Bernardus Wines – Monterey’s Dutch-Rooted Gem.
Bernardus Wines stands proudly as a beacon of excellence in California’s Monterey County, combining old-world philosophy with new-world innovation. At the heart of its continued success are Robert and Stephan van der Wallen, President Jeff Meier, and Winemaker Jim McCabe, each bringing unique perspectives and passion to the winery. Recently we sat down with these three driving forces behind Bernardus Wines.
A Legacy Built on Dreams and Quality
Established in 1989 by Dutch entrepreneur and former race car driver Ben (Bernardus) Pon, Bernardus Winery was founded with the ambition to craft Californian wines capable of rivaling Europe’s finest, particularly Bordeaux. Pon’s vision materialized with Marinus, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, becoming the symbolic flagship of the winery.
After Pon’s passing in 2019, the stewardship of Bernardus transitioned to brothers Robert and Stephan van der Wallen. Robert (owner of Bernardus), initially encountered Pon through their shared passion for golf, leading to a deep bond and eventual succession plan. Stephan (CEO) reflects fondly on this romantic yet pragmatic acquisition, saying, “Ben had a dream, and we are very proud to continue that dream.”
Vineyards and Winemaking
Bernardus Winery manages three estate vineyards spanning 22 hectares: Marinus Vineyard (Bordeaux varietals), Featherbow Ranch (Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon), and Ingrid’s Vineyard (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). The Carmel Valley climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, provides ideal grape-growing conditions.
The winery also sources grapes from renowned Monterey County vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, including Garys’, Rosella’s, Sierra Mar, and Soberanes. Jim McCabe emphasizes these long-term partnerships, noting, “Having that ability makes me confident that we’re making great wines.” These collaborations ensure consistent quality and unique vineyard expressions.
Maintaining Excellence with a Dedicated Team
Jim McCabe, officially at the helm as winemaker since the 2023 vintage, has spent 14 years rising through the ranks, mentored by predecessor Dean DeKorth. McCabe passionately describes the winery’s ethos: “We’re always looking for ways to improve…asking ourselves what can we do better next year, what can we do better in five years.”
Jeff Meier joined Bernardus in 2022 as President, after 37 years at a major California winery, drawn back from retirement by Bernardus’s quality and team-oriented culture. Meier remarks, “I always felt like Bernardus was very much a kind of a quality leader in the area…it’s been a great honor.” Bernardus’s manageable size allows meticulous attention to quality and thoughtful innovation.
Notable Wines and Portfolio Expansion
Beyond the iconic Marinus, Bernardus is acclaimed for varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, each expressing distinct Monterey terroirs. In 2022, Bernardus expanded its portfolio with a Provence rosé, quickly gaining popularity in both the United States and the Netherlands.
Stephan highlights this expansion, explaining, “We always do blind tastes, and we always end up in the top three, which we are very proud of.” This strategic addition demonstrates Bernardus’s adaptability and commitment to meeting consumer tastes while staying true to their high standards.
The Tasting Table
Bernardus and De Bruijn in Wijnen provided a selection of Bernardus wines for us to taste. Below our findings from the tasting table.
2024 Bernardus Rosé
Inspired by the elegance of Provence, this rosé primarily features Grenache grapes harvested at peak ripeness. This is the only Bernardus wine not produced in the US, finding its origin in France’s capital of rosé; the Provence region.
Gentle pressing and brief skin contact result in a delicate pale-pink hue, while fermentation in stainless steel maintains its bright freshness. The nose reveals subtle aromas of strawberries, rose petals, and delicate herbs, leading to a vibrant palate filled with flavors of wild strawberries, melon, and hints of citrus zest, concluding with a refreshingly crisp finish.
DWA score: 90/100
2023 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County
Originating from the renowned Griva Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, this Sauvignon Blanc undergoes cool-temperature fermentation in stainless steel followed by maturation in neutral French oak, adding subtle complexity. The wine exhibits lively aromas of pineapple, passion fruit, and zesty grapefruit. The palate is enriched by vibrant flavors of mango, nectarine, and lime peel, balanced by a crisp acidity and a clean, invigorating finish.
DWA score: 89/100
2021 Monterey Chardonnay
Crafted from grapes grown in Monterey County’s cool coastal vineyards, this Chardonnay benefits from fermentation and aging in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks, imparting nuanced complexity. Aromatically, it offers enticing scents of pear, baked apple, vanilla bean, and a touch of cinnamon spice. The palate is lush and expressive, featuring flavors of crisp apple, pineapple, and creamy oak, harmoniously balanced by lively acidity and a long, satisfying finish.
DWA score: 91/100
2022 Pinot Noir Monterey County Santa Lucia Highlands
This Pinot Noir showcases select vineyards from the Santa Lucia Highlands, where meticulous attention in small open-top fermenters and aging in French oak barrels refine its complexity and elegance. The wine opens with captivating aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, subtle spices, and hints of forest floor. The palate is beautifully structured, presenting juicy red fruit flavors, gentle earthy notes, silky tannins, and a lingering, graceful finish.
DWA score: 90/100
Bernardus as a Brand and Lifestyle
CEO Stephan van der Wallen describes Bernardus Wines not merely as a wine producer but as a luxurious experience intertwined with cherished memories. He vividly explains, “People are making memories in a restaurant with a bottle of ours, and that is not to express in money.” The winery enjoys robust market positions in California and the Netherlands, where its Chardonnay is recognized as a benchmark wine in tasting schools and wine clubs.
In the Netherlands, Bernardus wines are distributed by De Bruijn in Wijnen, the country’s oldest independent wine merchant, established in 1772. This partnership significantly enhances Bernardus’s international presence.
The Future: Tradition Meets Innovation
Bernardus remains true to its core portfolio while actively exploring innovations like non-alcoholic alternatives without compromising quality. Stephan notes this careful balance: “We want to maintain quality and explore new paths without diluting what Bernardus stands for.” Strategic expansion within California, particularly in Southern California, remains a priority.
The Bernardus brand further extends into lifestyle ventures, including Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, host of the Dutch Open Golf Tournament, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa in California, underscoring the holistic luxury experience associated with Bernardus.
Final Reflections
Bernardus Wines exemplifies how quality, continuity, and thoughtful innovation craft exceptional wines and memorable experiences. Stephan, Jeff, and Jim underline a consistent message: dedication to quality, respect for tradition, and openness to evolution ensure Bernardus Wines remains both timeless and contemporary, embodying a distinctive Californian-Dutch legacy.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts, we would like to thank Bernardus Wines (in particular Stephan van der Wallen, Jeff Meier and Jim McCabe), as well as their distribution partner De Bruijn in Wijnen, for their time and the wines provided.
Bernardus can be bought through De Bruijn in Wijnen, online or at the winery in California. It is also proudly served at the Bernardus Golf Course, as well as numerous restaurants in the United States and Netherlands.
