January 13, 2009

The 18th Annual ~ZINFANDEL ADVOCATES & PRODUCERS FESTIVAL (ZAP)~ has a variety of events coming up, and always draws quite the crowd, especially the Grand Tasting. Bring on the zin freaks! For more details, check out the site links below, but here are the highlights:

Wednesday January 28th
Flights! A Showcase of Zinfandels
2pm–6pm

Featured sit-down tasting sessions and rare zinfandel tasting walkabout, featuring over 30 exceptional wines not to be poured at the other festival events.

$100 (ZAP members), $130 (non-members)

City College of San Francisco, Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies Program
Ocean Avenue Campus
50 Phelan Ave., San Francisco
415-239-3000
Read more details here.

Thursday January 29th
Good Eats & Zinfandel Pairing
6pm–9pm

A number of restaurants and caterers will be preparing bites to pair with wineries’ offerings for a fun walk-around tasting. Here’s the list of the restaurants and pairings.

$95 (ZAP members), $125 (non-members)

Herbst Pavilion
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Marina Blvd. at Buchanan
415-441-3400
Read more details here.


Friday January 30th
Evening with the Winemakers
Guest registration opens 4:45pm
Pre-dinner tasting and reception 5pm
Live auction 6:15pm

$210 (ZAP members), $260 (non-members)

The Westin St. Francis Hotel at Union Square
335 Powell St.
415-397-7000
Read more details here.


Saturday January 31st
18th Annual Grand Zinfandel Tasting
Trade and media 10am–1pm (requires special ticket and badge)
Members only: entrance time 1pm–5pm
General public 2pm–5pm
Silent auction 10am–4pm

This event is always packed—and it’s held in both the Herbst and Festival Buildings. When you enter, you will receive a complimentary ZAP wine-tasting glass. Replacement glasses may be purchased for $5 at Marketplace. Taste premier zinfandels, including barrel samples and new releases. An estimated 250 wineries will pour.

$49 (ZAP members), $59 (non-members), $69 at the door

Herbst & Festival Pavilions
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Marina Blvd. at Buchanan
415-441-3400
Read more details here.

Parking is available at the Fort Mason Center on a limited basis. Fort Mason Center charges for parking. The first hour is free and the maximum charge is $8 per vehicle. There is limited parking at Ft. Mason so people, seriously, take public transpo or a cab—it’s safer, and the place is a total madhouse of cars.

ZAP Festival
Wed. Jan. 28th–Sat. 31st, 2009

Various locations
San Francisco, CA

website