It looks like 2015 will be kicking off in style, as ZAP have announced their flagship “Zinfandel Experience” event will be taking place from the 29th to the 31st January. For those of you who aren’t familiar, the Zinfandel Experience is a 4-day event showcasing some of the finest Zinfandel producers in the world. In fact, it is the only event of its kind in the USA that focuses primarily on the Zinfandel varietal. Given this is my favorite grape of all; I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t pretty darn excited. The selection is vast, the quality is unquestionable and the experience is one that simply cannot be replicated. With an abundance of exciting and creative events throughout the week, here’s what ZAP have got in store:

The Tasting

Saturday January 31
When: 11 AM-5 PM
Where: Golden Gate Club & Film Centre, Presidio of San Francisco
Price: $70 – $150
Buy Tickets Here

Over 100 winemakers and principals will satisfy your palate, allowing those with a VIP ticket a sneak peak into the upcoming vintages and specials that have earned the ‘Reserve’ title. Some of the most anticipated wines of the year await your tasting, so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about. The premise of the Zinfandel “Experience” is to learn, interact and increase your knowledge of the process that makes these Zins so spectacular. Winemakers and owners will personally share their stories, their passions, their dreams and motivations behind the bottle, while you taste their craft. Entry times depend on the tickets you purchase, so make sure you grab the right one!

Epicuria Food & Zin Pairings

Thursday January 29
When: 6-8 PM
Where: Golden Gate Club, Presidio of San Francisco
Price: ZAP Member – $105/Non-ZAP Member $135
Buy Tickets Here 

Explore your palate to the next level, as over 30 fine Zinfandels meet their counterpart of culinary genius. Mingling with the winemakers, culinary experts and fellow Zin lovers, explore a variety of creatively thought-out food pairings, each specifically created to enhance and provoke your senses as you sip.

Flights! Forums of Flavor

Friday January 30
When: 10:30 AM-1 PM
Where: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
Price: ZAP Member – $80/Non-ZAP Member $95
Buy Tickets Here 

Let the experts take you on a journey by sampling a flight of limited production treats. Understand the structure, depth, and character of a variety of Zinfandels in this interactive and highly knowledgeable tasting session. Even more exciting; ZAP has worked hard to partner with the Historic Vineyard Society, so guests will be able to taste some extremely rare and exceptional old vine Zinfandels.

Winemakers Reception, Dinner & Auction

Friday January 30
When: 5:30-7:30 PM Winemakers Reception
When: 7:30-10:00 PM Winemakers Dinner
Where: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
Price: (Reception Only): ZAP Member – $95/Non-ZAP Member $110
Reception & Dinner: ZAP members only $295
Buy Tickets Here 

Celebrate the week in style, Mad Men style, to be exact (as that will be the theme this year). The iconic Winemakers Reception and Dinner will kick off as winemakers offer some of their finest magnums and reserves, followed by an intimate dinner featuring a customized gourmet menu of farm-to-table cuisine. Mingle with some of the most well-known names in the wine world before taking part in the silent auction that will give you the chance to get your hands on one-of-a-kind lots, rare bottles, winery experiences and much more. All proceeds from the auction will go toward future ZAP programming, education and Heritage Projects.