January 29, 30 and 31

Celebrating 35 Years of Zinfandel Passion

2026 Weekend Classic Tickets

Raise a glass to 35 extraordinary years of Zinfandel advocacy as we invite you to an unforgettable weekend in Napa Valley—ZinEX Weekend Classic, January 29–31, 2026. Join our vibrant community of Zinfandel lovers, vintners, and culinary artisans for an immersive celebration of heritage, flavor, and fellowship.

This milestone year brings even more meaning to our gathering. Savor limited-production wines, indulge in perfectly paired dishes, and share in the stories that connect us all—set against the breathtaking backdrop of wine country. Whether renewing old friendships or forging new ones, you’ll be part of a legacy worth celebrating.

ZinEX 2026 is more than an event—it’s a toast to 35 years of coming together, raising standards, and raising glasses.

Weekend Classic VIP Package Tickets

Get the most out of the Weekend Classic events, including exclusive event access and more with our 2026 VIP Packages.

The Tasting
At Weekend Classic

An exclusive walk-around gathering featuring a carefully curated selection of winemakers and principals from 30 wineries, ready to pop the corks on their special offerings, accompanied by gourmet bites crafted by Copia chefs and local food artisans.

Evening with the Winemakers and Auction

This is the highlight of the Zinfandel calendar, a night dedicated to supporting ZAP’s educational programming and to ensuring the continued celebration of this beloved varietal.

2026 ZinEX EVENTS

 Picture the idyllic vineyards of Napa Valley, alive with the clinking of glasses, the joyous laughter of fellow wine enthusiasts, the tantalizing flavors of gourmet cuisine and the alluring aromas of exceptional Zinfandels wafting through the air. Included in your package is a two-night hotel stay at the Archer in downtown Napa, your luxurious weekend retreat.
 
From exclusive VIP-only soirées to intimate seminars and a tasting, showcasing rare and reserve Zinfandels, we have created a Heritage Lounge for the entire event—every moment promises to be nothing short of spectacular. And, that’s just the beginning—our Evening with the Winemakers Auction and Dinner promises to be an elegant affair with coveted auction prizes waiting to be won.
 
Come for the connection. Come for the discovery. Come to raise a glass with the Zinfandel community that feels like family. As a valued VIP guest, you’re receiving this invitation before our public announcement. Packages are limited—reserve yours now and be part of ZAP’s 35th anniversary in true Napa style.
Thursday, January 29th

ZinEX 2026 - The Zinfandel Table — Dinner with Icons

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as ZinEX kicks off in spectacular style with a four-course culinary adventure with eight Zinfandel Winemakers at Robert Biale Vineyards and Grgich Hills Estate Winery.

Friday, January 30th

ZinEX 2026 - Friday Wine Country Tastings

A unique opportunity to sample wines presented by winemaker guests in an exquisite theater setting, exclusive available to VIP pass holders

Friday, January 30th

ZinEX 2026 - Evening with the Winemakers Auction and Dinner

Experience an extravagant evening at CIA at Copia with legendary winemaker hosts pouring favorite vintages, delectable hors d’oeuvres, a lavish multi-course feast, and a spirited auction—all supporting ZAP’s education programs

Saturday, January 31st

ZinEX 2026 - VIP Only Seminar

A unique opportunity to sample wines presented by winemaker guests in an exquisite theater setting, exclusive available to VIP pass holders

Saturday, January 31st

ZinEX 2026 - The Tasting

Experience the grand finale event this weekend, where you’ll indulge in an extensive showcase of Zinfandels and blends, complemented by sumptuous culinary delights, while engaging with winemakers in a vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel & Venues

Host Hotel

Archer Hotel

Downtown Napa

Downtown Napa is having a major moment—incredible, experiential tasting rooms, scores of shops and a culinary wonderland waiting to be explored, just a delightful, stress-free walk from the Archer, an eclectically elegant boutique hotel. Their luxurious wine country retreat boasts a distinctly urban vibe with an abundance of activities to relish. The Archer Hotel stands as your  ideal Napa ZinEX hideaway for ZinEX VIP Weekend Classic!

Opening Night

Robert Biale Vineyards

Big Ranch Rd, Napa, CA

Robert Biale Vineyards, founded in 1991 in Napa Valley, is famous for its Zinfandel and Petite Sirah wines. The winery honors a tradition from the 1930s, when Aldo Biale sold “Black Chicken” Zinfandel. Today, Biale combines tradition and modern techniques to create wines known for their depth and balance.

Opening Night

St. Helena Highway, St. Helena

With Napa Valley as their backyard, the enviable variety of soils and microclimates provide their Napa vineyards with the best possible conditions to produce the highest quality fruit. As Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and Ivo Jeramaz say, “great wines begin in the vineyard.”
Image is attached – also resides in website library
ZinEX Events

Downtown Napa, CA

The CIA at Copia, located in Napa, California, is a branch of the Culinary Institute of America dedicated to food, wine, and the arts. It offers a variety of culinary classes, wine tastings, and events, fostering a deeper appreciation of culinary arts. The facility also features a restaurant, theater, and extensive gardens, making it a vibrant hub for food and wine enthusiasts.

Stay In The Know

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