THE ZINSIDE SCOOP
Welcome to The ZINside Scoop,
your monthly newsletter about all things Zinfandel.
The Vineyard Report
We are nearing the finish line of the 2026 Harvest season, and no, we can’t believe it, either! So, what is happening in Zinfandel vineyards right now?
While other varietals may already be nearing harvest, a typical Zin vineyard, being the uneven and late ripeners they can be, will still be enjoying some hang time. Verasion, the stage of growth where berries turn from green to purple, will be nearing completion, and the vines will move from the “growing” phase into the “ripening” phase.
As the ripening phase begins, growers closely monitor the sugar (Brix) levels in the berries. A Zinfandel vineyard often sees different blocks ripening at different rates. It is vital that a grower knows their vineyard well, and toward the end of August, will begin daily monitoring and testing to ensure a perfectly timed harvest
Region Spotlight: Paso Robles
Paso Robles gives Zinfandel grapes the best of both worlds: hot sunny days to develop robust flavor profiles, and cool nights to keep the wines fresh and balanced. The region’s limestone-rich soils and dry climate naturally stress the vines just enough to produce concentrated, flavorful grapes, while many old vineyards add extra depth and character.
Paso Robles boasts a perfect climate for cultivating Zinfandel grapes, characterized by its warm, Mediterranean climate and significant temperature variations between day and night. The dry summers and extended growing season enable the grapes to mature gradually, resulting in Zinfandels that are bold, flavorful, and brimming with spice and personality.
A glass of Zinfandel from Paso Robles is impossible to forget. Paso’s Zins are bold and juicy, with rich flavors of blackberry, raspberry jam, plum, and black pepper. Warm sunny days create deep fruit flavors, while cool nights keep the wine smooth and balanced. The result is a spicy, full-bodied wine with a velvety texture and a long, flavorful finish.
Visit Zinfandel.org for ZAP member wineries in Paso Robles!
- Glunz Family Wineries & Cellars
- J. Dusi Wines
- Opolo Vineyards
- Peachy Canyon Winery
- Turley Wine Cellars
Do you know…
Just how old some of California’s oldest Zinfandel vines are?
Some are around or older than 100 years old! That means that they’re older than…
Sliced Bread (came about in 1928)
Refrigerators (as we know them were introduced in 1927)
Band-Aid (1920 was the year we first saw one!)
Television (The first experimental TV was put into a home in 1928, but wasn’t introduced to the American public until 1938)
& A 100-year-old vineyard survived Prohibition… and is still here producing today.
