Au Bon Climat have been creating internationally acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of intrigue, longevity, balance, and place since 1982.

Winemaker Jim Clendenen

Turning his back on a law career in favourite of winemaking, Jim Clendenen had a clear vision: to create stellar Burgundian-style wines in the New World. Although it was a stay in France that sparked the idea, it was working harvests in Australia and the Central Coast that really propelled his dream, and in 1982, Au Bon Climat - meaning ‘a well exposed vineyard’ - was launched. Since then, it has grown to produce over 50,000 cases annually, and although Jim sadly passed away in May 2021, his dedicated team are preserving his vision and legacy to this day.

The Bien Nacido Vineyard

The Au Bon Climat belief is that life is too short to drink bad wine. Au Bon Climat sources fruit from several of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Central Coast, including the fabled Bien Nacido Vineyard. Planted to 900 acres of vines, this site is located at the northern end of California’s Santa Barbara County, just 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Here, grapes thrive in maritime-influenced morning fog and cool afternoon breezes, and enjoy one of the longest growing seasons in the state.

Effective, sustainable viticultural practices and vineyard management ensure the highest quality grapes, year on year. The wines have distinctive aromatics, spice, minerality, complexity, and great balance.

For more information on Au Bon and their wines, you can visit the Au Bon website here.