January 28-30, 2010
Fun with Zin, I say! Zinfandel, not to be confused with Infidel, is a diverse wine and it has many loyal fans that know their wine and how to have fun. You see Zinfandel, or Zin for short, is a great wine that goes with almost any kind of food from pizza, Chinese food, any tailgate party, to being part of a seven course gourmet feast. Oh, and it is good just to sip on while you relax a bit too.
As taste is a matter of preference and is unique to each person, I think it is unfair for any wine writer, blogger, or expert, to tell you what you like. All we can give you is an opinion based upon our own likes and dislikes. However, true experts (Sommeliers, winemakers, and other wine professionals, including your local wine shops and wineries) will provide you with the qualities to look for in different types of wine and you should never stop learning to really appreciate wine.This is why when there are wine festivals near you, it is important to go. In California there are plenty as there are throughout the United States and abroad. You should go especially if you are unfamiliar with any type of wine or wine in general, this way you can taste for yourself a variety of wineries at your disposal and talk with winemakers to answer your questions. As for Zin, each winery is going to have its own take on this wine. To complicate things further, there is Old Vine Zin compared to, well, your regular Zin. I have discussed Old Vine Zin prior in a series of articles that I did on First Sip, an annual wine event held in Lodi/Woodbridge Appellation in California. It has its own taste that I actually prefer. There is also white Zin made from the same red grape, but I personally have not found a white Zin that I like. My husband on the other hand likes old vine, new vine, or any vine Zin as long as it is good!
Zin is a true American grape with over 50,000 acres throughout the United States. Predominately grown in California though, it is produced in certain areas of the state: Southern California, Central Coast, Central Valley, Bay Area, Mendocino Lake, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma, and the Napa Valley. All are unique in taste and character because of their different soil conditions. Regarding those Old Vine Zins, some of the oldest vineyards planted in California are in the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills dating back to 1852.
Starting today in San Francisco, the annual Zinfandel Festival takes place. It has various events throughout from Zin and Food pairings costing $125 per person and a special evening with the winemakers at $260 per person, to the final event on Saturday for all consumers at $59 per person ($69 at the door) that will provide you with all the tasting your heart desires and over two buildings worth. The Saturday event will feature over 275 wineries from throughout the United States all pouring Zin. Also included is a keepsake tasting glass, all kinds of food to eat from local establishments, and a wonderful view of San Francisco. This event will take place at Fort Mason in the Marina District beginning at 2:00 pm and will end “around” 5:00 pm, so get there early. Also, have the taxi companies on speed dial as all that Zin will make you feel Zen-like! This is an opportunity to taste Zin if it is your first time or just curious to taste from different wineries, you can then make up your own mind what you like and have a great time doing it with Zin fans from throughout the world. Last year over 10,000 people were in attendance throughout the three days all with Zin on their minds.
The event is sponsored by, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP). For more information on ZAP, other events they are having this year, and for a complete breakdown of this event, their link is: http://www.zinfandel.org/default.asp?n1=14&n2=487
FOR A TASTE OF THE EVENT AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON ZINFANDEL, PLEASE PLAY THE FOLLOWING VIDEO PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZERS, ZAP. ENJOY!
Above provided by, ZAP Zinfandel Festival from kjraymond on Vimeo.
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