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A Foxen Canyon Classic

Andrew Murray Ushers in Qupé’s New Era

What a Buzz-worthy surprise to discover that Andrew Murray is the new captain of Qupé—one of California’s most iconic Syrah producers!

Your friends at the Buzz first fell for Qupé Syrah years ago during visits to Big Sky Café, where owner Charles Myers would generously pour a glass to close out our work week at the then San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. The wine stood out immediately—rich, layered, and effortlessly balanced, with classic Syrah notes of dark berries, pepper, and subtle earthy undertones.

Rediscovering it this week over at Andrew Murray Vineyards brought back a wave of nostalgia—those lively days up in SLO with Archie McLaren, KCBX’s Central Coast Wine Classic, Jim Clendenen, Fred Brander, and Doug Margerum (among others) and theos unforgettable dinners at Big Sky and beyond. Things change, of course—Big Sky Café changed ownership then later closed its doors in 2023, and the once-thriving San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune (the beloved “T-T”) is now simply The Tribune, owned by a major US media company. But through it all, Andrew Murray’s cellar supremo continues to shine, reminding us that great winemaking is timeless.

For those unfamiliar, Qupé is practically synonymous with California Syrah. Founded by Bob Lindquist back in 1982 along Foxen Canyon Road in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, it was one of just four wineries producing Syrah in California at the time. In fact, Qupé was the first winery in Santa Barbara County to make a Syrah—and the first to source Syrah from the now-famed Bien Nacido Vineyard.

Fun fact: in the Chumash language, Qupé means California poppy, which is also the state flower of California. The word is pronounced “kyoo-pay,” and the name was chosen to honor the indigenous people of California’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.

Bob Lindquist was (and remains) a true pioneer—a visionary who championed Rhône-style wines long before they were fashionable. He explored hillside sites in cool-climate regions, with sandy, calcareous, and rocky soils, producing remarkable award-winning wines. Syrah is a shape-shifter of sorts—capable of delivering both elegance and glory, from perfumed violets and white pepper to deep, dark chocolate and blackberry jam.

Andrew Murray Vineyards, founded less than a decade later just down the road from Qupé, grew up beside Mr. Lindquist and his legendary brand. Through a twist of fate and sheer tenacity, Andrew was able to acquire Qupé and its incredible library of wines in October 2024—bringing the brand home to its birthplace on Foxen Canyon Road.

Now, with Andrew, his family, and a talented wine growing team onboard, Qupé begins an exciting new chapter. Their mission? To stay true to its roots of sustainability, quality, and accessibility.

We had the opportunity to make our way through the extensive Qupé library of Syrahs at the recent Qupé Uncorked party at Andrew Murray Vineyards, and the wines are singing—rich, nuanced, and beautifully crafted. If you spot the Qupé brand in your local shops, grocer, or restaurants, don’t hesitate to try it. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Qupé for the first time, each vintage embodies everything we love about California Syrah.

And to Bob Lindquist, Andrew Murray and the folks over at Andrew Murray Vineyards—congratulations on bringing a legend back to Foxen Canyon!

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