What can one say about Bien Nacido that has not been said before? This award-winning vineyard is in the center of the Santa Maria Valley AVA and grows high quality grapes of many varieties.  Chardonnay was first varieties planted here in the early 1970s. Winemakers saw the quality coming from this vineyard near Santa Maria. These Chardonnay grapes were sought after by wineries, big and small, all over California. Au Bon Climat has a “lifetime” contract for the best block of Chardonnay at Bien Nacido. All the Chardonnay from “K” block has been made into wine at Au Bon Climat since 1989. “K” Block is on slight slope, with more gravel in the soil then the bottom land blocks. The poorer soil keeps the vigor and crop size under control.