Jim Clendenen / Photo by Kirk Irwin
In an industry loaded with gregarious personalities, winemaker Jim Clendenen, who died on May 15 at 68 years old, was cut from even more colorful cloth.
With a flowing mane of wild hair, intense eyes and fierce confidence, Clendenen, the owner of Au Bon Climat winery, spent his entire career promoting the wines of Santa Barbara County around the world. He proved that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay could be made in a leaner, Burgundian style despite abundant California sunshine, and mentored generations of winemakers-to-be.
He’s also remembered as a great father to his two children, a dear friend to dozens and a bon vivant who cooked and hosted long, leisurely lunches at his Santa Maria Valley winery whenever he wasn’t on the road.
The Au Bon Climat Winery founder was a father, mentor and friend to thousands worldwide
Jim Clendenen, left, and Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit SYV, pose for a photo at a wine event in 2017. (Shelby Sim photo) By Laurie Jervis, Noozhawk Columnist | @NoozhawkNews
May 18, 2021
| 11:14 a.m.
The global wine industry lost a pioneering winemaker with the sudden death of Jim Clendenen, founder of Santa Barbara County’s Au Bon Climat Winery. The Los Alamos resident was just 68 and died in his sleep on Saturday.
News of his death traveled like lightning across social media starting Sunday evening and continues as the legendary Clendenen’s family, friends, colleagues and longtime Santa Maria cellar crew struggle with and grieve his passing.
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