Sine Qua Non – Where Wine Becomes Art

Sine Qua Non has earned near-legendary status among California’s cult wines. Founded in 1994 by Austrian-born winemaker Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine, the label grew from a small garage project into one of the most sought-after wineries in the world. Its philosophy is as bold as its wines: never repeat, never compromise, and never release a bottle without a story.

At its core, Sine Qua Non is devoted to Rhône-style blends. Syrah and Grenache form the base, often joined by Mourvèdre or rare grapes like Touriga Nacional and Petit Manseng. The estate vineyards — Eleven Confessions, The Third Twin, and Cumulus — are farmed with great precision and very low yields.

The wines are rich yet refined. They show layers of dark fruit, spice, and texture. Bottles such as Queen of Spades (1994), In Flagrante (2000), and Eleven Confessions Syrah have become icons. Each is celebrated for individuality, depth, and long life in the cellar.

Sine Qua Non’s visual identity is just as distinctive. Every vintage has a different name, bottle shape, and label — all designed by Manfred Krankl himself. His art, often woodcuts, photos, or collages, draws from personal experience and modern art. The labels are expressive, sometimes provocative, and always meaningful. Instead of traditional châteaux or crests, they offer bold, poetic imagery that turns each bottle into a piece of art.

A perfect example is the 2005 The Naked Truth Grenache. Its label shows a personal vision of honesty and vulnerability, echoing the emotion found in the wine. Every release captures a specific moment — a mix of craft, creativity, and storytelling.

Sine Qua Non stands at the crossroads of art and winemaking. It is not shaped by tradition but by transformation. Each vintage is an experiment, a statement, and a celebration of individuality. For wine lovers and collectors, Sine Qua Non remains one of the most fascinating and uncompromising expressions of what wine can be. At Wine In Time we offer a huge variety of Sine Qua Non wines! Discover our range and enjoy these iconic wines with our fast and free delivery in Vienna.