One of the first wineries in Santa Barbara County, Au Bon Climat (which means “a well-exposed vineyard”) cultivated, early on, an international reputation for stellar Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris sourcing fruit from local, highly regarded vineyards including estate plantings. Multiple editions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced annually, most vineyard designated.

Founder and wine icon Jim Clendenen was essential to elevating Burgundian varietals on the Central Coast earning ‘Winemaker of the Year’ from both the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine Magazine. Accolades abound including Au Bon Climat being listed on Robert Parker’s Best Wineries of the World in both 1989 and 1990 and most recently received Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Wineries of the World’ in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Today, second generation Isabelle and Knox Clendenen are at the helm with Jim Adelman, Au Bon Climat’s winemaker for over 30 years, continuing the winemaking tradition. The winery celebrated its 40th vintage in 2022.