Jim Clendenen

Jim Clendenen was undoubtedly the most emblematic figure of the Californian wine renaissance. Nothing predestined him to play such a role... Clendenen was born in Ontario, in a region with very little access to wine and gastronomy. It was during his college year abroad in France in 1974 when during a month spent in Burgundy and Champagne he finally discovered “life beyond tacos”, as he likes to put it. He became so passionate that he immediately decided to left his law studies. Returning to California in 1978, he learned winemaking over the course of three vintages at Zaca Mesa Winery. Then in 1982 he founded Au Bon Climat, based on the idea (rather crazy at the time) of an estate dedicated solely to Burgundy grape varieties. As the years passed, Jim planted his vines and, above all, sourced the best vineyards in California to provide himself with the highest quality grapes possible. A work of conviction and passion which elevated Jim Clendenen to the status of California’s most colourful and influential winemaker. He sadly left us in 2021.