1. Wide Range. Zinfandel is planted in virtually all of California’s grape growing areas, and in the widest variety of soils, topography, and climates. Zinfandel is the most terroir-driven wine because it expresses the essence of where it’s grown.

2. Right Place, Right Time. While the Zinfandel grape has European origins in Croatia, its wine story is uniquely Californian. Making the trek during the Gold Rush, winning international awards in the 1880’s, surviving Phylloxera and Prohibition, Zinfandel established a perfect match for the environment, heritage, food and culture of California, where nearly 5,000 Zinfandels are made.

3. Roots Run Deep. Most of the oldest vineyards in California are Zinfandel, dating as far back as the mid 1800’s. Many producers today make single vineyard designated Zinfandels to express the true essence of these precious, historic vines.

4. There Are No Rules. Depending on winemaking techniques, Zinfandel can be made in various styles from lighter Rose to rich, full-bodied wines. Most Zinfandel today is produced from grapes picked at optimum balance of sugar and acid to yield wines with nuance and structure.

5. Food friendly. The multi-faceted unmistakable profiles of Zinfandel offer endless opportunities to compare and to contrast food flavors. Whether you are eating pasta, steak, or BBQ ribs, each one becomes magic with Zinfandel in your glass.

6. Benchmark Varietal. Zinfandel is the only fine wine with an American reference point. All other significant wine varietals have their reference point in Europe. That’s why Zinfandel is considered America’s heritage grape.

7. A Passion We Share. Zinfandel is the only grape with its own multi-day events and advocacy group. ZAP hosts the annual Zinfandel Experience (ZinEX), which is the largest single varietal tasting of its kind.