Vintage Wine Estates acquires Qupé brand

Acquisitions part of wine company’s aggressive growth strategy

Vintage Wine Estates, Santa Rosa, Calif., has purchased wine brand Qupé. Founded in 1982 by Bob Lindquist, Qupé is internationally recognized for cool-climate, high-scoring Rhône varietals on California's Central Coast; notably Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne and Marsanne, the company says.

The name Qupé is taken from the Chumash word for poppy, the California state flower that blankets the landscape each spring.

"We share Bob's passion for Syrah and other Rhône varieties and his commitment to quality and sustainability," stated Pat Roney, chief executive officer of Vintage Wine Estates, in a statement. "We are looking forward to honoring that legacy."

The purchase includes the brand and inventory. Lindquist will stay on in a consulting winemaker role, using traditional techniques such as barrel fermentation, manual punch-downs and French oak aging. Sourcing from Central Coast vineyards includes French Camp (Paso Robles), Bien Nacido (Santa Maria), Sawyer Lindquist (Demeter Certified Biodynamic; Edna Valley) and Ibarra-Young Vineyard (farmed organically; Santa Ynez) and is expected to continue. The wine tasting room in the village of Arroyo Grande will remain open for wine club members and other visitors to the region.

Vintage Wine Estates remains committed to an aggressive growth strategy focusing on legacy estates and brands from top American Viticultural Areas (Washington, Oregon, Napa, Sonoma and California Central Coast), it states. Along with Qupé, recent Central Coast acquisitions include Clay House and Layer Cake (Central Coast) wines. Vintage Wine Estates California Central Coast portfolio also includes Purple Cowboy wines from Paso Robles.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

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