Sine Qua Non is located in California, just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, with most of its vineyards in Santa Barbara while the home vineyard and the winery are based in Oak View. Sine Qua Non's first vintage was 1994, as Austrian-born winemaker Manfred Krankl released three barrels of Syrah as "Queen of Spades" with a label he had designed himself. Krankl sent a bottle to Robert Parker, who promptly gave the wine 95 points. The brand managed by Manfred Krankl and his wife Elaine has become a cult favourite since its beginnings; small volumes mean that demand has consistently outstripped supply.