Zinfandel lovers – mark your calendars for February 25 to 27
I know that we have many Zinfandel lovers who come to the Wine Country Getaway’s Website to plan a trip to wineries producing wonderful Zinfandel wines. Here’s an easy way to get to a huge number of Zinfandel producers and taste their fantastic Zinfandel wines. It is ZinEx in San Francisco taking place Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27. This year’s Zinfandel gathering will be even more special. 2016 ZinEx will be the 25th anniversary of this gathering of Zinfandel enthusiasts.
The happenings at this year’s ZinEX
Thursday, February 25 from 1:30 – 4 PM: A pre-event Trade and Media tasting* at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco. Joe and I will be attending this event and I will certainly report back to our readers on the highlights of this event. This tasting gives us the opportunity to meet and talk with winemakers about their latest Zinfandel releases.
*Please note that this Trade and Media tasting is not open to the public.
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. ZAP’s founders will be pouring cult collections, rare bottlings and vineyard designates. It’s a toast to legacy, inspiration and Zinfandel. There will be a 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. This will feature 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. This is a chance to meet and talk with winemakers, who will host each dinner table. The dinner will include 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. ZAP members will also be admitted at 1PM and non-members at 2PM, in time for the New Releases Tasting. 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.
Complete ticket information go to: http://www.zinfandelexperience.com/
Thanks for the post! We are getting very excited about the event. ZAP just announced a new event component to the Grand Tasting. Its called Meet the Maker Roundtables. Here is more info on it.
ZAP has a passion for helping Zin enthusiasts and winemakers build lasting relationships. That’s why we’re bringing Meet the Makers Roundtables to this year’s Zinfandel Experience-it’s kind of like speed dating for wine lovers.
Throughout the Grand Tasting, you can sign up for a seat at the “roundtable” to enjoy the unique experience of meeting a top Zinfandel winemaker in an intimate setting.
During the tasting, you’ll learn to appreciate the character of the winemaker and the wine while sharing what you’re looking for in an exceptional bottle of Zinfandel.
Starting at 11:30 AM you can register, free of charge, for any available half hour session in the Meet the Maker room. With 40 participating winemakers and limited seating, registering upon arrival at the Grand Tasting is highly recommended. Onsite registration only.