Since 2005, ZAP winery hosts and our advocates have embarked on unforgettable journeys across the globe, deepening our understanding and appreciation of Zinfandel while forging lasting connections. Travel has become an essential part of ZAP’s educational mission, blending discovery, learning, and, of course, tasting plenty of great wine.
A Journey Rooted in Wine Education
ZAP’s travel programs have been a fantastic way to enhance our educational initiatives. Through these experiences, we have explored:
- The interplay of Zinfandel with other varietals
- Comparing and contrasting winemaking styles
- The regional diversity of Zinfandel
- The art of crafting marketing strategies for wines
- Building your own Zin!
- The significance of single vineyards
- The intrigue of blind tastings
- New Vines, Old Vines & Really Old Vines
- Reserve and Decade of Excellence Wines
And so much more…
The Birth of a Wine Lover’s Adventure
It all began in 2003 when Larry Martin, the original owner of Food & Wine Trails, proposed an exciting idea to ZAP—curating a travel program tailored for ZAP’s passionate wine community. Larry’s vision convinced us that we could integrate in-depth Zinfandel education while exploring the great wine regions of the world.
Our first official voyage set sail in 2005, aboard Oceania’s Insignia, with 104 guests, traversing the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Lisbon. Along the way, we made stops in renowned wine regions, including an exclusive visit to Ornellaia in Bolgheri, Italy, which at the time was not open to the public. This journey set the tone for many more Mediterranean adventures, including trips to France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia, to name a few.
Beyond the education and tastings, these trips foster a true sense of community. Lifelong friendships have been formed over shared glasses of Zinfandel, unexpected adventures, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether discovering a hidden wine estate or enjoying a leisurely meal with fellow enthusiasts, these moments have cemented the spirit of ZAP’s travel programs.
Expanding Beyond the Seas
Of course, part of the magic of these trips lies in the exceptional culinary experiences, both on land and aboard these luxury cruise ships. To take our immersive wine explorations even further, ZAP introduced our first land-based travel program in 2017 to Croatia! Then in 2019, Doug and Nancy Beckett hosted our inaugural small group trip to Tuscany, which sold out in mere days, confirming what we had suspected—our members were eager for more intimate and engaging wine experiences. Since then, legendary hosts such as Joel Peterson, Randle Johnson, and Bob Biale have led groups of 20 guests to hidden gems from Sicily to Spain to visit remarkable wine and food destinations.
Our latest offering from CrushWineEX will be to Naples, Amalfi Coast & Campania wine region with Trentadue Winemaker, Miro Tcholakov in May 2025. These land-based adventures offer deeper connections with the winemakers, the terroir, and the traditions that define each region’s unique wine culture.
Exploring the World, One Glass at a Time
ZAP has taken wine lovers to breathtaking locations, including New Zealand and Australia, Alaska, Mexico, the Mississippi River, and South America. Next on our itinerary? Japan, a sold-out trip aboard one of Regent Seven Seas’ newest ships—Explorer at the end of March 2025. Along the way, we’re venturing into Japanese wine country to explore the growing industry and taste their fascinating wines—yes, made from grapes!
Looking ahead, our next adventures include: 
- September 16 – 24, 2025 –a cruise along the Columbia & Snake Rivers on American Cruise Lines with a wine-focused pre-cruise journey to the Willamette Valley September 14 – 16
- August 1 – 15, 2026 – A bucket-list experience Iceland & Fjords of Norway aboard Regent’s latest ship, Grandeur. We’ll explore the majestic landscapes of the far north. But, it’s not wine country, you say? We’re thinking outside the box! Scandinavians love California Zinfandel, and we’re developing exclusive excursions
to pair our wines with their delicious local cuisine. Hosted by Randle Johnson of Calafia Wines, along with his wife, MaryLee Johnson, and current ZAP President, Erin Cline of Three Wine Company with husband and winemaker Matt Cline this trip promises unforgettable experiences.
For 25 years, ZAP’s travel programs have been about more than just seeing new places—they are about deepening our passion for wine, fostering friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences. Whether by sea or land, we raise our glasses to the many adventures still to come!
