted from the hillsides of Bien Nacido Vineyard, this wine embodies the classic Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir with exceptional aromatics and Old World character.

2022 Clendenen Family Vineyards G-15 (Valdiguié)

2022 was a standout vintage for Valdiguié, offering fragrant raspberry, dragonfruit, and bergamot, layered with juicy strawberry and guava blossom, and finishing bright with blood orange zest and dried sage. Low tannins make it delicious now, with the promise of added complexity over time. Long intrigued by new and expressive varieties, Au Bon Climat began working with Valdiguié (also known as Napa Gamay) about a decade ago. This high-acid, vibrant red, traditionally grown in southern France, quickly earned its place in the Clendenen Family lineup. Now called G-15 due to labeling regulations, it remains a fun, expressive, and easy-drinking favorite.

2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Nebbiolo “Bricco Buon Natale”

Inspired by Jim Clendenen’s lifelong love of Italy, this Old World–styled Nebbiolo is a rare Santa Barbara expression of one of Italy’s most noble grapes. Grown at Bien Nacido Vineyard and aged four years in puncheon, the wine is bright, structured, and deeply complex. Aromas of juniper berry, plum, lilac, and maraschino cherry lead to a palate of dark chocolate–covered blueberry framed by raw, woodsy tannins. A limited, age-worthy release that will continue to evolve beautifully for years to come.

Tasting Room Updates

A view of our Library Wines Wall in our warm and inviting Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Room for Au Bon Climat and Clendenen Family Vineyards

We’re kicking off the new year with updated tasting room hours! The tasting room is now open Wednesday through Monday from 12:00–6:00 PM, with the last tasting at 5:15 PM, and closed on Tuesdays.

On Saturdays and Sundays, we’re also introduced a new Library Tasting Add-On, two rotating library pours that change weekly and can be added to any Classic or Reserve flight. This offer is complimentary for Wine Club members (regularly $20).

As many of you know, ABC After Hours wrapped up in December, closing out an incredible two-year monthly series. While that chapter has come to an end, there’s plenty to look forward to, 2026 will be filled with exciting new events. Stay tuned!