Sine Qua Non comes from Latin for something absolutely indispensable.

When Austrian-born Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine founded their winery in 1994, producing four and a half barrels of Syrah for their “Queen of Spades” reference, they could not imagine that their wines would become indispensable to collector cellars within hardly a few decades!

This wishful and pure passionate dream of starting a winery was aimed to produce a distinctive and delicious wine for wine lovers all over the globe. To their surprise the 94’ was a complete hit, so much so that their lives changed completely, and wine making changed from being a hobby to a full-time part of their lives.

From the first initial four barrels, their vineyard grew and added; four other vineyard sites, dedicated and hardworking employees, a new winery building, and a loyal wine lover following. With the enormous success and positive feedback Elaine and Manfred experienced, they stayed humble, and made it their directive to always strive to get better and stay true to themselves.

As avid Rhone valley fans, Elaine and Manfred wanted to first grow Syrah and Grenache, with the support of Mourvèdre, Roussanne, and Viognier. Although, not being fans of a traditional mindset, they’ve decided to also grow non-Rhone-origin grapes such as Petit Manseng, Touriga Nacional, Graciano, and Petite Sirah, because they believe these grapes can work on a Rhone canvas.

Instead of working on a winemaking thesis, SQN’s goal will always be to understand Mother Nature’s often oblique ways and react accordingly. So, the effort cumulated in a glass of SQN, is a reflection to express what Nature and sunny California has generously given them. A wine that offers a beautiful ripeness and flavor, with a graceful balance. Perfectly enjoyable when young and growing a more interesting personality with each passing year. Wines where the last sip is the best, that make you smile and happy, and appreciative of all that is lovely.