California - Santa Barbara!
Santa Maria, Au Bon Climat & Qupe Winery
On Monday 17th August I had my first visit at Au Bon Climat & Qupe.
When I have decided to go to California for a wine trip the first “idol” that came to my mind was Jim Clendenen.
Jim, Au Bon Climat
Jim Clendenen is the winemaker and owner of Au Bon Climat Winery and one of the best winemaker for Pinot Noir!
We had lunch in the winery. Jim cooked for his guests a Germany style food, Sausages (pork/beef), cabbage, potatoes and lettuce salad.
We have tasted about 10 wines with the meal: delicious Roussanne Qupe, Santa Ynez Valley Chardonnay ABC, Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir ABC, Santa Maria Valley Syrah Qupe 05 & 07…etc.
The winery
Lunch at Au Bon Climat
Robert N. Lindquist is the winemaker of Qupe Winery founded in 1982.
Qupe Wine Cellars is located on the Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria, California. In 1989, Bob joined forces with his mentor and friend, Jim Clendenen, together building a shared winery in the Bien Nacido Vineyard, they have together a production and sales support staff.
Bob, Qupe
Vineyard
After tasting Jim invited me to stay at his Guest house located in Los Alamos and to joy dinner him, his friends and family!
I had a great time, delicious food and an unforgettable experience indeed.
Los Alamos
We had dinner (barbecue style) and we have tasted reeeeeally good wines LOLLLLL
Jim opened a few bottles for us:
Vosne- Romanee 1996, Emmanuel Rouget; Gevrey Chambertin 1988, Alain Burguet; Clos Vougeot 2003, Domaine Rene Engre and Volnay 1er Cru 1990, Clos de la Bousse D’Or J
I will definitely keep this time in my mind forever. Jim is definitely a very generous and very knowledgeable human.
Thanks Jim!