You know you’re a Zin Head …

Still basking in the glow of the 22nd annual ZAP Zinfandel Festival at the Concourse in San Francisco, I realize I’m a Zin Head. I mean, you know you’re a Zin Head …

… when you count down the days to the next ZAP Fest – in 2014

… when you can trace the path of Zinfandel from Croatia to Italy to Austria to Boston and finally, to the West Coast during the Gold Rush

Zap-2013-epicuria — Zinfandel Advocates and Producers annual ZAP Festival 2013 at the Concourse SF

You know you’re a Zin Head …

… when you think the Zinfandel balloons at the Concourse are cute

… when you automatically recognize the old-vine Zinfandel Heritage Vineyards throughout California such as Dusi Ranch in Paso Robles, Old Hayne in Saint Helena, R.W. Moore in Coombsville, Lytton Springs in Dry Creek Valley and Old Hill Ranch in Sonoma Valley

… when you no longer cringe (as much) at the sight of White Zin

sunridge-nursery-zinfandel — Zinfandel vines from Sunridge Nursery

… when you buy Zinfandel plants at the ZAP Grand Tasting to cover your entire garden fence (plants donated by Sunridge Nursery to benefit Zinfandel Advocates and Producers)

And, you know you’re a Zin Head

helwig-winery-sage-architecture — Helwig Winery picnic pavillion. Photo Sage Architecture

… when you’re always looking for fresh and exciting ways to introduce Zinfandel to a whole new generation. My latest piece on the bold new look of the Sierra Foothills wine region “State of Zin in Gold Country” is on California Home+Design online.