Zinfandel Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Beverage Drinking Liquor
Where:: United Kingdom
Date change rule:: Every November 17
Holiday emoji:: 🍷

Zinfandel Day uncorks a celebration of this beloved black-skinned grape every November 17. Known for its high sugar content and diverse flavor profiles, Zinfandel produces wines ranging from robust reds to sweet rosés. Raise a glass, explore new vintages, and share your favorite Zinfandel moments.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Zinfandel Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows Zinfandel Day brings excellent deals from retailers and wineries. Expect major wine stores like Total Wine & More, BevMo!, and Wine.com to offer discounts on Zinfandel bottles and cases. Many California wineries, especially those in Lodi and Sonoma, will host special tastings and online sales. Look for local wine shops to feature Zinfandel flights and pairing menus. Even grocery chains with strong wine selections, such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market, may highlight Zinfandel with promotional pricing. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for Zinfandel Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ZinfandelDay. Share photos of your favorite Zinfandel bottle, a tasting flight, or a delicious food pairing.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ZinfandelDay. Create short videos reviewing different Zinfandel wines, demonstrating tasting techniques, or showcasing Zinfandel-inspired recipes.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ZinfandelDay. Host a virtual Zinfandel tasting event or share educational content about the grape’s origins and characteristics.

Zinfandel Day Hero

Agoston Haraszthy

Agoston Haraszthy (1812–1869), a Hungarian nobleman, is often called the 'Father of California Viticulture.' He established Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma in 1857 and is credited with importing thousands of European grapevines to California, including what is widely believed to be the Zinfandel grape. His pioneering efforts laid the foundation for California's thriving wine industry.

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

6000 B.C.

Zinfandel Grapes are Discovered

Zinfandel grapes are discovered in the Mediterranean region.

1880

Primitivo is Born

Primitivo, a close relative of the Zinfandel grapes, is found in Italy.

1930

Zinfandel is Almost Extinct

Zinfandel production suffers greatly because of the Great Depression and Prohibition.

1990s

Zinfandel Day

Zinfandel Day is created by the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP), to honor Zinfandel grapes and the wines made from them.

Zinfandel Day FAQs

When is Zinfandel Day?

Zinfandel Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 17, offering a perfect mid-week opportunity to explore the rich flavors of this versatile grape.

How much Zinfandel is produced in California?

California is the primary producer of Zinfandel in the United States. In 2024, Zinfandel grapes crushed in California totaled approximately 350,000 tons, making it one of the state’s top grape varieties by volume.

Where is Zinfandel most popular?

Zinfandel is overwhelmingly popular in the United States, particularly in California, where it has a long and storied history. It’s often considered America’s heritage grape, with many old-vine vineyards still producing exceptional fruit.

What is the difference between Zinfandel and Primitivo?

Zinfandel and Primitivo are genetically almost identical, originating from the same Croatian grape. The primary differences lie in their terroir and winemaking styles, with Primitivo typically grown in southern Italy and Zinfandel in California.

Zinfandel Day Activities

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.
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.
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

It is used in cranberry sauce
Zinfandel grapes are sometimes used to give the cranberry sauce a spicy flavor.
It is a heritage grape
The Zinfandel grape is considered by the people of California to be their heritage grape.
It has wings
The Zinfandel grapevine always has a side branch growing outwards that gives an appearance of a wing.
White Zin was created in 1972
White Zin was created by the Sutter Home in 1972.
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

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.
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.
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.