Au Bon Climat was founded in 1982 by the late Jim Clendenen and was dedicated to producing Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County. The name, which means "a well-exposed vineyard" in French, reflects Clendenen's belief that Santa Barbara's cool, coastal climate is ideal for growing these grape varietals. Known for its elegant, balanced, and age-worthy wines, Au Bon Climat has remained committed to its Old World winemaking principles even as industry trends have come and gone. The winery, now led by the next generation of the Clendenen family, is an icon of the Central Coast wine scene.

The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is characterized by marine-based soils, including calcium-rich clay loam, fractured shale, and chert. This well-drained but water-retaining soil composition, combined with the cool Pacific Ocean influence, naturally stresses the vines to produce highly concentrated, complex fruit.