Jim Clendenen
James Alexander Clendenen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 January 1953 Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | 15 May 2021 (aged 68) |
| Occupation(s) | Winemaker, proprietor |
| Known for | Au Bon Climat winery, advancing Burgundian-style wines in California |
James Alexander Clendenen (January 11, 1953 – May 15, 2021) was a distinguished American winemaker and proprietor of Au Bon Climat, a winery located in Santa Maria, California.[1] Often referred to as "The Godfather" [2] within the Santa Barbara County wine community, he significantly contributed to enhancing the global reputation of the area and advancing the quality of Burgundian-style wines along California's Central Coast.
Early life
Born on January 11, 1953, in Akron, Ohio, Clendenen was the son of Donald, a chemical engineer employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company,[3] and Alice, a homemaker.[4] During his teenage years, his family relocated from Cuyahoga Falls to La Habra, California.[3] He completed his studies at Lowell High School and graduated with high honors in pre-law from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1974.[4] Originally aiming for a culinary career, his extensive travels throughout Europe as a college junior—including six months in Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy—redirected his passion toward winemaking.[4][3] Consequently, he opted to pursue a career in viticulture rather than attend law school.
Career
Clendenen initiated his professional journey in winemaking at Zaca Mesa Winery, where he worked for three vintages. After completing three harvest seasons within a single year across California, Australia, and France, he co-founded Au Bon Climat in 1982 alongside Adam Tolmach.[5] Operating out of a converted dairy barn near Los Alamos, California, they managed all aspects of production independently due to financial constraints.[4] Embracing Burgundy winemaking methods, Clendenen focused on cultivating chardonnay and pinot noir varietals. Au Bon Climat rose to prominence during the mid-1980s as a result of his vigorous promotion of both the wines and the Santa Barbara region. Their offerings were celebrated for their "subtlety and restraint."[4] In 1989, Clendenen assumed sole ownership and expanded his enterprise with projects such as Clendenen Family Vineyards.[3]
Throughout his career, Clendenen received numerous honors including the 2001 Winemaker of the Year award from Food & Wine, the title of Winemaker of the World by Wein Gourmet in 2004, and induction into the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in 2007.[3] He was also recognized for mentoring rising talents within the wine industry.[6] Additionally, he served as the featured vintner at Akron’s principal wine auction fundraiser for the Akron Art Museum in both 2005 and 2017.[3]
Personal life
Clendenen experienced two marriages: first with Sarah Chamberlin and later with Morgan Clendenen. He fathered two children—Isabelle and Knox. Isabelle is engaged in sales and marketing at Au Bon Climat, while Knox contributes to cellar operations at the winery. In his later years, Clendenen split his residence between a home in Buellton and a ranch located in Los Alamos.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 15, 2021, at age 68 at his Buellton home. He is survived by his sisters Marsha and Patricia, along with nephew Patrick, niece Marisa, and great-nephew.
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