In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with now ex-partner Adam Tolmach, to start his own winery in leased quarters. Au Bon Climat (which means “a well exposed vineyard”) has grown over its history to over 30,000 cases through careful re-investment from its own production.

Though the ocean can be viewed only from the hills surrounding the vineyards, the influence of the sea is felt in the cool temperatures of the Santa Maria Ava. Warm days and cool nights combine with soils composed of gravel and calciferous clay to produce wines with a unique and much sought after character.