Pick Up Party Archives - Au Bon Climat Winery

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

May 2025 Wine Club Newsletter

Published April 30, 2025May 5, 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 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

Customize your wine club shipment and take advantage of flat rate shipping with our exclusive add on offers, unique to each wine club. Click the image below to customize…

Mark your calendars: Deadline to add on is May 9th at 4PM

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

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’

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 Hildegard

This wine opens with delicate aromas of candied lemon and white rose, followed by subtle hints of coconut milk, nectarine, and sandalwood. On the palate, fresh green apple and nectarine from the Pinot Gris meld seamlessly with the creaminess of French oak, while the salinity of Pinot Blanc and the bright acidity of Aligoté provide a crisp, structured finish.

2022 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay

Sanford and Benedict grapes are known for being beautifully balanced, and our chardonnay is no exception. This wine is effortlessly integrated with aromas of grapefruit and lemon curd leading the way, with subtle layers of little-leaf sage, sunflower seed butter, and dried pine needles emerging with air. On the palate, flinty minerality meets rich, round tones of crème brûlée for a refined and lingering finish.

2023 Clendenen Family Vineyards Grenache Gris

An intriguing nose of pear, melon rind, green mango, and passion fruit. Minerality provides structure, complemented by flavors of plum and lemon zest. A light to medium body with great acidity makes this wine effortlessly enjoyable.

2021 Au Bon Climat La Bauge Au-Dessus Pinot Noir

With rich flavors of juicy blueberry and pomegranate, this wine further develops into an earthy and fragrant profile. Aromas of peppercorn, bramble, and roses are detectable adding complexity. With excellent structure, it culminates in a pronounced pine finish, showcasing layers and depth in this vintage. It is very approachable now but will develop beautifully into stewed fruits with age.

2020 Clendenen Family Vineyards Grenache

A serious and concentrated Grenache with intense fruit scents bursting from the glass, revealing cherry and peach candy. Darker-toned aromas follow with layers of fennel, hyssop, leather, and cigar. Developed tannins and good acidity create a sturdy structure with long-term aging potential. The finish lingers with delightful notes of crème brûlée and coffee.

2023 Au Bon Climat “Rosemary’s” Talley Vineyard Pinot Noir

First bottled by Au Bon Climat in 1991, this Arroyo Grande vineyard continues to deliver one of the most refined and compelling Pinot Noirs we’ve crafted. Bright aromas of wild berries and cream open the nose, giving way to savory hints of turmeric, dried thyme, and toasted oak. On the palate, rich notes of plum and mascarpone add texture and depth, finishing with a graceful, lingering warmth.

2021 Au Bon Climat Lalapanzi Vineyard Pinot Noir

Hints of dried mahogany intertwine with dark boysenberry in the front, gradually giving way to notes of fresh pomegranate and whipped cream with aeration. Fruit-forward flavors of tart cherry and cranberry are complemented by savory undertones of black olive, white pepper, and baking spices.

EXCITING EVENTS COMING TO THE TASTING ROOM…

AU BON CLIMAT EVENTS CALENDAR

Mark your calendars—there’s much to look forward to this month and well into the summer with Au Bon Climat! Keep an eye on our events calendar!

ABC After-Hours: May

This month, we honor Jim Clendenen’s special collaboration with Nashville wine collector Tom Black. Created for his friend Tom Black and inspired by a Bordeaux-style blend Jim once made for Toby Keith, Black By Black began as a challenge- to match top Bordeaux using Santa Barbara fruit. He succeeded.

Tom, a wine collector, wanted a signature wine for charity events, so Jim crafted it from one barrel each of Stallion Cabernet, Bien Nacido Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged in new Taransaud oak. Elegant and old-world in style, this rare, unscored vertical is a true gem.

Tasting lineup, Black by Black:
2012, 2013, 2014 & 2016 in 3L format.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Spring Pick-up Party: Member Exclusive Celebration at the Tasting Room

Sunday May 18th | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with your fellow Wine Club members at our Spring Pick-Up Party! Join us for an afternoon of seasonal sips, savory bites, and exclusive perks- just for our club community.

We’ll be pouring a special lineup of member-only wines, including a few surprises you won’t find on our regular menu. Take advantage of our bargain table, featuring limited wines at special prices- first come, first served, so don’t miss out!

This season’s food pairing is brought to you by Breadtrip, one of our favorite local pop-ups. On the menu:

Roasted Pork Sandwich – Broccoli rabe, provolone, pepperoncini

Chicken Confit Sandwich – Beylik Farms tomatoes, crispy chicken skin, schmaltz, sherry vinaigrette

All served on fresh house-made focaccia with lemon aioli and a refreshing citrus & fennel salad.

Bring your appetite, your wine-loving friends (guests welcome!), and get ready to toast to spring in style.

RSVP HERE TO JOIN US

JUNE MEMBER EXCHANGE

Au Bon Climat x Whitcraft : Member Exchange

This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Whitcraft Winery for an exclusive Member Benefit Exchange! For the entire month, your membership perks will extend to both tasting rooms- twice the fun, twice the wine. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

May Pick up Party–a Celebration of Talley Vineyard

Published January 30, 2024May 3, 2024

Exploring Au Bon Climat’s remarkable wine library, we were struck by the exceptional quality and longevity of the wines crafted from Talley Vineyard grapes. From 1990 through 2014, Au Bon Climat has been producing single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Talley vineyards. We are thrilled to announce that Brian Talley, a close friend of the winery, resumed selling us fruit in 2022.

In the upcoming May Wine Club release, we will unveil the highly anticipated 2022 Talley “Rosemary” Vineyard Pinot Noir as a Wine Club Exclusive offering. Early barrel tastings have already hinted at its exceptional quality, promising a stellar wine experience. To celebrate this special occasion, we invite you to join us at the winery for the May Pick Up party on May 18th at the Au Bon Climat winery. During the event, we’ll be offering tastings and sales of Library Talley wines. Brian Talley himself, alongside some of our winemaking team, including Jim Adelman, will be present to answer any questions and share insights into these remarkable wines.

May 2023 Wine Club Newsletter

Published April 16, 2023April 12, 2023

The Latest from Au Bon Climat

Scroll through for the latest news and updates from Au Bon Climat including a delicious recipe from our Cellar Master, Enrique Rodriguez, read an interesting piece that will help you open your next “aged to perfection” bottle, plus meet our new Tasting Room Manager, Wiktoria! 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…

The Challenge of Older Corks: How to successfully open your "aged to perfection" wines. — The Challenge of Older Corks

Enrique's Scallop Pasta Recipe — The Challenge of Older Corks

Vintage wines stored at the Au Bon Climat winery library. — NEW! Curated Private Tastings

A SPECIAL ADD ON OffeR…

MAY Add-On SUGGESTIONS…

Our May Wine Club Shipment is particularly outstanding. Many are limited edition wines that will sell out quickly. You may just want to add on to your shipment and take advantage of our new rates!

We are excited about the two add-on specials being offered in addition to the wines in the club shipment. While we have been making Mondeuse (Rosé) and Syrah (Syrah/Viognier) for decades, it is the first time creating them into 100% red varietal wines under the Clendenen Family label.

Clendenen Family 2018 Mondeuse (Noire) Bien Nacido Estate Plantings,

Santa Maria Valley $25

Great value! This offbeat, French varietal creates a delicious, juicy red wine with deep color and a berry/peppery flavor. Blackberry, plum, pomegranate appear up front, with nuances of clove and black olive on the back palette helping to create a savory and food-friendly wine.

Clendenen Family 2018 Syrah “Z Block”, Bien Nacido Estate Plantings

Santa Maria Valley $75

This is an intensely purple, opaque wine with gobs of fruit suggesting crushed blackberries, fresh violets, and earthy spice from one of the great Syrah blocks in America. The palate is rich and structured with an amazingly deep Syrah character that makes this wine intriguing and worthy of aging for years to come.

DIRECTIONS: HOW TO ADD ON TO CLUB SHIPMENT

Within your wine club shipment email, click on the Adjust Your Shipment button. On the next page, under the blue menu banner on top in the right corner, click on the button Edit Wines. Select the bottles you’d like to add, then click on Save Selection located on top. If you would like to add on wines outside of the wine club portal, please email us the selection, we will do our best to accommodate. You have now customized your shipment! To see the total breakdown, including shipping discount, click on TOTAL.

Upcoming Events to Note In MAY…

ANNUAL Wine Club Pickup Party

Experience the ultimate celebration of wine and cuisine at our exclusive Annual Wine Club Pick-Up Party, hosted at the breathtaking Au Bon Climat winery. Join us for a lovely afternoon on our Bien Nacido Vineyard, surrounded by lush vines and rolling green hills for this special event that simply can’t be missed.

All Club Members are welcome! Make your reservation today!

Included in this Shipment…

2018 Au Bon Climat Reserve Pinot Noir “Les Révélés” Lingua Franca Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

We were fortunate to get fruit from the prestigious, estate vineyard of Lingua Franca located in Williamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA, and set aside a few of our best barrels to create this Reserve. It is off-the-charts spectacular, loaded with crushed blackberry/cherry/blueberry fruit with intriguing nuances of anise, lavender, pink peppercorn, and oak vanillin. The underlying power and complexity are ‘under the surface’ currently, but will be apparent soon. Don’t miss out!

A picture of a white wine bottle - 2020 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Barbara Historic Vineyard Collection. Sta. Rita Hills

2020 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Barbara Historic Vineyard Collection. Sta. Rita Hills

Another exceptional wine from the first great vineyard in Santa Barbara County. Spiced orchard fruits, citrus, brioche, and toasty oak as well as hints of nuttiness all emerge in the glass. The palate grips with crushed rock minerality giving frame to the stone fruit and citrus flavors. Medium-bodied and well structured, it has bright acidity and a clean, vibrant, pure style that’s going to gain richness and depth with a year or two of bottle age and keep for a decade.

The 2019 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay 34th Anniversary Celebration Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Welcoming aromas of macadamia nut, cream, sweet butter and orange zest are joined by flavors of coconut, cherimoya, and other creamy, white fleshed fruit backed by hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and minerality notes. Though a rich, opulent wine, it is focused and tight in style that should build nicely with bottle age.

A picture of a bottle of Chardonnay wine - The 2019 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay 34th Anniversary Celebration Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

2019 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au-dessus” Santa Maria Valley

“La Bauge Au-dessus” translates as a “wild party upstairs.” A classic Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, it is a wine of great aromatics and character showing cherry/cranberry fruit, rose petal, earth and spice. The key word is balance. A balance of oak and fruit, a balance of tannin and acid, and a balance of elegance and intensity. This delicious, Old World Burgundy style Pinot Noir does not compete with food but maximizes the dining experience by complimenting whatever is paired with it. The wine is crafted to have a more integrated structure and suppleness early on, making it enjoyable now, though it will continue to age handsomely.

2019 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “Knox Alexander”, Santa Maria Valley

“Knox Alexander” Pinots represent the very best lots of Santa Maria Valley fruit we make each year. This wine does not disappoint. A fragrant, multi-layered bouquet leads to a complex, savory Pinot Noir with loads of spiced cherry, cranberry and red currant fruits as well as brambly herbs, underbrush, and leather-like aromas and flavors. It is very focused on the palate, in a tight, racy style. Wonderful now but will reward those who age it for years to come.

2017 Clendenen Family 90% Syrah/10% Viognier, Santa Barbara County

The Syrah and Viognier grapes were co-fermented, a style that is often seen in the Rhône region of France that takes the tannic, muscular Syrah and with the 10% addition of Viognier, gives it suppleness. This deeply colored wine has a gorgeous perfume of crushed blackberries, fresh violets, black pepper, and earthy spice that carries through to a rich, supple palate. Five years aging in 500-liter oak puncheons ensures it is imminently enjoyable now, and a perfect companion to hearty dishes like cassoulet or grilled pork chops.

2021 Clendenen Family Pinot Gris, Santa Maria Valley

This delightful Pinot Gris is crafted in a more Alsatian style. It is easy drinking but with sophisticated elegance. Crisp, minerally, and dry, the wine has a fresh green apple/pear character with subtle notes of lemon and lime that are well framed. Its delightfully uncomplicated yet elegant nature makes it a versatile food partner. Match with lighter fare such as trout amandine or crab salad. Perfect for casual sipping with friends.

Nicole’s Maternity Leave

A picture of Nicole Wasserman, our DTC Director, holding a glass of wine.

We are excited to announce that DTC Manager Nicole Wasserman is expecting her first child in May! With that being said, she will be on maternity leave from April-August. Wiktoria and Lily will be covering for her during those months. If you need to contact us regarding your membership, please email wineclub@aubonclimat.com.

Flat Rate Shipping – Good News!

Damn Amazon. Who doesn’t love free shipping? For small businesses, it’s prohibitively costly. With all its regulations and surcharges, it is nearly impossible for a winery to absorb the cost of shipping wine.

Shipping costs in the past year have exploded. We know, and you have told us how unhappy you are with the increased costs. We have explored many ways to reduce the shipping costs.

Good News! We have negotiated with our shipping company to dramatically reduce our shipping costs. We are seeing an average reduction of about 28%, and for some East Coast deliveries as much as a 45% reduction.

With these lower costs, we are implementing Flat Rate Shipping. Based on your delivery address, our shipping rates will be the same for 1-3 bottles, 4-6 bottles or 7 – 12 bottles. This rate will be used for Wine Club shipments and wines ordered off our website.