‘Everything you want, none of what you don’t’
California’s lower alcohol Cupcake Lighthearted wines (8% ABV) were inspired by winemaker Jessica Tomei (above), who craved a lighter option to fit in with her active lifestyle. Here, Tomei tells BeverageDaily about what a typical day looks like for her. The brand, which launched in 2008, is part of California’s The Wine Group, where Tomei is winemaking vice president.
‘My goal as a winemaker is to create wines that make consumers feel there is a product that was made just for them’
Introduce us to Cupcake Lighthearted.
Jessica: “We truly want you to have your cake and eat it too – because we know that you deserve to have it all.
“That’s why we’ve crafted the perfect portfolio of wines that are full of flavour but lower in calories, sugar and alcohol. That’s 80 calories, 8% ABV and the Lighthearted name was inspired by our desire to bring you lighthearted moments, made better for you, so you can choose more joy, occasions, and refills without sacrificing a single thing.”
Your products are ‘lower in alcohol, calories and sugar’. Which of these do you think is the most important selling point for consumers?
Jessica: “Cupcake Lighthearted is lower in calories, alcohol, and sugar in comparison to other BFY [better-for-you] offerings in market. Being lower in alcohol and lower in calories is very important to us as we pride ourselves in maintaining the same great flavour profile that you look for in a traditional wine while also helping you achieve your goals of being more balanced in your lifestyle.”
Why is 8% ABV the sweet spot for a lower-alcohol wine?
Jessica: “8% ABV supports the winemaking process that allows Cupcake Lighthearted to be lower in alcohol, sugars and calories, without compromising the delicious flavour profile of the wine.
“Cupcake Lighthearted portfolio includes Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and rosé.”
What does your job involve?
Jessica: “My day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the season, which rotates around harvest.
“Every season presents new challenges and opportunities which is part of the reason why I love what I do, no day is the same!
“A typical day during harvest will start in the vineyard. I meet with my team to check on the grape ripening development. The quality of our wine is defined by the quality of our grapes and, therefore, my team and I find it crucial to be out in the vineyards every day.
“Our goal is to harvest at the appropriate time, as this will lead to our grapes being perfect for all of our products!
“We then drive over to the winery to check on fermentations and ensure the process is moving along as expected. At the end of the day, the team and I regroup to discuss any challenges we are facing and celebrate our wins.
“During the off-harvest season, we are taking the grapes from our harvest and creating new blends to fulfil any new projects we may have as well as bottling the many existing brands that The Wine Group has.”
What inspires you on your low/no alcohol journey?
Jessica: “My own lifestyle really inspired me in the creation of Cupcake Lighthearted. My goal as a winemaker is to create wines that delight the customer by over-delivering on taste expectations and make them feel like there is a product that was made just for them.
“I have always been an avid fitness lover (fun fact: I paid my way through college teaching aerobics – step and hip hop – and even taught aerobics when I lived in Spain). Leading a healthy lifestyle is important to me and wine in moderation is a part of that lifestyle.
“Everything is about balance and Cupcake Lighthearted is a great lower alcohol product that supports that!”
