Zinfandel for Three Days – A Great Way to Start the New Year

January 4, 2019 — The annual Zinfandel celebration is scheduled January 17 through 19 in San Francisco.  If you are a Zinophile then join a couple of thousand like-minded tasters and indulge your passion at ZinEX in the beautiful setting of San Francisco Bay where the temperature is probably warmer than where you are now.

Zinfandel is celebrated as the great California grape.  Actually, it originated in Croatia with the forgettable name of Crljenak Kastelanski.  There are records of this obscure grape making its way to the East Coast where a Boston nursery offered it for sale under the new name of Zinfandel in 1832.  It was introduced in California during the gold rush of the 1850s where it thrived, developed its own characteristics and has become very famous thanks to great vignerons and winemakers.

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) will host the Zinfandel Experience known as ZinEX.  The main event is Saturday’s Grand Tasting where attendees meet winemakers during the most comprehensive showing of Zinfandels and Zinfandel blends in the world.  But there are many events that lead up to the ultimate tasting and you will find details, costs, membership benefits and ticket sales here.

PUBLIC EVENTS

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Opening Night Dining at One Market Pavilion
It’s time to pop the corks! Winemakers will be on-hand to greet you with special offerings as we toast to reuniting with friends, relaxing and get re-acquainted in the stylish ambiance of One Market’s Pavilion. Award-winning chef, Mark Dommen will showcase his innovative new American cuisine with a menu of exceptional flavors.

Cost: ZAP Heritage members only $199
Note: The bulk of this event is reserved for our VIP packages. Individual tickets will be extremely limited to Heritage members.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Flights!
The Palace Hotel
Seated seminar-style tasting with themed flights for the true wine aficionado! Delve into the personalities and science behind the flavors of Zinfandel.

Cost: ZAP members $85, public $99

Grape Gatsby Gala – Winemaker Auction & Dinner
Palace Hotel
This evening kicks off with a silent auction of rare bottles and winery experiences as host winemakers pull corks on big bottles and cellar selections. Following you’ll join your host for a magnificent dinner and raise your paddle for amazing packages during the live auction. Taking inspiration from our new host hotel, The Palace, we’re elevating the experience with a Grape Gatsby themed evening. It’s the biggest and most glamorous benefit of the year to support ZAP’s educational programming.

Cost: ZAP members only $299

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Grand Tasting at Pier 27
All-Day // 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
An all-day pass offers access to reserve, limited production wines that are not available to taste anywhere else at the events. This ultimate tasting experience includes an expanded selection of sumptuous samples from restaurants and winery chefs, the chance to socialize with friends, and connect with winemakers.

Cost: ZAP members $150, public $180.

Afternoon // 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (for ZAP members), 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (public)

The afternoon tasting highlights over 500 different wines poured by 120 Zinfandel producers. Throughout the tasting, you can meet many winemakers, some legends who helped make Zinfandel into California’s cult grape and today’s rising stars, who are carrying Zinfandel into the future.

Cost: ZAP members $70, public $80.

Meet the Maker Roundtables // Times Vary

This is speed dating for wine lovers. These short sessions provide guests and the winemaker an opportunity to get to know each other in a fun and informal setting. With only a handful of people seated around the table, the winemaker shares their wine and tells stories about how it was made. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and discover new ways to enjoy Zinfandel.

Cost: This experience is complimentary with ticket purchase. Onsite registration only.

Heritage Lounge // 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The Heritage Lounge is offered exclusively as a ZAP Heritage member benefit. The Lounge features winemakers dropping by throughout the day to socialize and pour samples of their highly-allocated Zinfandels. Guests relax, take in the view, and enjoy specially prepared nibbles and treats.

Cost: Complimentary for ZAP Heritage members.

ZAP Membership – Champion the most Important Wine Grape in America

ZAP membership opens the doors to a deeper connection to Zinfandel. To learn more and sign up click here.

To purchase tickets and for additional event pricing, please visit ZinfandelExperience.com.

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