Central Coast

Bob Lindquist turned a one-time hobby into a full-time job when, armed with a small bank loan, he established Qupé Vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Today he produces 20,000 cases a year. Lindquist specialises in Rhône-style wines and in 2015 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhône Rangers organisation. He’s only the third to receive it, the other two being our other Californian friends – Randall Grahm (Bonny Doon) and Bob Haas (Tablas Creek).

This vineyard was only planted in 2005 and is already demonstrating its potential and producing astonishingly delicious wines that are bound to age. The pepper and minerals define the nose and palate along with uplifting acidity, polished but firm tannins and a sense of refinement that defies the age of the vines.
Fiona Hayes - Wine Buyer