Zinfandel Day is celebrated on November 17 every year, and we’re going to show you how you can indulge in the excitement. Zinfandel is a type of black-skinned grape that is typically used for making wines. The grapes are known for their high sugar content, which is useful for making wines with an alcohol percentage of more than 15%. The Zinfandel, also known as Primitivo, grows best in a warm but not too hot climate. Its taste varies, depending on the ripeness of the grapes. Zinfandel Day was created in the United Kingdom to give recognition to this exquisite variety of grapes.
History of Zinfandel Day
It is said that the Zinfandel grapes were discovered in the Mediterranean region around 6000 B.C. Shortly after that period, winemaking became prevalent. Zinfandel was found in parts of Croatia, but a lot of the plantation was wiped out by the phylloxera epidemic. The Zinfandel’s genetic structure closely resembles that of Primitivo, which was found in Italy in the 1800s. It was first recognized by the European Union that Primitivo would be a synonym for Zinfandel in 1990. Today both Zinfandel and Primitivo are used interchangeably.In 1930, Zinfandel agriculture was affected greatly, first by the Great Depression and then by the Prohibition that followed. By the 1960s, Zinfandel was already being referred to as the “lost vine and wine.” In 2002, the Crljenak Kaštelanski variety was discovered in Croatia, and winemakers started mixing Zinfandel and Crljenak Kaštelanski. Soon after, the wine production again rose to prominence. The wines were made mostly in parts of Puglia or Lodi (Croatia).The Zinfandel Advocates and Producers were formed in the United States for “the preservation, education, and appreciation” of the Zinfandel grapes. Zinfandel Day was created to show love and appreciation toward the Zinfandel grape and the wines produced from it, namely Rombauer, Artezin, Pedroncelli, and Robert Biale. Wine lovers also held Zinfandel tasting days in San Francisco. Zinfandel Day quickly spread to Europe, especially the United Kingdom. It became a day of celebrating one of the world’s most favorite vines and wines.
Zinfandel Day timeline
Zinfandel grapes are discovered in the Mediterranean region.
Primitivo, a close relative of the Zinfandel grapes, is found in Italy.
Zinfandel production suffers greatly because of the Great Depression and Prohibition.
Zinfandel Day is created by the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP), to honor Zinfandel grapes and the wines made from them.
Zinfandel Day FAQs
How many wine days are celebrated?
There are about 17 national wine day celebrations — from simple wine-drinking days to more specific wine celebrations such as Mulled Wine Day, Zinfandel Day, and Sauvignon Blanc Day.
What does Zinfandel wine taste like?
The taste of the Zinfandel wines depends on the ripeness of the grapes. It might be sweet, semi-sweet, or dry.
What is the difference between Merlot and Zinfandel?
Merlot adds a plummy flavor to the wine. Zinfandel has a rich blackberry/raspberry or pepper flavor and is less bitter compared with the Merlot.
Zinfandel Day Activities
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Drink Zinfandel wines
What better way to celebrate Zinfandel Day than to taste some exotic Zinfandel wines? Pour yourself a glass of Zinfandel wines such as Rombauer or Artezin and enjoy the juicy, sweet taste of Zinfandel grapes. Enjoy your drink with friends and family.
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Share it on social media
Let everyone know that you're celebrating this day. Take pictures of you enjoying some Zinfandel wine with friends and share them on social media. You can also write articles on the origins of Zinfandel grapes and post them online.
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Read more about Zinfandel grape history
Use this day to improve your knowledge. Read more about the historical origins of the Zinfandel grapes — how they were discovered, and how they became one of the most loved grape varieties among wine lovers.
5 Facts About Zinfandel That Will Blow Your Mind
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It is used in cranberry sauce
Zinfandel grapes are sometimes used to give the cranberry sauce a spicy flavor.
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It is a heritage grape
The Zinfandel grape is considered by the people of California to be their heritage grape.
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It has wings
The Zinfandel grapevine always has a side branch growing outwards that gives an appearance of a wing.
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White Zin was created in 1972
White Zin was created by the Sutter Home in 1972.
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Austria brought Zinfandel to the U.S.
It is said that the Zinfandel was brought to the U.S. by Croatia, under Austrian rule.
Why We Love Zinfandel Day
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We appreciate Zinfandel grapes and wines
Zinfandel grapes are some of the most popular grape varieties on the planet. Yet, we feel as though they do not get the recognition they deserve. Zinfandel allows us to appreciate this magnificent variety of grapes and the tasty, high-quality wines produced from them.
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It gives us an occasion to come together as a family
This day is to be celebrated with friends and family. Zinfandel Day gives us the chance to invite neighbors or family members over for a few glasses of Zinfandel wines, and a chance to bond with each other.
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We improve our knowledge
This is also a day of learning. This day allows us to learn more about the origins of Zinfandel grapes and wines. We learn about how the zinfandel grape almost went to extinction but survived and became one of the most popular red wine grapes on the planet.
Zinfandel Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 17 | Thursday |
| 2023 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 17 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 17 | Tuesday |
