About the Owner

Jennifer Arant, Winemaker, Owner & Founder, Lions Peak Inc.

In 1990, it was a road trip that led Jennifer Soni and her family to the Central Coast. At that time the Central Coast was, “horse country to the finest thoroughbreds and vineyards were just coming on board.” Having grown up in the farmlands and horse country of West Texas, country life was not new to Jennifer Soni. The Soni Family kept returning to the Central Coast for the overall lifestyle experience. It was on one of those trips that a vineyard property in the Northern border of the Paso Robles AVA was discovered. As result it was that the 128-acre farm with 40 acres of own rooted Cabernet Sauvignon became the Soni Family Vineyard Home in 1992.

The wine industry was quite a different lifestyle from the fast-paced LA design world and her lifelong interior design career: however, wine and design are both art forms which involved creativity—producing ultra-premium wines involved taste, visuals, design, and marketing. Jenn’s professional design career mentored her in her new endeavor.

From 1992 to 2022, Jennifer lived on the vineyard, farmed the Cabernet Sauvignon, and added new varietals to the vineyard estate, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. During this time the vineyard and the Paso Robles AVA started to be transformed into a major wine-producing region. The farming component was the initial part of the operation: however, over the years, the importance of becoming vertically integrated became necessary for sustainability.

Today, the operation of Lions Peak encompasses winemaking, brand development, and the tasting room sales and marketing. She says, “Sometimes you wear a lot of different hats: however, at the end of the day, it is my bond with the art of fine winemaking and the joy that it brings to all wine enthusiasts that makes it worth it! 

Jennifer is certified by The Spanish Wine Academy and is a certified Sommelier, a judge at the OC Wine Competition, and has been a guest at many of the most renowned wine houses in France and South Africa. She has a radio talk show in Paso Robles on wine, and has been recognized in Who’s Who in Business and Professional Women and other highly esteemed organizations in the wine industry. As a visionary, Jenn continues studying for the next level of Sommelier and continues international travels to provide a greater understanding of the world of wine to herself and others.

After 30 years Lions Peak has had the legacy of producing award-wining reds and white wines. The Estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon and numerous other Bordeaux and Rhone red and white varietals. Today Jennifer continues wine making and producing award winning wines from her Estate and from grapes that she sources from the Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Monterrey AVA’s.