Qupé sold to Vintage Wine Estates

One of California’s pioneering producers of Rhône varieties, Qupé, has been acquired from Terroir Life by Vintage Wine Estates.

Bien Nacido Vineyard, where Qupé has its winery

Terroir Life was an umbrella group created by the disgraced former owner of Screaming Eagle, Charles Banks, who was convicted and jailed last year for fraud. Qupé was acquired by Terroir Life in 2013.

Other wines in the portfolio included Sandhi and Mayacamas (which were sold off recently), Wind Gap, Mulderbosch in South Africa and Trinity Hill in New Zealand, the last three being all that now remain with the departure of Qupé.

The purchase includes the brand and inventory and founder Bob Lindquist will stay on in a “consulting winemaker role”.

“We share Bob’s passion for Syrah and other Rhône varieties and his commitment to quality and sustainability,” stated Pat Roney, CEO of Vintage Wine Estates. “We are looking forward to honouring that legacy.”

Vintage Wine Estates for its part owns over 30 wineries and brands throughout Washington, Oregon, Napa, Sonoma and California’s Central Coast.