Clendenen Family Vineyards
Clendenen Family Vineyards is a special project by Jim Clendenen, the iconic winemaker behind Au Bon Climat. While Au Bon Climat focuses on classic Burgundy-style wines, Clendenen Family Vineyards gave him the freedom to explore more experimental grape varieties and techniques, all while staying true to his philosophy of quality and terroir expression.
Jim Clendenen created this label as a platform for smaller, distinctive productions, allowing him to dive even deeper into his passion for winemaking. These wines are produced in limited quantities and reflect his personal vision.
Location and climate of Santa Barbara County
The unique geography of Santa Barbara County makes it one of the most fascinating wine regions in California. The valleys are oriented east to west, which allows cool ocean breezes to flow directly inland. This slows down the ripening process of the grapes, ensuring a perfect balance of freshness, aroma, and structure.
The vineyards used for Clendenen Family Vineyards, including plots from Bien Nacido and Rancho La Cuna, are highly regarded and consistently deliver grapes of outstanding quality.
The different wines of Clendenen Family Vineyards
What makes Clendenen Family Vineyards stand out is its diversity. Alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, less common varieties such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Syrah, and Petit Verdot also play an important role. Traditional methods like whole-cluster fermentation, native yeast fermentation, and aging in high-quality French oak give these wines both depth and remarkable elegance.
Each bottle carries the story of the grape, the terroir, and the hand of a master winemaker.
Why choose Clendenen Family Vineyards wines
These wines are loved by wine enthusiasts who appreciate character, authenticity, and artisanal winemaking. They combine California’s generous fruit expression with European finesse — a rare balance. Many of the wines also have excellent aging potential, rewarding patience with even greater complexity. Jim Clendenen’s legacy, his commitment to quality, and his uncompromising vision make Clendenen Family Vineyards truly unique.
Order Clendenen Family Vineyards wines online?
You can easily order Clendenen Family Vineyards wines at Grandcruwijnen.com, the wine merchant with one of the largest selections in the Netherlands and Belgium. All bottles are stored in a conditioned Wine Warehouse, ensuring perfect preservation. If you choose the ‘Pick up’ option at checkout, you’ll immediately see the discount we offer for collecting your wines in Dordrecht.
