Qupe Celebrates 30 Years of Great Winemaking in California

SANTA MARIA VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Lindquist, Qupe founder and winemaker, celebrates 30 years of passion and innovation with the creation and release of his 30^th Anniversary Syrah. The Qupe 30^th Anniversary Syrah is sourced from Bien Nacido's X block, one of the oldest blocks on the vineyard, and has been crafted in an old world style. This wine will be bottled and available in limited quantities in October exclusively at the Qupe Tasting Room in Los Olivos. The price will be $100/bottle. Its release is part of a season of festivities and celebration for one of the Central Coast's iconic wine brands.

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Qupe: A History of Innovation and Leadership

Qupe established its cutting edge style in 1982, when the winery produced the first Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Other firsts include the production of Viognier in Santa Barbara and Marsanne in California. Focusing on the great wines of France's Rhone region, Qupe produces numerous vineyard designate Syrahs, plus Rhone white varietals: Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

Qupe is recognized as one of the standards for cool climate Syrah, and has helped establish Santa Barbara County as a great wine region of California, long before Sideways! Qupe has been named one of the "Top 100 Wineries in America" eight of the last nine years, and Bob Lindquist was named "One of the World's 50 Most Influential Winemakers."

Recent accolades include 2009 Qupe Syrah 'Bien Nacido Vineyard' Santa Maria Valley being named "Wine of the Week" by Irene Virbila of the Los Angeles Times July 2012, and Eric Asimov, of The New York Times, recognized Qupe Santa Barbara County Marsanne 2011 as one of the best American wines under $20 today. "Bob Lindquist is one of the unsung heroes of California wine," wrote Asimov.

30^th Anniversary Celebration

This year Qupe is celebrating its 30^th vintage, culminating with the release of its 30^th Anniversary Syrah. The blend will be formally released during Qupe's Fall Open House in October, which is part of the Santa Barbara Harvest Festival weekend.

Qupe Open House and Special Events

Qupe shares its winery with Au Bon Climat, which is also celebrating its 30^th Anniversary, and the two will be hosting their semi-annual Open House on Sunday, October 14^th. One of only two days a year that the winery is open to the public, this open house is not to be missed. Visitors will be able to taste over 50 wines produced under the wineries' many labels, enjoy lunch made by Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat founder), and find great bargains, all for only $20.

Contact the Qupe winery for more information (805) 937-9801.

Qupe Tasting Room in Los Olivos

A visit to the Qupe Tasting Room in Los Olivos quickly reveals that winemaking runs in the Lindquist Family. The Qupe lineup includes Verdad and Ethan wines, made by Bob's wife Louisa and his son Ethan respectively. Verdad focuses on traditional Spanish varietals of Albarino and Tempranillo. Ethan's offerings show a continued commitment to beautiful, well-balanced wines reflecting the family tradition.

A rotating selection of eight wines is always featured, focusing on small production single vineyard bottlings, and bottles specifically produced for the tasting room and wine club. On the weekends, be sure to stop in and try the reserve tastings which feature unique reserve bottling and library selections. Whether a novice or just a lover of aged wines, the reserve tasting provides a unique opportunity to taste Santa Barbara history.

Additional Tasting Room Events

October 20^th: A Day in the Country, Los Olivos Festival: A full day of events, including performances, concerts, and wine tastings throughout the area, including the Qupe tasting room

November 10^th: International Tempranillo Day: Qupe will be pouring current and library selections of Verdad Tempranillo and discounts will be available on all Tempranillo purchases

November 23^rd - 25^th: Black Friday Holiday Sale: Special markdowns 10%-50% as well as unique gift packs, showcasing horizontal and vertical Qupe wine selections

December 1^st: Tasting Room Anniversary Celebration: Meet Bob, Louisa and Ethan Lindquist as they share a memorable selection of library wines

The Qupe tasting room is open daily from 11am to 5pm and is located at 2963 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos. For more information, call (805) 686-4200, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.qupe.com.

About Qupe

Qupe is dedicated to producing handcrafted Rhone varietals and Chardonnay from California's Central Coast. The company employs traditional winemaking techniques to make wines that are true to type and speak of their vineyard sources. The goal of Qupe is to make wines with impeccable balance that can be enjoyed in their youth, yet because of the good acidity from cool vineyard sites can also benefit from ageing. The winery is committed to sourcing grapes from some of the best and most prestigious vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Qupe was founded by Bob Lindquist in 1982 and remains family-owned. Qupe is a portfolio company of Bacchus Capital Management. For more information, visit www.qupe.com.

SOURCE Qupe Wine Cellars