Tag Archives: ZinEx

Event, Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Wine

ZinEX 2023-Get Your Tickets!

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Coming up quickly it is time for ZinEX, in San Francisco on January 26, 27 & 28 atThe Pavilion at One Market (30 Steuart St)! So many events, so many winemakers, so many somms – myself included!

Schedule of Events begins Thursday, January 26 – Opening Night Dining; Friday, January 27 – Flights! and Winemakers Dinner & Auction ~ A Red Carpet Gala; Saturday, January 28 – Grand Tasting

Get your TICKETS! Catch the Somm-Winemaker pairings at the Friday Flights! event & lot of Zinfandel every day:

  • Ian Blackburn, Learn About Wine – Paired with Ryan Schmaltz, Winemaker at Bella Vineyards
  • Matt Montrose, OMVino – Paired with Clay Mauritson, Owner of Mauritson Wines
  • Tonya Pitts, One Market Restaurant – Paired with April Nalle, Co-owner at Nalle Winery
  • Cara Patricia, DECANTsf – Paired with Hugh Chappelle, Winemaker at Quivira Vineyards
  • Chris Sawyer, Sawyersomm.com – Paired with Jeff Stewart, Winemaker at Hartford Family Winery
  • Sarah Trubnick, The Barrel Room – Paired with Trester Goetting, Ridge Vineyards

SEE YOU ALL THERE! Christopher

Sommelier, Tasting, Varietal, Virtual, Wine

ZIN EX Goes Virtual in 2021!

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With a series of online events catered to your tasting experience, ZIN EX goes LIVE ONLINE on January 30 & 31, featuring more than three dozen outstanding California wineries. Registration is OPEN NOW which is offered FREE to the general public. In particular be sure to join my 2 Meet The Maker panels on Saturday Jan 30, of the 10 toal moderated sessions on both days between 1-4pm, featuring winemakers or winery principals, among the multiple memorable excursions:

  • Dry Creek Valley Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards – 2:15pm
  • Napa Valley Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards – 2:45pm

Attendees will be able to watch the Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards panel discussions via live stream on the Main Stage, they can ask questions via real-time chat, visit Virtual Booths to speak directly with key winery personnel. Participating wineries will offer special promotions before, during, and after the event with wine details. Guests can purchase the wine in advance to taste along or go shopping post-event.

See you there! Christopher

Event, Sommelier, Wine

Zinfandel Experience begins in SF, Thursday January 18th!

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While the trade portion gets going earlier in the week, you can still get the Zinfandel Experience with tickets to a few events that are not already sold out!

Flights: January 19, 10:30-1pm
Moderated by Joel Peterson, winemaker of Ravenswood Winery.
Aimed at the true wine aficionado with a keen curiosity, this seated seminar-style tasting allows attendees to experience the true character of Zinfandel through the eyes of experts.

Grand Tasting: January 20, 11am-5pm
The weekend’s main event is the Grand Tasting, where you will meet the winemakers at the most comprehensive showing of Zinfandels and blends in the world and experience a selection of sumptuous culinary samples from restaurants and winery chefs.

Winemaker Auction & Dinner: January 19
Unfortunately this event is already SOLD OUT.  However, if you happen to be a lucky ticket holder be sure to look for my special Auction Package #20 and bid high! The live and silent auctions will showcase one-of-a-kind lots, rare bottles, and winery experiences with proceeds benefitting ZAP’s programming.