The Bernardus team’s attention to detail, high standards and passion for making stellar wine.  Widely traveled and endowed with impeccable taste, Founder Bernardus (Ben) Pon  selected Carmel Valley to establish his winery, with its west-facing orientation, hot days and chilly nights, and stunning beauty, confident his vineyards there could produce wines to rival the greatest on the globe. More than a quarter-century later, he accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  We also use  vineyard partners such as  Joe Alarid, Gary Franscioni, Mark Pisoni. We want people to taste the fruit, not the barrel