Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is setting the stage for the Silver Anniversary of Zinfandel Experience 2016, affectionately known as ZinEx. This highly anticipated, annual three-day extravaganza of tastings features illustrious culinary partners, seminars, and once-in-a-lifetime winemaker dinners. With a special nod to its quarter century status as the educational resource behind “America’s Heritage Grape,” the San Francisco based event, taking place Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27, will offer more face time with both the legends and rising stars of the Zinfandel world during five celebratory events that explore a diverse selection of Zinfandel wines and styles from renowned producers and emerging wineries. The “Meet the Makers” format will showcase Zinfandel producers’ spirit of collaboration and community.
In addition, two new venues will entice guests to the 2016 Zinfandel Experience – including the resplendent Bently Reserve and the newly constructed Pier 27. A full schedule of ZinEx is listed below and can be accessed on the Zinfandel Experience website.
“We are so excited to present a truly incredible line up of talented winemakers offering first-hand stories about their experiences creating some of the world’s finest Zinfandels,” said Executive Director, Rebecca Robinson. “This annual event offers the perfect opportunity for wine aficionados and novices alike to learn more about not only the history and culture of America’s grape, but also perhaps understand a bit more about their own palates and preferences. In our 25th year, we celebrate the pioneering spirit of Zinfandel that is captured in our community of winegrowers, winemakers and enthusiasts.”
The three-day experience focuses on five extraordinary events, detailed below:
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. The new format allows for more intimate conversations while evaluating the wines. Two complimentary tickets will be offered per eligible trade account with additional tickets available for purchase. Trade tasting is for qualified trade or media only. Trade must be a representative of a licensed on-or off-premise wine buyer/seller. This includes distributors and licensed brokers, restaurants and retailers. Media wishing to attend any ZinEx event must register on-line and obtain confirmation in advance. On-line registration opens in mid-October. For more information, click here.
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.”
Friday, February 26 from 10:30 AM – 1 PM: Flights! Forums of Flavor takes place at the Bently Reserve, featuring a professional tasting seminar focused on highly allocated, limited production Zinfandels, tailored to wine aficionados. This year, ZAP is partnering with the Historic Vineyard Society to present wines from exceptional old vine Zinfandels.
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. There are two ticket levels available for this event: Reception & Silent Auction for $95/person; Reception, Silent Auction, Dinner & Live Auction for $295/person. To purchase, visit www.zinfandelexperience.com
Saturday, February 27 from 11 AM – 5 PM: Zinfandel enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to “Meet the Makers” during the Grand Tasting at Pier 27 in San Francisco. Located on the Embarcadero, with a spacious open floor plan and panoramic views of the bay, doors open at 11 AM for the exclusive Past, Present and Future Tasting 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. Joining all-day ticket holders at 1 PM, doors open to ZAP members and at 2 PM for non-members, in time for the New Releases Tasting where over 400 different wines will be poured by 150 leading Zinfandel producers. ZAP Heritage Club members will enjoy exclusive access to the Heritage Lounge on Saturday.
Attending ZinEx
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. The event is open to a public audience of attendees who are 21 years and older, with event purchase. 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).
For out of town guests, ZAP is offering an Ultimate VIP Package for two that includes two nights of lodging at San Francisco’s Le Meridian Hotel, tickets to each event, shuttle service, wine amenities and an annual ZAP Heritage membership. For more information, please click here. A Getaway Package including tickets, lodging and ZAP Advocate membership is also available. More than 200 volunteers donate their time to make Zinfandel Experience a success. To learn more about how to volunteer, please visit here.
