Sine Qua Non Winery

Sine Qua Non is a California cult winery known for its sought-after Rhône style wine blends, produced in very limited quantites. The winery is located in Ventura County within the Central Coast AVA.

Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine established the winery in 1994. Sine Qua Non's winery has been described by Robert Parker as "a Mad Max- junkyard dog sort of winery in one of the ugliest sections of Ventura.", while according to Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate Aug 2011) "the wines that emerge from this site are often profound. The sheer drive for perfection and attention to detail at Sine Qua Non is something I have rarely witnessed anywhere else in the world."

Sourcing fruit from a wide variety of growers from year to year as Krankl follows his preferences, results in the winery to make different wines in each vintage.

In collaboration with Austrian winemaker Alois Kracher Manfred and Elaine Krankl have also produced sweet wines under the label "Mr. K"

The red wines are based on the grape varieties of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and a whites made from Roussanne, Viognier and Chardonnay. Sine Qua Non used to  produced a Pinot Noir until the 2005 vintage. In certain vintages, the winery has released a sweet white wine or a rosé wine.

Central Coast AVA

The Central Coast of California is one of the state’s most dynamic and diverse wine regions, spanning from the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area to Santa Barbara County. With over 100,000 acres of vineyards, the region encompasses notable areas like Monterey County and Paso Robles, each with unique characteristics.

Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean significantly influences its climate, with cool coastal breezes and fog moderating temperatures. This allows for slower ripening, preserving acidity and producing well-balanced wines. The diversity of microclimates, from the cool coastal zones of Santa Lucia Highlands to the warmer inland areas of Paso Robles, supports a wide array of grape varieties.

The region is celebrated for both cool- and warm-climate grape varieties. Cool-climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in Santa Barbara and Santa Lucia Highlands. Chardonnay here ranges from crisp green apple to lush tropical fruit flavours, while Pinot Noir is known for its elegant red berry, earth, and spice notes. Warmer regions like Paso Robles excel with bold reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel. These wines are often full-bodied, showcasing dark fruit, spice, and oak influences, with Rhône-style blends being a particular highlight.

Several subregions stand out for their unique contributions to Central Coast winemaking. With its transverse valleys that funnel cool ocean air inland, Santa Barbara County is renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Paso Robles, a warmer inland area, is famous for its robust reds and diverse Rhône blends, supported by its 11 sub-AVAs. Monterey County benefits from strong coastal influences, producing excellent cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains yield high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The Central Coast is also a hub for winemaking innovation. Many producers experiment with small-batch production, non-traditional blends, and sustainable practices, including organic and biodynamic farming. This approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious wine production. The region’s laid-back culture further enhances its appeal, offering visitors a welcoming and authentic connection to the land and the winemaking process.

Prominent wineries in the region include Tensley Wines, known for its commitment to sustainability, and Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara, specialising in Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre, aka Monastrell in Spain, is a common blending partner of Syrah and Grenache (aka Garnacha in Spain). In Australia and California it can also appear under the name Mataro.

Mourvèdre's bastion in France is Bandol, where it reigns supreme in the red blends and yielding a savoury, gamey, herby wine. It also commonly features in Southern Rhône, Languedoc & Rousillon blends. 

The grape needs a warm climate to ripen fully. Its stronghold in Spain are the appellations along the south-east Mediterranean(Murcia, Jumilla, Bullas), where it produces rosé, dry red and sweet fortified wines. Monastrell has played a significant part in Spain’s vinous heritage; it nurtures wines that are deep in colour and richly tannic, sometimes overbearing in their intensity and concentration