Our History
- November 26, 2018November 3, 2022
- by lionspeak
A LEGACY OF LIONS PEAK’S BEGINNING
THE BEGINNING OF LIONS PEAK
Our history begins with the purchase of a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in the Estrella AVA outside of Paso Robles. The vineyard’s first 25 acres were planted by Philip Doub, who was one of the founders of the Cal Poly Viticulture Department. The total property included 40 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, a country Victorian home, a barn, two black Labradors and two cats! It has been said that the vineyard was purchased for the two dogs and the two cats. Looking back, that statement remains vivid; however, an incredibly special large oak tree and porch that wrapped around three sides of the house continue to linger as the foundation of the site. Remaining thoughts reflect on the spectacular views.
Living on the Wine Farm took a great deal of adjustment. Although Jennifer Soni’s family had been farmers for three plus generations, living in the rural countryside with a young daughter was a new experience after living in Long Beach.
Lions Peak has been producing small- batch, full bodied wines for 30 years. Jennifer Soni actively has been a major player in the farming and production of Lions Peak Wines and would be the first to tell you that the quality of fine wines begins in the vineyard. This is the foundation of Lions Peak Wine. Whether it was for their vineyard or from fruit that Jennifer sourced from Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Monterrey, St. Rita Hills, and Santa Barbara AVA throughout her 30 years in the wine industry, her focus has been on producing small amount of ultra-premium hand-crafted red wines. However, Lions Peak has engaged in producing delicate, well-balanced white wines which range from traditional Chardonnays to Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and white blends.
Lions Peak is known for their Old-World style wines which are handcrafted in small French Oak cooperage for their ultra-premium handcrafted 100% varietals wines and Meritage’s.
A legacy of off-site tasting rooms
Lions Peak is known for establishing many ‘firsts’. Lions Peak history of winery tasting room began in downtown Paso Robles in the late 1990’s when Jennifer Soni was told that downtown tasting rooms would never be successful! Today Lions Peak continues to flourish with its downtown tasting room in Solvang and the plans for their second tasting room. The wine industry has followed Jennifer Soni’s pioneer adventure in the World of Wine with tasting rooms that are favorable for those who wish to visit multiple tasting rooms and other attractions in a downtown environment!