The ZAP Experience Is Coming to San Francisco
Tired of those crowded wine tasting events where you are packed like sardines even though you’re in a huge space? Me, too. Can’t talk to the winemakers and owners, can’t get insights and information, and definitely can’t buy wine to bring home.
The 2014 ZAP Experience is changing all of that. Starting this year, there’s a more intimate experience, different tasting tracks, and a general store where you’ll be able to buy the wines you’ve tasted. Taste reserve barrel samples, have time with winemakers, owners, and sommeliers, and get a deeper understanding of the complexity and versatility of Zinfandel. I can’t wait. And it’s right here in San Francisco, January 23-25. Here are the options for the three-day, four-event experience:
Thursday, January 23, 2014: “Epicuria: Food & Zinfandel Pairings” brings together 30 Zins with amazing treats from top chefs at the Presidio Golden Gate Club. Get up close and personal with winemakers and producers as you pair their lush Zinfandels with delicious culinary bites.
Friday, January 24, 2014: “Flights! Forums of Flavor” guides you through Zinfandel flights during an in-depth seminar and tasting at the Four Seasons Hotel. For the Zin enthusiast, this is a unique opportunity to delve into the history and philosophy behind the wines. In collaboration with the Historic Vineyard Society, this intimate salon gives you the chance to learn about old Zinfandel vineyards.
Friday, January 24, 2014: “Evening with the Winemakers – Fabulous Forties, A Benefit with Taste” invites you to enjoy a fabulous ’40s-themed evening at the Four Seasons. Start with a reception featuring 18 top Zinfandels then enjoy the extravagant dinner and live auction. Savor private selections of Zinfandels and the company of winery owners and producers. Proceeds benefit ZAP programming, education, and the Heritage Vineyard Projects.
Saturday, January 25, 2014: At “Zinfandel Experience Tasting Tracks” create your own itinerary that features barrel samples, new releases, and other specials. Meet winemakers from different regions in the most comprehensive collection of Zins in the world. For the first time, you’ll be able to buy your favorite Zins in the General Store.
Select among three distinct tracks (or participate in all three):
Sensory Tasting: A fun and interactive foray into flavor. Sample your favorite Zins in this walk-around tasting featuring 80 different wineries.
Reserve & Barrel Tasting: A tasting of the new and rare. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to taste barrel samples, new vintages, and special wines from 44 wineries—all with that exclusive “reserve” title.
Terroir Tasting: Expand your regional expertise. Taste Zins from some of the most exciting regions in California including Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Paso Robles, and the Sierra Foothills. Interact with sommeliers who will unlock the regional characteristics of the wines.
To learn more about the all-new Zinfandel Experience and order tickets, click here. See you there!
Patty Burness can be found on Twitter @pattygb.
