Sine Qua Non wines were born out of pure passion and a wishful dream — to make something that is so distinctive and so delicious as to make it indispensable to wine lovers all over the world. A rather lofty, even unrealistic notion, Elaine and Manfred Krankl still decided to pursue it anyway. What started as a hobby, has become not only their full-time occupation, but their whole life. While they’re a Rhone house at heart, with Syrah and Grenache taking center stage supported by Mourvedre, Roussanne, and Viognier, they also grow non-Rhone-origin grapes like Petit Manseng, Touriga Nacional, Graciano, and Petite Sirah. Their goal is to understand Mother Nature’s often oblique ways, (re)act accordingly, and showcase everything California has to offer in every glass of their wines.