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National Zinfandel Day

An annual observance on the third Wednesday of November to promote the appreciation, heritage, and diversity of Zinfandel wine.

Wednesday

November 2026

Last updated February 11, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Wednesday in November

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP)

FIRST OBSERVED

2012

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

In 2012, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) created National Zinfandel Day and set it on the third Wednesday of November. ZAP chose this timing to align with autumn and the period before the holiday season.

Institutional Recordvia zinfandel.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to raise your glasses and celebrate Zinfandel Day on November 17! This delicious wine has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when it was first introduced in California. Its origins can be traced back to Croatia, where it is known as "Crljenak Kaštelanski". Today, Zinfandel is loved for its bold flavors and versatility – it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes. So grab a bottle and cheers to this special day dedicated to one of our favorite wines!

TIMELINE

Zinfandel Day Timeline

Origins of Zinfandel

Zinfandel grape, originally known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, was discovered in Croatia.

Zinfandel in California

Zinfandel vines were brought to California during the Gold Rush and quickly became popular due to their adaptability to the climate.

Introduction of White Zinfandel

Sutter Home Winery accidentally created White Zinfandel, a sweeter and lighter style wine, which later became a commercial success.

Historical Research

Genetic research connected Zinfandel to the Italian grape Primitivo, revealing more about its European roots.

Zinfandel Advocacy & Preservation

The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) association launched the Zinfandel Heritage Vineyard project to preserve old zinfandel vineyards.

First Zinfandel Day

Zinfandel Day is first celebrated to honor this versatile, unique grape and the wines it produces.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Zinfandel Day

Host a Zinfandel wine tasting

Invite friends over and have a Zinfandel wine tasting party. Ask everyone to bring a bottle of their favorite Zinfandel and have a fun evening trying different varieties and discussing the flavors.

COOK

Cook with Zinfandel

Use Zinfandel in your cooking! From braised meats to pasta sauces, this versatile wine can add a delicious depth of flavor to your dishes. Look up some recipes online and get creative in the kitchen.

VISIT

Visit a winery

Plan a trip to a local winery that specializes in Zinfandel. Take a tour, learn about the history and production of the wine, and of course, enjoy some tastings. This is a great way to celebrate Zinfandel Day and support a local business.

CREATE

Create a Zinfandel-inspired menu

Challenge yourself to create a menu inspired by Zinfandel. From appetizers to desserts, incorporate the flavors and elements of this wine into each dish. Your guests will be impressed by your creativity!

ATTEND

Attend a Zinfandel festival

Many cities and towns host Zinfandel festivals around this time of year. Check your local events calendar and see if there are any events happening near you. It's a great way to try different Zinfandels and immerse yourself in the wine culture.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Zinfandel Day

Zinfandel has a rich history

Originally believed to originate in Croatia, Zinfandel has become synonymous with California winemaking. Its roots date back to the 1800s when Italian immigrants first brought cuttings to the US. Celebrating Zinfandel Day is a great way to honor its long and interesting history in the wine world.

Zinfandel is a versatile wine

Zinfandel can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. It's well-known for its ability to complement spicy, savory dishes and also goes well with cheese, barbecue, and chocolate. With Zinfandel, you have endless options for pairing!

Zinfandel is full of flavor

With its bold and rich taste, Zinfandel stands out among other types of wine. Its flavors range from jammy fruit to pepper and spice, making it a complex and interesting choice for wine lovers.

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