Bernardus
Bernardus is a renowned California winery with distinctly Dutch roots. Located in Carmel Valley, south of Monterey , the estate is known for elegant, gourmet wines with a European signature. Bernardus combines Californian ripeness with freshness and balance, and for decades has served as a bridge between Dutch wine culture and American excellence.
Bernardus is a renowned California winery with distinctly Dutch roots.
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What is Bernardus?
Bernardus is a premium winery specializing in refined California wines with a focus on elegance, drinkability, and gastronomic versatility. The house is particularly known for its Chardonnay , Pinot Noir , and Bordeaux-inspired red blends . Bernardus consciously positions itself as an alternative to the extremely powerful Napa styles, opting for balance, precision, and style.
What sets Bernardus apart from other California wineries? The combination of Californian terroir, European wine philosophy, and strong Dutch roots.
Origin and Dutch history
Bernardus was founded by Ben Pon , the Dutch entrepreneur who became internationally known as the founder of Pon Holdings. Driven by his passion for wine and gastronomy, he wanted to create wines in California that leaned more towards European elegance than pure power. Carmel Valley offered the ideal conditions for this.
Bernardus' Dutch identity also took shape outside California.
The current owner and Dutch continuity
After Ben Pon's death, Bernardus was taken over by Robert van der Wallen , a Dutch entrepreneur and founder of BrandLoyalty . Van der Wallen built BrandLoyalty into an internationally operating company specializing in loyalty programs for major retailers, with a strong focus on brand equity and long-term relationships.
His involvement with Bernardus is in line with the original vision of the winery:
• Focus on brand identity and quality over volume
• Long-term strategy instead of rapid scaling
• Maintaining style, elegance and positioning
• Respect for Ben Pon's heritage
Under Robert van der Wallen's ownership, Bernardus remains true to its roots: elegant Californian wines with European balance. This ensures that the Dutch connection to the winery is not only historical, but also current and strategically anchored .
Van der Wallen is also the founder of Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt , one of the most prestigious courses in the Netherlands. This transformed Bernardus not just into a winery, but into a lifestyle brand that combines wine, gastronomy, and top-level expertise.
Origin and vineyards
Bernardus' vineyards are located in Carmel Valley , an area known for its wide temperature range between day and night. These conditions ensure ripe fruit while retaining natural freshness.
Characteristics of the vineyards:
• Located in Carmel Valley, California
• Warm days and cool nights
• Influence of ocean air from Monterey Bay
• Soils of sand, clay and gravel
• Low yields for concentration and precision
Grapes and style
Bernardus works with grape varieties that suit a refined and gastronomic style.
Main grapes:
- Chardonnay – rich yet refined, with subtle wood influences
- Pinot Noir – elegant, aromatic and fresh
- Cabernet Sauvignon – structure and aging potential
- Merlot – roundness and balance
- Cabernet Franc – finesse and spiciness
Stylistic features:
- Balance over strength
- Controlled alcohol level
- Subtle use of French oak
- Focus on length and refinement
- Excellent for use with food
Vinification and maturation
Vinification at Bernardus is focused on precision and consistency.
• Careful selection of grapes
• Plot-oriented vinification
• Maturation in French oak without dominance
• Long maturation for integration
• Constant style over the years
Storage and serving
Storage potential:
• Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: 5–10 years
• Red blends: 10–20 years
Serving temperature:
• White wine: 10–12 degrees
• Red wine: 16–18 degrees
Decanting:
• Red wines: 1–2 hours for younger vintages
Buy Bernardus at Perfectewijn.nl
At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Bernardus wines for lovers of Californian wine with European elegance and a distinctly Dutch signature. Bernardus stands for refinement, balance, and craftsmanship, driven by a history and an ownership that prioritizes quality above all else.
Bernardus
Bernardus is a renowned California winery with distinctly Dutch roots. Located in Carmel Valley, south of Monterey , the estate is known for elegant, gourmet wines with a European signature. Bernardus combines Californian ripeness with freshness and balance, and for decades has served as a bridge between Dutch wine culture and American excellence.
What is Bernardus?
Bernardus is a premium winery specializing in refined California wines with a focus on elegance, drinkability, and gastronomic versatility. The house is particularly known for its Chardonnay , Pinot Noir , and Bordeaux-inspired red blends . Bernardus consciously positions itself as an alternative to the extremely powerful Napa styles, opting for balance, precision, and style.
What sets Bernardus apart from other California wineries? The combination of Californian terroir, European wine philosophy, and strong Dutch roots.
Origin and Dutch history
Bernardus was founded by Ben Pon , the Dutch entrepreneur who became internationally known as the founder of Pon Holdings. Driven by his passion for wine and gastronomy, he wanted to create wines in California that leaned more towards European elegance than pure power. Carmel Valley offered the ideal conditions for this.
Bernardus' Dutch identity also took shape outside California.
The current owner and Dutch continuity
After Ben Pon's death, Bernardus was taken over by Robert van der Wallen , a Dutch entrepreneur and founder of BrandLoyalty . Van der Wallen built BrandLoyalty into an internationally operating company specializing in loyalty programs for major retailers, with a strong focus on brand equity and long-term relationships.
His involvement with Bernardus is in line with the original vision of the winery:
• Focus on brand identity and quality over volume
• Long-term strategy instead of rapid scaling
• Maintaining style, elegance and positioning
• Respect for Ben Pon's heritage
Under Robert van der Wallen's ownership, Bernardus remains true to its roots: elegant Californian wines with European balance. This ensures that the Dutch connection to the winery is not only historical, but also current and strategically anchored .
Van der Wallen is also the founder of Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt , one of the most prestigious courses in the Netherlands. This transformed Bernardus not just into a winery, but into a lifestyle brand that combines wine, gastronomy, and top-level expertise.
Origin and vineyards
Bernardus' vineyards are located in Carmel Valley , an area known for its wide temperature range between day and night. These conditions ensure ripe fruit while retaining natural freshness.
Characteristics of the vineyards:
• Located in Carmel Valley, California
• Warm days and cool nights
• Influence of ocean air from Monterey Bay
• Soils of sand, clay and gravel
• Low yields for concentration and precision
Grapes and style
Bernardus works with grape varieties that suit a refined and gastronomic style.
Main grapes:
- Chardonnay – rich yet refined, with subtle wood influences
- Pinot Noir – elegant, aromatic and fresh
- Cabernet Sauvignon – structure and aging potential
- Merlot – roundness and balance
- Cabernet Franc – finesse and spiciness
Stylistic features:
- Balance over strength
- Controlled alcohol level
- Subtle use of French oak
- Focus on length and refinement
- Excellent for use with food
Vinification and maturation
Vinification at Bernardus is focused on precision and consistency.
• Careful selection of grapes
• Plot-oriented vinification
• Maturation in French oak without dominance
• Long maturation for integration
• Constant style over the years
Storage and serving
Storage potential:
• Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: 5–10 years
• Red blends: 10–20 years
Serving temperature:
• White wine: 10–12 degrees
• Red wine: 16–18 degrees
Decanting:
• Red wines: 1–2 hours for younger vintages
Buy Bernardus at Perfectewijn.nl
At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Bernardus wines for lovers of Californian wine with European elegance and a distinctly Dutch signature. Bernardus stands for refinement, balance, and craftsmanship, driven by a history and an ownership that prioritizes quality above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Bernardus?
Ben Pon, a Dutch entrepreneur and wine lover.
Who is the current owner of Bernardus?
Robert van der Wallen, founder of BrandLoyalty.
What is the Dutch link with Bernardus?
The founding by Ben Pon and the current Dutch owner keep the connection with the Netherlands alive.
Where is Bernardus in California?
In Carmel Valley, south of Monterey.
Has Bernardus' style changed under the new owner?
No, the original philosophy and style have been deliberately preserved.
