Sine Qua Non (wine)

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Sine Qua Non (also known as SQN) is a California cult winery known for its limited production of Rhone varietals, including red wines from combinations of Syrah and Grenache, and a white wine made from a combination of Roussanne, Viognier and Chardonnay. Sine Qua Non also produced a pinot noir through the 2005 vintage, but has discontinued that program. In certain vintages, the winery has released a sweet white wine or a rose wine.

Founded in 1994 by Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine, SQN's Syrahs were among the first American Syrahs to create significant interest and trading volume in the worldwide wine auction market. From the second quarter of 1999 to early 2008, the value of SQN wines at auctions appreciated by 163% in contrast to the 128% appreciation rate during the same period of other collectible wines listed on the Wine Spectator Auction Index.^[1]

In collaboration with Austrian winemaker Alois Kracher Manfred and Elaine Krankl have also produced sweet wines under the label Mr. K (after the surnames of the two winemakers). Mr. Krankl recently announced that this program will end after the release of the 2006 vintage due to the untimely passing of Mr. Kracher.