The Los Angeles Dodger’s 1965 World Series win galvanized young Robert Neil Lindquist’s status as a “die-hard fan.” At the same time, the sixties music scene was another electrifying force in his life. Both these passions continue to share a spot in Bob’s life with a third, the wines of Qupé.

In 1975, after working harvest at his first winery job, Bob discovered the potential of Santa Barbara’s winegrowing region at his next job, opening and managing a tasting room in Ventura County. While managing a retail shop in Los Olivos, Bob’s career took what some thought to be a bad hop. He got fired for attending a Kinks concert against the wishes of the shop owner, but fate intervened and he was immediately hired as Zaca Mesa Winery’s first tour guide—a job that included cellar work. There he met winemakers Ken Brown and Jim Clendenen who taught Bob the basics and inspired him to become a winemaker which he did by founding Qupé in 1982.

While continuing his work at Zaca Mesa he bought barrels, grapes and traded his services for the loan of the equipment in the cellar. For his first vintage he produced Syrah, Chardonnay, and a rosé of Pinot Noir. Soon, Bob’s love of the assertive and complex wines of the Rhône Valley led him to focus Qupé on the production of Rhône varietals, particularly Syrah. Chardonnay continues in the portfolio because of Bob’s connection to the wonderful fruit sources in the Bien Nacido Vineyard.

In 1989, Bob joined forces with his mentor and friend, Jim Clendenen, of Au Bon Climat, together building a shared winery in the Bien Nacido Vineyard.

Bob is also involved in Verdad, a winery dedicated to Spanish grape varieties produced by his wife, Louisa.