Au Bon Climat
Jim Clendenen was Carnivale du Vin’s first “Honorary Bacchus,” and he has been with us ever since, creating special wines for the enjoyment of our patrons. From grwoing up in Akron, Ohio to graduating with high honors in pre-law from University of California, Santa Barbara, it was ultimately a stay in Burgundy and Champagne that convinced Jim to attempt a career in wine rather than law.
Beginning with the 1978 harvest, Jim was the assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery for three vintages. In 1981 his vision broadened with three harvests in one year as he worked crush and directed harvest at wineries in Australia and France. Since 1982, his Au Bon Climat has grown to over 30,000 cases. The winery cultivated an international reputation for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
