Wine Maker

Bob Lindquist

In 1982 after 7 years in the wine industry, Bob Lindquist began producing Qupe wines in a leased facility while still working at Zaca Mesa. In 1983 850 cases of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Blanc, and a Syrah were released for wine enthusiasts to enjoy. Lindquist comes from a great lineage as an alum of Zaca Mesa, it is there where he learned the basics under coworkers such as Ken Brown, and Jim Clendenen.

Soon after his first vintage, Lindquist recognized his passion for Rhone varietals: Syrah, Marsanne, Viogneer, and Rousanne. It is cool climate Syrah that Lindquist sets the standard for in Santa Barbara County. In particular, his Bien Nacido Syrah has received very high praise after 20 vintages. Lindquist now operates a winery on Bien Nacido that he shares with the aforementioned Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat.

Lindquist likes cool climate grapes and also sources fruit from local Vineyards such as Purisima Mountain, Alisos, and Colson Canyon. The Syrahs are known for their spice of black and white pepper, lavender with wild berry, sometimes Mocha. The Syrahs are smoothly acidic, what we would call a real man’s Syrah.

A favorite white wine made by Bob Lindquist is his Bien Nacido Cuvee. A good cop bad cop 50/50 split between ultra ripe Viogneer and a not so ripe Chardonnay. The Bien Nacido Cuvee shines classic apricot and peach from the Viogneer but is also crisp and fresh from the Chardonnay.

Lindquist’s highest production wine is his Central Coast Syrah which typically features 10 or more different vineyards from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles and has a robust national distribution. 

In 2002 Bob and his wife Louisa, bought an 80 acre ranch in the Edna Valley (right across the street from the famed Alban Vineyard) and planted 50 acres to grapes in 2005.  The biodynamic vineyard's first single vineyard wines are just being released: Verdad 2009 Rosé; Verdad 2009 Albariño; Qupé 2008 Grenache and Qupé 2008 Syrah. This Fall they will also release a Verdad 2008 Tempranillo and Qupé 2008 Syrah "Sonnie's" (a selection of the best barrels).