ZD Wines

Winery and tasting room on the Silverado Trail

In 1968 two aerospace engineers—Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi—decided to fulfill a mutual dream of producing wine. They put up $3,000 each, named their enterprise ZD Wines, rented an old 1100-square-foot farm building in the Carneros region of Sonoma County, and set to work making wine.

They produced their first wine in 1969: a Pinot Noir, it exhibited the first-ever label to use the now-famous Carneros appellation (“Made in Sonoma from grapes grown in the Carneros region of Napa”).

Ten years later ZD Wines moved to its present location on the Silverado Trail. The distinctive winery sign that marks the turnoff, raised gold letters against natural rock, is hard to miss. The ZD logo is repeated on broad metal gates.

At the end of the steep drive you’ll find an elegant Mission-style winery building surrounded by vines. The spacious, high-ceilinged interior is beautiful, with lots of natural wood, a terra cotta tile floor, big windows, and a large semi-circular counter to lean against while enjoying the wine.

Fascinating Fact:

ZD wines is named for the first letters of the last names of its two founders, Zepponi and deLeuze.

Amenities: Wine Club. Tours, by appointment only. Private group tastings, by appointment only.
Founded: 1968
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Viognier
Wine Tasting: Basic, no appointed needed. Specialized tastings, by appointment only.
Hours: Daily, 10-4:30

ZD Wines
8383 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
800-478-7757

email: info@zdwines.com
website: www.zdwines.com

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Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.

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Website and all photos copyright © 2001–2012 Lee W. Nelson