Everyone knows that in Santa Barbara you can’t spell pinot noir without ABC-Au Bon Climat (aubonclimat.com), that is. The winery is led by Jim Clendenen, who, since 1982, has made much spectacular juice and just this year was named to the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.” To celebrate 25 years of brilliance, Clendenen will set out an anniversary tasting at the Wine Cask (813 Anacapa St.) on Tuesday, December 11, from 4-7 p.m. No word on the wine lineup yet, but even if it consists only of his most recent releases it will be worth playing hooky from work. If you’ve never had them and they’re being poured, be sure to try the Knox and Isabelle pinots. They’re so good he named them after his son and daughter.
