Top Zinfandel Growing Regions

Zinfandel might have come to the US as an immigrant, but like so many other families here, it was quick to find its own place in the country and call it home. Today, Zinfandel is one of the most planted grapes in the US, with the state of California emerging as a global hub for Zinfandel wines. Zinfandel usually has a high acidic content and is often described as a “spicy wine”. It might not be the first wine that most people think of, but often ends up becoming your favorite wine, once you do get a hang of its flavors and complex tastes. With wine tours emerging as one of the hottest travel trends, Vine Vera helps you find the top Zinfandel growing regions, regions that truly promise a unique winery-hopping experience.

Napa Valley – For Full-Bodied Zinfandels
Much of Napa Valley has ousted the Zinfandel wine in favor of the more popular Cabernet Sauvignon. But the few wineries that held onto the 90+ year tradition of producing Zinfandel wines are now famous as some of the top Zinfandel wineries in the country. The Napa Valley Zinfandel has a full-bodied character and is known to be extremely aromatic, with notes of black pepper and blackberry. The high tannin and acidity content also makes it age-worthy, another factor working in the wine’s favor. Some of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the region include Storybook Mountain, Frank Family, Biale and Turley.

Amador County – For Medium to Full Bodied Zinfandels
If jammy Zinfandels are what you prefer, just head over to Amador County. The Zinfandels grown here are medium to full bodied in character and the flavors are dominated by ripe strawberries and raspberries. The Amador County Zinfandel wine is less spicy in nature, and boast of a high alcohol content. Some of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the region include Sobon Estate, Four Vines and Montevina.

Paso Robles – For Medium-Bodied Zinfandels
The Zinfandel wine found in Paso Robles is more floral in its character. It usually boasts of raspberry, rose and violet notes, and offers a profusion of flavors with every sip. Some of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the region include Chronic Cellars, Opolo, J Dusi and Peachy Canyon.

Sonoma County – For Light Zinfandels
Zinfandel was one of the dominant grapes in the region before the Pinot Noir craze took over. Sonoma County experiences cooler temperatures and more fog when compared to Napa Valley, and this makes the Zinfandel wines grown here lush in nature. If you’re searching for a Zinfandel wine that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, the Sonoma Zinfandel is what you need. Its mocha and spice powder flavors are sure to make those Merlot lovers happy as well. Some of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the region include Seghesio, Dry Creek Vineyards and Kokomo Winery.