Tasting Room 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

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!

Join us for Santa Barbara Restaurant Week 2023

Published April 13, 2023April 13, 2023

Join us for a special tasting menu in honor of Santa barbara restaurant week: April 14th – 23rd

Red wine pouring into an ABC glass in the tasting room.

An invitation to join ABC in the tasting room for Restaurant Week April 14th-23rd

Indulge in the unparalleled delights of Santa Barbara County’s extraordinary wines, as acclaimed by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Magazine, which has crowned it the “Wine Region of the Year”. Unleash your taste buds during the restaurant week and relish in the delight of our curated Restaurant Week Tasting Flight.

Furthermore, this delightful event serves a noble purpose. All proceeds from this celebration will be generously donated to the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF) to support ProStart®. The foundation supports and manages this remarkable program and reaches over 13,500 students each year in 140 public high schools throughout California, including our very own San Marcos High School.

Check out our special tasting menu below, offered at just $25!

NEW! Curated Private Tastings

Published April 3, 2023April 4, 2023

Vintage wines stored in the Au Bon Climat library at the winery.

Not just a tasting, but an event. Treat yourself and impress your friends. Join us for a unique and memorable wine tasting experience curated especially for you! With our expansive breadth of vintages and classic and off beat varietals, we can create a wine tasting like no other. Enjoy a private tasting and a one-on-one experience with our knowledgeable tasting room staff. This tasting flight is fully customizable based on our extensive tasting room and wine library inventory.

Your Curated Private Tasting includes a cheese plate prepared by our favorite local cheese shop with a worldwide collection of artisanal cheeses.

All Private Tastings need to be booked one week in advance. Price is $75-$100 per person, depending on wines chosen. (Each $500 wine purchase waives one tasting fee).

A deposit is required to hold reservation. Reservation for parties of 2-8 people (Non-drinkers should be included in the headcount).

For availability, recommendations, and customization, please contact Wiktoria Marroquin, Tasting Room Manager at wiktoria@aubonclimat.com.

NOTE: We advise making a booking at least one week in advance.

Welcome new Tasting Room Manager: Wiktoria Marroquin

Published April 3, 2023April 4, 2023

We are excited to introduce our new tasting room manager

A picture of Au Bon Climat's new Tasting Room Manager, Wiktoria, smiling at the camera.

Wiktoria (pronounced Victoria) is new to Santa Barbara and California but certainly not new to California wine. She was born and raised in Poland and has worked throughout Europe. Wiktoria moved to Tuscany, worked for a small winery, and discovered her love for Sangiovese. When an opportunity to work at a Michelin star restaurant in Slovenia came up, Wiktoria decided to move. She traded the sun for the snow, and learned everything there was to know about skin-contact white wines that Slovenia is famous for. Continuing her snowy journey, she spent the last five years in Iceland working as one of the few sommeliers in the country. Love brought her to California, and she now gets to call Santa Barbara and Au Bon Climat home.

Come in soon to meet her! She would love to hear from you. Her email is wiktoria@aubonclimat.com