San Francisco’s 20th Annual ZAP Festival

I don’t know how good your will power is but I’m breaking my New Year’s resolution for the Good Eats and Zin event, where I’ll be tasting 50 impeccable Zinfandels (the ultimate food-friendly wine) paired with 50 original taste sensations, stopping only for a quick chat with some of the Bay Area’s most celebrated chefs. I’m positively foaming at the mouth after reading this year’s line-up and already have decided on my game plan.

I’m starting with the Klinker Brick Winery 2008 Old Ghost Vine Zinfandel paired with Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s Lamb Lollipops then working my way counterclockwise around Herbst Pavilion ending with: Dry Creek Vineyards 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel, Sonoma County paired with Bin 38’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter & Jelly Truffles.

Zap scored big time this year when they nabbed Bitchin’ Kitchen queen, sassy Nadia G (known as the Julia Child of the net generation) who will be joining all the festivities.

Nadia says, “I’m so excited to rock ZAP Fest this year! Fantastic wine, great food, this event is not-to-be-missed.”

I’m so down, girlfriend. Can’t wait to see you cooking up a storm in those mile-high, cherry red stilettos (with matching lipstick) while getting all the inside dish, partic your suggestions for the perfect “Break-up Brunch”.

Plus ZAP has added an exciting new corkscrew twist this year. For the first time ever these phenom chefs, drum roll please, will reveal their original recipes to the public! Just think, you could actually go home and whip up (well, maybe not me, but some of you serious foodies could) Radio Africa Kitchen’s Roasted Leg of Lamb with Root Vegetables, Lebanese couscous, mint essence and edamame hummus with Idiazabel cheese and preserved lemon oil, or any of the other 49 culinary creations.

The Details:

Herbst Pavilion
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
6:00 – 9:00 PM

$100 ZAP members
$140 non-members
A per ticket convenience fee and $2 donation to the American Heart Association, our Festival Charity Partner is added.
Purchase Tickets – Click here.

This is only the first of four events at the ZAP 20th Annual Festival where approximately 250 wine producers pour their barrel samples and new releases during educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and decadent food pairings.

The three other-not-to-be-missed ZAP events following Good Eats and Zin include:

“Flights! Advancing a Legacy: The Zinfandel Chronicles on January 28, a rare guided tasting of Zinfandel flights. Details about Flights.

“Evening with the Winemakers” on January 28, an evening of elaborate dining and tasting combined with a benefit auction. More about Evening With The Winemakers.

“Grand Zinfandel Tasting & Silent Auction” on January 29, where more than 250 wineries showcase their latest releases, barrel tastings, blends and rare collections of Zinfandel. Grand Tasting details.

ZAP Festival tickets are on sale at www.zinfandel.org. Become a ZAP member ($44) and enjoy exclusive benefits and member savings! A portion of all ticket sales will benefit The American Heart and Stroke Association.

ABOUT ZAP
The Association of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit, educational 501(c)(3) organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts combine to form the membership. The common focus is the preservation and recognition of Zinfandel as America’s heritage wine. ZAP’s membership includes approximately 275 winery-members, over 4,000 advocate members and 100 associate members.