Harvest 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.

November 2025 Wine Club Newsletter

Published October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

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 November Wine Club Shipment below!

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

Homemade Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Spices

November add-on specials…

WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE ADD ONS

Enhance your November club shipment with limited wines chosen from our cellar – available à la carte for your upcoming shipment. Stock up as the Holidays approach…take advantage of flat rate shipping with our wine club offers. Click here to add these exclusive bottles to your shipment…

BONUS ADD ON OPPORTUNITY

The 2021 Au Bon Climat “Larmes de Grappe” Pinot Noir has earned its place among the best—recently named in the Top Ten American Wines by Decanter. A remarkable recognition for a wine that captures the essence of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Au Bon Climat’s unwavering dedication to excellence. We’ve been saving this wine for our members—take advantage of the opportunity to add this special wine to your cellar before it sells out!!

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is October 31st, 4PM

Exclusive Access to the following Wines:

2013 Clendenen Family Vineyards “Bricco Buon Natale” Nebbiolo
2017 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay “32nd Celebration”
2014 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”
2015 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”
2013 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir

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 October 31ST 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…

2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Runway Vineyard

Runway Vineyard is worthy of its vineyard-designated Chardonnay bottling. This wine captivates with a rich nose of coconut cream, walnut, and toasted barley, while vibrant notes of yuzu and honeysuckle shine on the palate. With impressive mid-palate weight and a finish of oak spice and white chocolate meringue, it’s a refined testament to our close-knit relationship with this exceptional vineyard.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc

A Loire Valley classic, found a new home when Jim Clendenen planted Chenin Blanc at Rancho La Cuna in 2015. This vintage is remarkably expressive, with aromas of lemongrass, honeysuckle, green mango, and white currant. On the palate, bright green apple leads, framed by jasmine and lemon madeleine. Lean acidity gives way to a silky finish from sur lie aging.

2024 Clendenen Family Vineyards Dr. Gonzales Riesling

Whether you know him as Mige, Miguel, or “Dr. Gonzalez,” you certainly know his smile-and now you can taste his love for Mosel-style Riesling. This vibrant wine opens with notes of strawberry lemonade, unfolding into layers of flint, pine, and Honeycrisp apple. Bright acidity and chalky minerality keep the off-dry style refreshing and complex. Crafted under Miguel’s careful hand from vineyard to bottle, it’s delicious today and promises even more charm with time.

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”

“Knox Alexander” Pinot Noirs are meant to encapsulate the best selection of fruit from our estates in a structured and complex fashion. 2021 is the first vintage to include some fruit from our founding estate in Los Alamos, Rancho La Cuna Vineyard. Knox exhibits a refined profile with notes of ripe strawberry, delicate black tea, hints of lilac, and notes of hibiscus. Passion fruit floral components add a graceful touch. The palate experience is enduring, as the once prominent tannins from wood components have now evolved into a silky texture, promising further integration and refinement with time.

2023 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard

Bien Nacido Vineyard has been at the heart of Au Bon Climat since the early 1990s. Our deep connection to this historic vineyard includes custom blocks and on-site production, giving us unmatched access to its world-class fruit. From this renowned vineyard, this vintage is marked with aromas of strawberry and dragonfruit, accented by brandy-soaked fruitcake. On the palate, cranberry and blackberry mingle with sage and black pepper, embodying Pinot Noir’s hallmark tension—elegant yet bold, refined yet expressive.

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Rancho La Cuna

Pinot Noir from Los Alamos balances vibrancy and complexity, where aromas of cranberry, dried cherry, and lilac blend seamlessly with flavors of cola and licorice. A well-structured wine with a textured mouthfeel, it reveals subtle notes of orange zest and flint, leading to a finish enriched by grippy oak tannins. Crafted from the estate fruit of the Rancho La Cuna Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, this wine promises a layered, contemplative experience.

2021 Au Bon Climat “Larmes de Grappe” Pinot Noir

Our 2021 Larmes de Grappe Pinot Noir has been named one of Decanter’s Top Ten American Wines of 2024, earning an outstanding 98 points.

Perfumed floral, spice and savory notes emerge from beneath fruit that suggests red cherry, plum, rose petal, mint and blood orange. It is a well-structured, complex red that is also silky, and elegant. 100% whole cluster fermentation and 20 months age in new François Frères French oak 350-liter barrels helped to build this outstanding Pinot.

This special wine is included in the upcoming shipments for our 6- and 12-bottle members. We encourage members to stock up while it’s available, especially our 3-bottle members who will not automatically receive it in their allocation. Quantities are extremely limited, and this is a vintage destined to become a collector’s favorite.

FALL PICK UP PARTY

Join us Sunday, November 9th, at the Tasting Room for our annual Fall Pick-Up Party! Celebrate the season with delicious wines, hearty bites, and great company.

This year, Oak and Fire BBQ will be serving up their signature Tri-Tip Sandwiches, sweet corn on the cob, and creamy mac & cheese, all included with your ticket. Meanwhile, we’ll pour a curated selection of special wines from our cellar:

2022 Chardonnay, Nuits-Blanches au Bouge
2005 White Blend, Hildegard 1.5L
2018 Pinot Noir, Les Révélés
2022 Pinot Noir, Isabelle
2015 Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander 1.5L
BONUS POUR: 2021 Wild Boy Chardonnay, available only at the Tasting Room.

Event Details:

Two Sessions: 12:00–2:00 PM & 2:00–4:00 PM
$20 per person – Members may bring friends (up to 6 tickets per member)

Exclusive, One-Day-Only Member Perks (In Person Only):

3-Bottle Members: 25% off wines & merch
6-Bottle Members: 30% off wines & merch
12-Bottle Members: 35% off wines & merch

ABC AFTER HOURS

Don’t Miss the Last ABC After Hours of the Year!

The year is flying by, and there are only two chances left to join our monthly ABC After Hours series! Enjoy an evening of great wines, light bites, and good company from 5:30–7:00 PM.

November 28th: Celebrate the season with 2005 Magnums – a perfect start to your holiday festivities.
December 19th: Blue Series Pairing with Marley Confections – a decadent ending to the year.

Spots are limited, make sure to RSVP and toast with us before the year ends!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

NEW SHIPPING for 12-Bottle Members!

We’re excited to share some great news for our 12 bottle wine club members! After working closely with our shipping partners to negotiate better rates, we’re now able to offer a $25 flat-rate shipping on all club orders for our 12 bottle tier.

This change reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value to our most dedicated members. Whether you’re in California or across the country, you’ll now enjoy predictable, affordable shipping on every club shipment.

We’re grateful for the loyalty of our wine club family, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance your experience with Au Bon Climat. Here’s to many more years of sharing our passion for world-class wines with you!

Questions about your membership? Reach out to our wine club team anytime. wineclub@aubonclimat.com or call (805) 883-8165

HOLIDAY BUNDLES COMING SOON

Au Bon Climat's Candy Cane Wine Gift Set - a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine in front of the fireplace and the Christmas tree

The season of giving is upon us, and Au Bon Climat’s holiday gift sets are the perfect way to share the joy of exceptional wine. Thoughtfully curated and beautifully packaged, these limited offerings will be available soon — just in time for holiday gifting.

Images from Harvest 2025

Harvest Recap 2025 from Au Bon Climat

Published October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

A RECAP FROM Isabelle Clendenen

With Harvest coming to a close, it is nice to reflect on the season for Au Bon Climat and Clendenen Family. The first grapes of the season were Pinot Gris on August 25th. The next day Pinot Noir from Lalapanzi vineyard came in to kick off the reds. The last grapes are as of writing this yet to be picked, but they are looking to be in by the end of the week of October 12th. While the harvest was on the early side this year, we were lucky to avoid any crazy heat spikes that often can cause a bunch of fruit to come in at one time. The weather also allowed consistency for sugar and acid numbers from sampling to picking. Look forward to the shining bright acidity this vintage.

Due to preparation for the changing of the guard next year, we saw different people stepping into new roles. Knox in particular really stepped it up this year by working harvest 7 days a week, most weeks. It was amazing to see how seamless the team has become. When asked to describe harvest in one word I was told “balanced” by Sarah, “clean” by Knox, “delicious” by Jim, “easy” by Enrique, and “manageable” by Marc. Lastly, for my harvest experience, I’ve been working on something fun that I’m excited about and looking forward to sharing with you when everything is finalized.

The Clendenen Legacy Continues at Au Bon Climat

Published October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Knox & Isabelle Clendenen working hard during the 2025 harvest

Four years after the passing of founder Jim Clendenen, the visionary known as “The Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, the Santa Barbara County winery continues to thrive under the leadership of his children Knox and Isabelle Clendenen. Together with longtime team members Enrique Rodriguez and Jim Adelman, the next generation is carrying forward the legacy of producing world-class Burgundian-style wines that put Santa Barbara on the global map.

The Clendenen family’s spirit of hospitality and mentorship remains at the heart of the winery. From the legendary communal lunches to the meticulous craftsmanship in the cellar, Knox is learning every facet of winemaking while Isabelle travels the world sharing Au Bon Climat wines with new audiences.

The team’s dedication to Jim’s original vision ensures that Au Bon Climat, meaning “a well-exposed vineyard,” continues to reflect the same passion, generosity, and excellence that have defined it since 1982.

Read how Isabelle and Knox are honoring their father’s legacy in this fantastic write-up in the Akron Beacon Journal.

Read Full Article

November 2024 Wine Club Newsletter

Published October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

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 November Wine Club Shipment below!

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

NOVEMBER add-on specials…

REVISIT 2014 – 10 YEAR LIBRARY COLLECTION

Our November Add-on offer celebrates these extraordinary 10 year old wines from our Library! Add-on all six featured bottles, or select your favorites a la carte…

2014 Library Wines Add-on Special: $395 for all six bottles (Retail $425) + your wine club discount applies!

2014 ABC Chardonnay “Nuits-Blanches au Bouge”
2014 ABC Chardonnay Los Alamos Vineyard
2014 ABC Pinot Noir “Isabelle”
2014 ABC Pinot Noir Runway Vineyard
2014 Clendenen Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
2014 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chardonnay

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 6TH AT 5PM PST

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

For our members who elected to have their wines shipped, orders will start shipping on November 18th.

How to add wine to your SEPTEMBER Shipment

Select “Edit Wines” in the upper right corner of your membership profile. Choose the wines or bundle you’d like to add, then click on ‘Save Selection‘ at the top of the page. You have now customized your shipment. To see the total breakdown including shipping discount, click on ‘TOTAL‘.

Included in this Shipment…

2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Runway Vineyard

2023 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc

Rancho La Cuna Chenin Blanc marks purity and versatility. Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, this lively and textured wine spent 8 months in a 350L French oak barrel before bottling. A layered nose of wildflowers, quince paste, and toasted chestnut are at the front. The palate reveals lingering flavors of lemon curd and orange blossom, with firm acidity suggesting further complexity with age.

2020 Clendenen Family Vineyards Chardonnay Le Bon Climat

This rich, voluptuous white shows crisp, fresh aromas and flavors of green apple, citrus blossoms, toasted oak and butter backed by bright acidity. Beautifully balanced, it is a wine of hidden power that will continue to develop handsomely for years to come.

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

A reticent Pinot Noir that, with airing, reveals a nose of perfumed red and black cherries, dried cranberries, star anise and cedar. The palate is silky, nuanced, with spice-laced flavor layers energized by lip-smacking acidity. Lovely now, this will only grow more profound with some cellar time. Scored 94 points Wine Enthusiast.

2022 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard

Understand why Bien Nacido is the crown jewel of Santa Maria Valley with our Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, a standout from the esteemed “Historic Vineyards Collection.” This vintage bursts with mixed berries and watermelon on the nose, evolving into complex layers of ginger, leather, and dried sage on the palate. With its medium body and refined tannins, it’s exceptional now and will age delicately.

2020 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Rancho La Cuna

This wine builds on the already rustic terroir of Los Alamos Valley with more subtle notes of dried flowers, plum, and sweet green tea. These aromatics continue to the palate and are joined with nuances of pipe tobacco and black cherry, all gathered in a firm but restrained oak frame. While the Los Alamos Valley lacks an official appellation, the fruit from Rancho La Cuna speaks for itself, yielding contemplative Pinot Noir that is dark and meaty.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES

For Thanksgiving Delivery (ground):
West Coast: 11/21
Mid Amercia: 11/19
East Coast: 11/18

For Christmas Delivery (ground):
West Coast: 12/18
Mid Amercia: 12/16
East Coast: 12/15

Upcoming Events to Note…

Wine Club Pick Up Party

You’re invited to our exclusive Wine Club Pick-Up Party at the downtown Santa Barbara Tasting Room! Join us for an afternoon of delicious wine, wood-fired sourdough pizza, and great company.

Santa Barbara Tasting Room, 12:00 -4:00PM (LAST CALL AT 3PM)

Join us in the tasting room, November 10th!

ABC After Hours: December Special

Join us this December for a special edition of ABC After Hours wine tasting, featuring the rarest wine from Au Bon Climat: Larmes de Grappe. Only 9 vintages of this exceptional wine have been made to date. Don’t miss the last ABC After Hours evening of the year!

SANTA BARBARA TASTING ROOM, 5:30-7:00PM

Reserve your spot for this special edition of ABC After Hours here!

SCENES FROM HARVEST 2024

A Harvest 2024 Recap from Au Bon Climat

Published October 30, 2024October 31, 2024

A RECAP FROM Harvest intern, DEAN HANDY

Our first grapes of the season, from Sonoma’s Lala Panzi vineyard, arrived on August 20th, marking the start of what would be a fast-paced harvest. Things continued quickly, with Bien Nacido’s Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir ready for picking by late August. September was exciting as we raced to keep up with fruit that seemed to ripen all at once. Our white wine press effectively ran non-stop, processing Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc from Sierra Madre and Bien Nacido. Meanwhile, we continued to receive weekly bins of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Los Alamos Valley. By early October, when many wineries were finishing up, we shifted our attention to the bold reds of our smaller batch Clendenen Family Wines: Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and Refosco.

As our harvest season winds down, the mood among ABC’s harvest workers is a mixed bag. On one hand, we feel immense relief that there are no more tanks to fill, no pump-overs to manage, and that the noise of our Bien Nacido winery facility has quieted. On the other hand, there’s a strong sense that we will miss the camaraderie that comes from the organized chaos of harvest. It’s a bittersweet feeling to spend months working on wines we won’t see for a while. Now, all that’s left for the 2024 harvest is to wait as the fruits of our labor take their time to mature.

Read more about Dean’s experience with Au Bon Climat here.

Knox Clendenen: A Harvest 2024 Recap from France

Published October 30, 2024October 30, 2024

An EXCITING EXPERIENCE FOR CO-OWNER, Knox

Hello, it seems this “harvest update” post has become a reoccurring thing between the two of us. Don’t tell the others but you’re my favorite reader, you understand fine wine AND you’re a great listener.

This harvest, I started my adventure in France, working at Domaine Merlin, a wonderful winery in the Mâconnais. They make fantastic Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir while also sharing the same mentality as Au Bon Climat, affordability. The Domaine was started in 1987 by Olivier Merlin, and it is now run by his two sons: Teo and Paul. Though Teo and Paul carry out and manage the viticulture and vinification, Olivier and his wife Corinne are always there to give advice and lend a hand. Teo also worked a harvest at Au Bon Climat in 2012, so it was only natural for me to spend my only Old-World harvest with family friends. Though the harvest was only a few weeks, it was tough work. They start drinking wine over there at 9 am, THEN have coffee, THEN go back to work. Now I’d like to think that I am a professional when it comes to wine consumption, but it’s clear the French have me beat. I spent most of my time working with the reds, but I also helped with the Chardonnay when it was needed. I bombarded Teo with questions and luckily, he was kind enough to indulge my curiosity. I learned so much from them, not only about their stylistic choices for winemaking but also about the prominence wine has in their culture. To meet people that not only view wine with passion but also as a base necessity for social gatherings was truly comforting. I felt right at home.

Now I’m not going to sugar coat it. The year was tough for Burgundy. There was lots of rain which put a lot of mildew pressure on the vineyards. Botrytis was a common sight in the Côte-d’Or and the Mâconnais. However, the Domaines did what they could farming wise and despite how bad the year was I think there will be some exceptional wines. I’d like to think I lent a hand in making some 😉

I am so grateful for the hospitality of Domaine Merlin, my time there will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I am back at Au Bon Climat finishing up our vinification and I must say the wines, though in their infancy, are looking spectacular. We might end up giving Burgundy a run for their money for 2024. Always good to have a little bit of friendly competition. That’s all from me for this year. I hope you have a lovely Autumn with some lovely wines to boot.

Cheers, Knox Clendenen

September 2024 Wine Club Newsletter

Published August 27, 2024September 4, 2024

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 September Wine Club Shipment below!

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

From Tasting Room Newbie to Harvest Intern

september add-on specials…

Loved your May Wine Club Selections? For September, we’re revisiting our favorite wines from the May Shipment. Take advantage of our Flat Rate Shipping and add on to make it a case!

WINE CLUB exclusive: $120 (PLUS, WINE CLUB DISCOUNT!)

One Bottle Each Of the following:

2021 ABC Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
2020 ABC Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au-Dessus”
2020 ABC Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”

And one last chance…indulge in our Summer Six Bottle Bundle!

Limited-time offer: $150 (PLUS, WINE CLUB DISCOUNT!)

One Bottle Each Of the following:

2022 Clendenen Family Vineyards Mondeuse Rosé
2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards Pinot Gris
2023 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
2020 Clendenen Family Vineyards G-15
2019 Clendenen Family Vineyards Pip Red Blend
2020 Au Bon Climat “La Bauge” Pinot Noir

ADD-ON DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 9TH AT 4PM PST

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

For our members who elected to have their wines shipped, orders will start shipping on September 23rd.

How to add wine to your SEPTEMBER Shipment

Warm Weather SHipping Update…

As many of you know, shipping wine during the warmer months has always been a challenge—one that I’ve faced head-on for the past decade. Au Bon Climat is thrilled to announce that we now offer the option of temperature-controlled shipping all year, ensuring your wines will be delivered in perfect condition!

This summer, we’ve stepped up our game by introducing affordable cold chain shipping for most states. So, what exactly does that mean? Cold chain shipping ensures your wine travels in a refrigerated truck, keeping it at the perfect temperature from our hub to yours. For those who want extra peace of mind, you can also add an ice pack at the second hub’s stop, ensuring that the last mile of the journey is covered.

On average, opting for cold chain and ice pack shipping adds about $18 per case—a small price to pay for the security of knowing your wine will arrive in top condition. Please note that cold chain shipping is available only for orders of 6 bottles or more and only ships weekly on Thursdays. Orders for cold chain must be made by Tuesday before 4 PM.

For our friends on the West Coast, we’ve got you covered, too! You can ship your wine with ice packs, which keep your bottles cool for up to 48 hours in transit. Most West Coast orders will be delivered the next day.

Of course, if you’d prefer to wait until the cooler months to receive your wine, we’ll hold your shipment until then. Our priority is to ensure your wine arrives in the same condition as when it left our winery, no matter when you choose to have it delivered. Thank you for your continued trust and support. We’re excited to offer these new shipping options to ensure your wines reach you in perfect condition, no matter the season. If you’d like to explore cold shipping options, please text 805-967-7999 or call the club line at 805-883-8165 to speak with me directly.

Cheers,
Nicole
Wine Club Manager, Au Bon Climat

Included in this Shipment…

2021 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Kick On Vineyard

Late-season strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon candy are detectable on both the nose and palate. Enhanced by subtle hints of fresh thyme and spice, each sip promises complexity and charm. Au Bon Climat has cherished the Kick-On Vineyard for over two decades, nestled in the picturesque Los Alamos Valley. Embracing the unique terroir between the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley, this wine embodies the best of both worlds: layered flavors, excellent structure, and depth from fully ripened grapes.

2022 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Runway Vineyard

Runway Pinot Noir is a wine of exceptional character and depth. The nose captivates with bold notes of black cherry, cola, candied raspberry, and baking spice, while hints of beeswax, orange peel, and thyme emerge with time. A balanced finish of oak, soft tannins, and sandalwood lingers with flavors of shortbread and butterscotch. Crafted with meticulous care, this Pinot Noir is fermented in open-top fermenters and aged for 16 months in François Frères barrels. Perfectly paired with dishes rich in spice and flavor, it’s an ideal match for dry-rub ribs, beef stew, or mushroom lasagna.

2020 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir, 20th Anniversary Harvest

A lovely, silky Pinot Noir showing black cherry, cassis and cocoa aromas and flavors with nuances of nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, along with a judicious vanillin note from the French oak barrels. It is beautifully balanced and shows the signature Pinot character of the Russian River Valley region in its best possible interpretation.

2021 Clendenen Family Vineyards G-15, Valdiguié

With aromas of violets, black tea, ripe raspberry, and hibiscus, and a juicy palate with balanced tannins, G-15 is perfect for both main courses and dessert. Our adventure with Gamay 15, also known as Valdiguié or Napa Gamay, has been fun and promising, earning its place in the Clendenen Family lineup for its vibrant fruit character.

2022 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Los Alamos Vineyard

This chardonnay is remarked by purity. From the windswept slopes of the Los Alamos Valley, this wine offers a refreshing aroma of wet limestone and delicate flavors of white peach, creamsicle, and key lime. Aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, it boasts a rounded structure and lingering tropical tones.

2023 Au Bon Climat, Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc

Found somewhere between complexity and simplicity is our Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc blend. This mineral-driven dry white is also crisp and fruity with restrained elegance. The nose offers upfront notes of kumquat, green apple, and pear. Its light yet robust texture is complemented by pleasant sandstone minerality, balanced acidity, and fresh lemon peel flavors, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

2017 Clendenen Family Vineyards, “Second Coming” Viognier

Rich with beautifully stated fruit, this Viognier is a step above most. It is elegant, balanced, but powerful, with flavors of stone fruit, melon and honeysuckle mixed with vanillin, and captivating minerality. It is a remarkable wine that rivals the best French counterparts.

Upcoming Events to Note…

ABC After Hours

Join us to wrap up September with your favorite wines at our next ABC After Hours wine tasting! This month features a lineup exclusively from Bien Nacido Vineyard, first planted in 1973 and the primary vineyard source for Au Bon Climat wines.

Santa Barbara Tasting Room, 5:30-7:00PM

Featured Wines: Bien Nacido Vineyard

Join us in the tasting room, September 27th!

Santa Barbara Vintners Festival

Celebrating its 40th year, the highly anticipated Santa Barbara Vintners Festival is back! Au Bon Climat will be there pouring the hits; you wont want to miss it!

VEGA VINEYARD AND FARM, 12:00-4:00PM

Grab your tickets here!

ABC After Hours

Join us as we close out October with a special ABC After Hours wine tasting! Enjoy your favorite wines, including our signature Santa Maria Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourced from the renowned Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat Vineyards.

Santa Barbara Tasting Room, 5:30-7:00PM

Featured Wines: Bien Nacido & Le Bon Climat Blends

Grab a reservation for our October “After Hours”!

Wine Club Pick Up Party

FEATURING LOU BIRDS PIZZA

Who can resist a perfectly crafted sourdough pizza fresh from a wood-fired oven, especially when it’s paired with ABC’s Pinot Noir? We’re thrilled to announce that Lou Bird’s Pizza is returning for our November Wine Club Pick Up Party!

Santa Barbara Tasting Room, 12:00-4:00PM

Plan ahead, join us for our November Pick Up Party!