Zinfandel Experience 2016 (ZinEx)
25 Years of Celebrating America’s Grape!
WHAT: Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is setting the stage for Zinfandel Experience 2016, (also known as ZinEx) a highly anticipated, annual three-day extravaganza of tastings, food and wine pairings featuring illustrious culinary partners, and once-in-a-lifetime winemaker dinners in San Francisco. During the Silver Anniversary celebrating “America’s grape,” ZAP members and guests will “Meet the Makers,” including legends and rising stars of the Zinfandel world. ZinEx features five celebratory events that explore a diverse selection of Zinfandel wines and styles from renowned producers and emerging wineries, showcasing Zinfandel producers’ spirit of collaboration and community.
WHEN: Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27. Full schedule below:
Media/Trade Tasting (Not Available to the Public)
Thursday, February 25 from 1:30 – 4 PM: A pre-event Trade and Media tasting at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco allows an exclusive, advance opportunity to discover and explore the latest Zinfandel releases and talk with the winemakers who made them. This tasting is for qualified trade and media only and requires advance registration. For more information, click here.
25 Year Tribute Party
Thursday, February 25 from 5 to 7 PM: A 25 Year Tribute Party held at the Bently Reserve celebrates ZAP’s 25th anniversary in resplendent style with a tasting featuring 60 winemakers, including ZAP’s founders pouring cult collections, rare bottlings and vineyard designates. It’s a toast to legacy, inspiration and Zinfandel along with special performance by Margaret Belton, the critically acclaimed star of “Always…Patsy Cline.”
Flights! Forums of Flavor(SOLD OUT)
Friday, February 26 from 10:30 AM – 1 PM: Flights! Forums of Flavor takes place at the Bently Reserve, This year, ZAP is partnering with the Historic Vineyard Society to present wines from exceptional old vine Zinfandels. Join us for this rare opportunity to sample wines from top Great Growth contenders, iconic old vine vineyards that have consistently produced some of the best Zinfandel and blends on the planet. Winemaker Joel Peterson will lead the discussion.
Winemaker’s Dinner & Auction (SOLD OUT)
Friday, February 26 from 5:30 to 10 PM: Join ZAP for an evening of dazzling indulgence during the Winemakers Dinner, Silver Anniversary Spectacular in Bently Reserve’s Banking Hall. The intimate evening features celebrities of the wine world as 28 winemakers “pour it big” with magnums and reserve offerings. Winemakers host each dinner table featuring a customized farm-to-table menu crafted with meticulous care. Live and silent auctions offer one-of-a-kind lots, rare bottles, and winery experiences with proceeds benefitting ZAP’s programming, education and Heritage Projects
Grand Tasting
Saturday, February 27 from 11 AM – 5 PM: Zinfandel enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to “Meet the Makers” during the Grand Tasting at a brand new picturesque location – the new Pier 27 Cruise Terminal with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.
Highlights of the day:
- Past, Present and Future Tasting— 11 AM entry
Exclusively for VIPs and All-Day ticket holders. At this event, more than 150 winemakers and principals will pour samples and provide a “sneak peek” of upcoming vintages and special ‘Reserve’ Zinfandels.
- New Releases Tasting— 2 PM entry (1 PM for ZAP members)
At this afternoon event, more than 400 different wines will be poured face-to-face by 150 leading Zinfandel producers.
- Meet the Makers Roundtables— beginning at 11:30 through the day
New at ZinEx, these “speed dating for wine lovers” sessions pair wine enthusiasts with winemakers in a more intimate setting. All ticket holders may attend the half-hour roundtable events, but seated is very limited and sign-up upon arrival at the Grand Tasting is highly recommended.
- Culinary Creations at the Grand Tasting— 11 AM to 4 PM, for all ticket holders
Guests of ZinEx 2016 will enjoy culinary creations by a number of leading San Francisco Bay Area restaurants and their chefs. There will be a variety of bites intended to pair with beautifully with Zinfandels. For a complete listing of culinary creations, please visit the Grand Tasting Food Page.
- Heritage Lounge
Heritage Club members of ZAP will enjoy exclusive access to the Heritage Lounge on Saturday.
WHO: Created for Zin lovers by Zin lovers, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP), a non-profit 501(c)(3) association, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of bringing Zinfandel education and appreciation to the public.
WHERE: The 2016 Zinfandel Experience will be held at the Bently Reserve (Thursday and Friday) and Pier 27 in San Francisco (Saturday). See above for event specifics.
HOW: For tickets to all events, click here. Become a member of ZAP for substantial savings on ZinEx tickets. ZAP members enjoy benefits throughout the year including access to ZAP’s Premier Winery Experience program (Download Brochure).
MORE: ZAP is offering an Ultimate VIP Package for two (SOLD OUT) that includes two nights lodging, tickets to each event, shuttle service, wine amenities and an annual ZAP Heritage membership. For more information, please click here. A Getaway Package is also available and includes tickets, lodging and ZAP Advocate membership. More than 200 volunteers donate their time to make Zinfandel Experience a success. To learn more about how to volunteer, please visit here.
ABOUT: ZAP’s mission is to advance public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Members include winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts. The common focus is the preservation and recognition of Zinfandel as America’s grape.
