November 18

National Zinfandel Day

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

Yearly Date
Third Wednesday in November
Subcategory
Wine & Alcohol
Founding Entity

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP)

First Observed
2012
Origin

Institutional Initiative

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 Record
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 11, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

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!

Zinfandel Day Timeline

1820s
Origins of Zinfandel
Zinfandel grape, originally known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, was discovered in Croatia.
1850s
Zinfandel in California
Zinfandel vines were brought to California during the Gold Rush and quickly became popular due to their adaptability to the climate.
1972
Introduction of White Zinfandel
Sutter Home Winery accidentally created White Zinfandel, a sweeter and lighter style wine, which later became a commercial success.
1991
Historical Research
Genetic research connected Zinfandel to the Italian grape Primitivo, revealing more about its European roots.
2002
Zinfandel Advocacy & Preservation
The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) association launched the Zinfandel Heritage Vineyard project to preserve old zinfandel vineyards.
2010
First Zinfandel Day
Zinfandel Day is first celebrated to honor this versatile, unique grape and the wines it produces.

How to Celebrate Zinfandel Day

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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!

5

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 We Love Zinfandel Day

A

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!

B

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.

C

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.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Nov 15
Wednesday
2024
Nov 20
Wednesday
2025
Nov 19
Wednesday
2026
Nov 18
Wednesday
2027
Nov 17
Wednesday