• Louisa Sawyer


    After working in wineries on the east end of Long Island in New York state, Louisa Sawyer founded Verdad Wine Cellars in 2000 focusing on Tempranillo, Albariño, Grenache Rosé and Graciano in 2011. In 2014 she began working with Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals and, later, with Sauvignon Blanc. Louisa and Bob produced a Biodynamic Pinot Noir in 2009 under their Sawyer Lindquist Label for twelve consecutive vintages. Louisa traveled to Spain over three years with the Vara Winery team to select high end wines to import in bulk from premium wineries and co-ops all over Northern Spain. These wines were blended and finished by Bob and Louisa in New Mexico.

    Accomplishments and Accolades

    • Produced the first commercial Albariño in California in 2000 along with Michael Havens.
    • Produced the first Temparanillo in Santa Barbara in 2001.
    • Planted the first Demeter Certified Biodynamic Vineyard in Edna Valley in 2005.
    • Named 'The First Lady of Albariño' by Tasting Panel Magazine
    • San Francisco Chronicle Magazine 'Top 100 Wines' in 2011 for Verdad, Albariño

    “Louisa Sawyer Lindquist’s Verdad label started with a focus on Spanish varieties, but now includes a very fine Cabernet Sauvignon as well. The wines are done in a style that emphasizes energy and freshness, although the Cabernet certainly is not shy.”

    Antonio Galloni’s Vinous: From Santa Barbara: A Rare Bright Spot for California in 2020 (Aug 2022).

    Bob Lindquist

    An original Rhone Ranger, Bob Lindquist has been making wine on the Central Coast since 1982 the year he started Qupé Wine Cellars. His focus has been on Rhone varietals and Chardonnay from some of the best cool climate vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Bob has made a traditionally crafted Chardonnay since 1982 and a Viognier/Chardonnay blend since 1991. His wines are known for elegance, balance and longevity in the cellar, with a strong nod to the traditional winemaking techniques of the Old World.

    Accomplishments and Accolades

    • Bob made the first Syrah in Santa Barbara County – 1982
    • The first Marsanne made in California – 1987
    • The first cool climate Syrah from Bien Nacido Vineyard – 1987
    • The first Red Rhone blend in Santa Barbara – 1988
    • The first Viognier in Santa Barbara – 1989
    • Makes a traditionally crafted Chardonnay since 1982
    • A Viognier/Chardonnay blend since 1991
    • Named in Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the year 15 times.
    • The 2006 Roussanne from Bob, under the Qupé label was called “The Best New World White Wine” by Decanter Magazine.
    • Named “One of the 50 Most Influential Winemakers in the World” by Wine & Spirits Magazine. July 19, 2013