Wine Event Preview: Zinfandel Grand Tasting at The Omni Tuesday

Talk about getting a bad reputation for no reason! Zinfandel is the quintessential American grape: author Mark Oldman calls it the "great American wine" and describes it as "a varietal with mouth-filling heft and massive alcohol...which offers a lovable, jammy excursion built for immediate gratification." Unfortunately, many casual wine drinkers only associate the word Zinfandel with the horrible pink blush wine that comes out of a Franzia box. To help combat this misguided idea, Zin producers have established ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) to educate drinkers about their favorite grape.

Many of California's top Zin producers will be on hand to show off their latest offerings at The Omni on Tuesday evening at the ZAP Grand Tasting Tour. The event features pours from over 50(!!) wineries who produce Red Zinfandel, and many winemakers will be in attendance to discuss their craft with the crowd. Star wines include producers such as Alexander Valley Vineyards, Cline, Murphy-Goode, Peachy Canyon, Rancho Zabaco, Robert Biale, Seghesio, and the "Three R's of Zin": Ridge, Ravenswood, and Rosenblum.

ZAP has also enlisted the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas to support the event, so sample dishes will be served from restaurants such as Castle Hill Cafe, Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill, III Forks, The Belmont, Z'Tejas, Mansion at Judge's Hill, and Cissi's Market. This is a great opportunity to take a crash course in wine and learn exactly what you like in a Zinfandel, as you can taste some of the world's best offerings side by side. Tickets can be booked in advance using the link below or by calling (512) 327-7555.

ZAP's Zinfandel Grand Tasting Tour
Tuesday, May 8th
Omni Hotel Downtown [map]
6:30-9pm
$60 [tickets]

Image via artandscience on Flickr.