January 7, 2026 (Rough & Ready, CA) — Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) proudly marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, celebrating more than three decades of championing America’s heritage grape and bringing Zinfandel’s rich legacy to life for millions. Through signature programs including Zinfandel Stories, Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards, Zinfandel Live, and the dynamic ZinfandelTrail.com website, ZAP’s dedication to preserving and promoting Zinfandel has transformed how this historic varietal is experienced—connecting enthusiasts through seminars, tastings, social media, winemaker interviews, and unforgettable vineyard and winery visits that showcase the vibrant soul of Zinfandel.
Founded in 1991, ZAP has become the leading voice for American Zinfandel, uniting winemakers and grape growers around a shared mission: promote historic vineyards, celebrate old vines, and ensure Zinfandel’s future is as compelling as its past. Equally vital to this mission is ZAP’s vast community of advocates—engaged consumers and members whose passion, participation, and support fuel preservation of historic vineyards and keep Zinfandel’s story thriving.
The milestone year kicks off with ZinEX 2026: Weekend Classic, January 29–31 in Napa Valley, ZAP’s flagship gathering that convenes the most influential producers and devoted Zin enthusiasts in the country. ZinEX highlights include The Tasting at CIA at Copia, an immersive walk-around tasting of top California Zinfandel producers; intimate Winemaker Dinners hosted by iconic vintners; the celebrated Evening with the Winemakers Dinner & Auction featuring rare bottles and luxury wine-country experiences; and exclusive VIP wine country tastings, vineyard visits, and seminars that deliver insider access to the people behind the vines. Event details and tickets are available at www.zinfandelexperience.com.
ZAP’s anniversary year also builds on the expanding global influence of the Old Vine Conference (OVC), which held its landmark Northern California gathering in November 2025 in partnership with ZAP. ZAP convened an unprecedented coalition including the Wine Institute/Discover California Wines, Lodi Wine, Historic Vineyard Society and the Sonoma County Winegrowers. Together with OVC, the group hosted international media, Master Sommeliers, MWs, growers, and researchers to spotlight heritage vineyards, advance new research, and underscore the cultural and economic urgency of preserving the world’s most irreplaceable old vines.
“Thirty-five years ago, ZAP was born from a belief that Zinfandel deserved a louder voice and a bigger stage,” said Erin Cline, President of the ZAP Board of Directors. “Today, through ZinEX, the Old Vine Conference, and our partnerships across California, we’re not only celebrating Zinfandel—we’re shaping its future and ensuring the stories of old vines continue to inspire wine lovers around the world.”
About Zinfandel Advocates & Producers
Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Zinfandel, a grape variety that is closely associated with California’s wine history. ZAP was founded in 1991 and serves as a collective of winemakers, grape growers, and wine enthusiasts who share a passion for Zinfandel. The organization’s mission is to preserve, promote, and
celebrate Zinfandel’s unique place in California wine. ZAP plays a key role in advocating for the protection of historic Zinfandel vineyards, many of which feature old vines with significant heritage. To make a tax-deductible contribution visit: www.zinfandel.org
