Just in time for summer, Cupcake Vineyards, Livermore, Calif., announced the launch of Cupcake LightHearted, the brand’s newest addition to its lineup of premium California wines. Cupcake LightHearted contain just 80 calories, 8 percent alcohol by volume and less than 1 gram of sugar in each 5-ounce serving.

Cupcake LightHearted has 20 percent fewer calories than leading hard seltzers, it says, and is vegan, gluten-free and low carb. Its lower alcohol makes it ideal for summer sipping, post-workout celebrations and virtual happy hours with friends, it adds.

“I created Cupcake LightHearted after realizing there wasn’t a lower-calorie and lower-alcohol wine option on the market that was delicious and complemented my active lifestyle,” said Jessica Tomei, winemaker for Cupcake Vineyards, in a statement. “I’m an avid runner, and some days I want something that’s lower in calories and alcohol but doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Cupcake LightHearted checks all the boxes.” 

Cupcake LightHearted is available in four varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Pinot Noir.

  • Chardonnay is medium-bodied with flavors of fresh cut pineapple and ripe pear, according to the company. A portion of the wine was aged on oak to impart subtle notes of toasted oak and vanilla on the finish. A 5-ounce serving contains 77 calories.
  • Pinot Grigio features citrus aromatics that lead into bright, crisp flavors of lemon and honey crisp apples, it says. The finish is long with hints of white nectarine and apricot, it adds. A 5-ounce serving has 76 calories.
  • Rosé is blush in color and bursting with notes of grapefruit and watermelon, the company says. Subtle hints of peach and honeysuckle give way to a finish that is long and silky, it adds. A 5-ounce serving contains 78 calories.
  • Pinot Noir is light in body and bursting with juicy fruit flavors of wild strawberry and plum that intermingle with subtle notes of fresh cherry and vanilla, according to the company. A 5-ounce serving has 78 calories.

Cupcake LightHearted is available nationwide in 750-ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $9.99.