A New Approach to Sparkling Wine

Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Dan and Jacqueline Person, Carboniste was created with a singular mission: to push California sparkling wine beyond tradition. Dan, who worked harvests at Schramsberg, Harlan, and wineries in New Zealand and Chile, saw an opportunity to break away from Champagne imitation and explore what California’s climate and fruit can uniquely express in sparkling form.

Fresh, Vibrant, and California-First

Rather than aiming for heavily autolytic, long-aged sparkling styles, Carboniste focuses on wines that are bright, fresh, and fruit-driven — a celebration of California’s coastal terroirs. Grapes are harvested early to preserve acidity, fermented with precision, and bottled quickly to capture vibrancy. The wines are lower in dosage, more transparent, and often released young, designed to show the immediacy and liveliness of the fruit.

Vineyards and Varieties

Carboniste sources grapes from some of California’s best cool-climate vineyards, stretching from Mendocino down to the Central Coast. Varieties include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as expected for sparkling wine, but also Albariño, Pinot Grigio, and other nontraditional grapes that add personality and energy. The aim is to expand the definition of what California sparkling can be, showcasing not only diversity but also terroir.

Winemaking with Integrity

Minimal intervention is central to Carboniste’s philosophy. Native yeast fermentations, restrained sulfur use, and a focus on clarity of fruit define the style. The wines are generally made in a modern sparkling method, with secondary fermentations carefully managed to emphasize crispness and precision rather than heavy brioche flavors. The result: sparkling wines that feel refreshing, contemporary, and distinctly Californian.

Why Carboniste Matters Today

Carboniste has become a leader in artisanal California sparkling wine, offering bottles that are joyful, distinctive, and full of personality. In a state better known for bold still wines, Carboniste has carved out a new identity — one rooted in freshness, experimentation, and integrity. For drinkers seeking fine sparkling wine from a small producer that breaks the mold, Carboniste is an essential name to know.