Long before “California Champagne” became a thing, Árpád Haraszthy—a Hungarian-born winemaker and son of Agoston Haraszthy, the colorful founder of Buena Vista Winery, one of the state’s earliest premium estates—was already experimenting with bubbles. His creation, a wine called Eclipse, proved that even in the early days of Sonoma winemaking, Zinfandel had the acidity and character to sparkle.

After studying in France, Árpád returned to Sonoma determined to apply the méthode champenoise to California fruit. His secret? Zinfandel picked early for acidity. Eclipse became one of the state’s first traditional-method sparkling wines, proving just how flexible Zinfandel could be.

Though his experiment faded into history, the idea never truly disappeared.

A Modern Revival in Lodi

More than 150 years later, that pioneering spirit lives on in Lodi, where Peltier Winery is reimagining what Zinfandel can be.

A family-owned, female-led estate, Peltier farms 1,000 acres in the heart of the Lodi AVA and was among the first vineyards certified under the LODI RULES program nearly 20 years ago.

Their vineyards rely on owl boxes for natural pest control, worm-powered water treatment, and solar energy—proof that sustainability isn’t a marketing term here; it’s been how they’ve farmed for the last 20 years.

ZANTE: Sparkling with Purpose

ZANTE Sparkling Wines celebrate both innovation and tradition. While a handful of California wineries continue to make traditional-method sparkling Zinfandel—richer, yeastier styles shaped by secondary fermentation and aging on the lees—Peltier Winery takes a different path. ZANTE is carbonated for immediacy and fruit-driven freshness, highlighting Zinfandel’s bright, lively side in a way that’s accessible, modern, and affordable enough for everyday enjoyment.

• Carbonated Rosé of Zinfandel – Crisp and dry, with notes of strawberry hard candy, red cherry, and lemon drop.
• Carbonated Clear Zinfandel – Zesty and refreshing, layered with pink grapefruit, lime zest, and citrus lift.

Both are vegan, gluten-free, 100 calories per serving, and moderately low in alcohol (11.5–12.5%). They’re available in full 750 ml bottles (SRP – $20) or 6 packs of single-serve 187 ml splits (SRP – $37.50) —perfect for casual sipping, outdoor gatherings, or a mid-week sparkle.

Sparkle at the Table

Sparkling wines are famously adaptable at the table, and ZANTE is no exception.
I paired both with a red-sauced shrimp pasta, and each worked beautifully—the Rosé amplifying the tomato’s sweetness, the Clear Zinfandel cutting through with bright acidity.

It’s a reminder that bubbles belong with far more than canapés and celebrations; they’re equally at home with weeknight dishes and fall comfort food.

Legacy, Lightness, and Lodi

From Árpád Haraszthy’s Eclipse to Peltier Winery’s ZANTE, the story of California’s sparkling Zinfandel has come full circle—rooted in history, refreshed for today.

ZANTE captures what modern wine lovers crave: vibrancy, intention, and authenticity. It’s proof that innovation and sustainability can coexist—and that Lodi continues to surprise, one bubble at a time.