Zinfandel
California's heritage grape, with gnarled century-old vines still producing concentrated, spice-driven reds full of character.
Brambly blackberry, black pepper, sweet spice — often jammy.
BBQ, burgers, spiced grilled meats.
Wineries growing Zinfandel
Chateau Montelena
Calistoga · Est. 1882
Taut, mineral Chardonnay that ages for decades; the Estate Cabernet is firm and savoury.
Grgich Hills Estate
Rutherford · Est. 1977
Restrained, mineral Chardonnay and a classically proportioned Cabernet — freshness over flash.
Frog's Leap Winery
Rutherford · Est. 1981
Fresh, food-friendly, lower-alcohol wines with vibrant acidity and true varietal character.
Ridge Vineyards — Lytton Springs
Dry Creek Valley · Est. 1972
Brambly black raspberry, pepper and sweet oak with old-vine depth; ages beautifully.
Seghesio Family Vineyards
Alexander Valley · Est. 1895
Generous, spice-driven Zinfandel with old-vine concentration and Italian soul.
Dry Creek Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley · Est. 1972
Zesty Fumé Blanc and juicy old-vine Zinfandel; a great picnic stop.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Alexander Valley · Est. 2006
Crowd-pleasing, well-made reds; a family-friendly destination day.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Sonoma Valley · Est. 1971
Rich old-vine Zinfandel and plush reds tuned for the table.

Cline Family Cellars
Carneros · Est. 1982
Juicy, peppery old-vine Zinfandel and honest Rhône blends; relaxed and welcoming.
Kunde Family Winery
Sonoma Valley · Est. 1904
Reliable estate range; the mountain-top tasting has a jaw-dropping valley view.
Rombauer Vineyards
St. Helena · Est. 1980
Ripe, creamy and tropical — unabashedly lush, oak-kissed Chardonnay.
Zinfandel FAQs
What does Zinfandel taste like?
Zinfandel typically shows Brambly blackberry, black pepper, sweet spice — often jammy. California's heritage grape, with gnarled century-old vines still producing concentrated, spice-driven reds full of character.
What food pairs with Zinfandel?
Zinfandel pairs beautifully with BBQ, burgers, spiced grilled meats.
Where is Zinfandel grown?
Classic homes for Zinfandel include Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma), old-vine Napa & Sonoma. Estates in our guide that grow it include Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, Frog's Leap Winery, Ridge Vineyards — Lytton Springs, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard.
Taste Zinfandel where it grows best
Let a Chauffyr chauffeur plan a wine day around the estates that make Zinfandel shine.
