With the crisp January air rolling through the hills of Napa Valley and the scent of grapes lingering in the breeze, ZinEx offers glasses clinking as winemakers share stories of America’s heritage grape. That’s the magic of ZinEX Weekend Classic 2026, which is a celebration of Zinfandel hosted by Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP). This year marks 35 years of championing Zinfandels and the event promises to be a heartfelt reunion of friends, a gathering of legends & an unforgettable escape for wine enthusiasts.

It will be held in Napa Valley this year from January 29-31. ZinEX transforms the region into Zinfandel central and offers a full weekend of fun. I remember going to this event several times at The Palace Hotel and Fort Mason in San Francisco, however it looks like it has moved completely to Napa Valley (which actually makes a lot of sense). The tastings and dinners in SF were great expereiences and we are really excited to enjoy 3 days of Zinfandel in wine country. I am far from an expert in wines, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be Zinfandel. Chianti would be a close second.

The weekend includes a bunch of different events you can attend and you can also take some time to visit some of the local wineries. Seems like a great time for a weekend getaway in Napa at a sweet AirBNB. Tickets and details available at https://zinfandelexperience.com/.

Zinex 2026

January 29-31, 2026

ZinEx Weekend Events

The Zinfandel Table

VIP Ticket Holders

Thursday, 1/29

The festivities kick off on Thursday, January 29, with The Zinfandel Table. It’s a series of exclusive, four-course dinners featuring eight legendary Zinfandel winemakers. Venues like Robert Biale Vineyards and Grgich Hills Estate Winery set the stage for these amazing dinners, where the food is crafted to complement the wines perfectly. Winemakers will be pouring their prized vintages, sharing tales from the vineyard and toasting to 35 years of passion.

This option is definitely a luxury as it is available only as part of the VIP Package, which costs $2950 for one or $4650 for a couple. However, this ticket includes VIP Tastings at Wineries on Friday, a party on Friday night and a special seminar and tasting on Saturday. Even better, it includes 2 nights at The Archer Napa. While it is an expensive ticket, you do get a lot for the cost and it certainly seems like a worthy slurge for wine lovers looking for a fun, weekend getaway.

Exclusive Tastings and a Gala Evening

VIP Ticket Holders

Friday, 1/30

Friday turns up the excitement. VIP ticket holders get access to Friday Wine Country Tastings at select Zinfandel wineries across the valley. Each stop offers a signature, tailored experience, letting you step into the cellars, meet the makers & taste wines straight from the source.

Friday night brings the Winemakers Auction & Dinner at the CIA at Copia. This includes an amazing meal, hors d’oeuvres and winemakers pouring their favorite (and often rare) vintages. There will also be an auction with proceeds supporting ZAP’s vital education and preservation programs.

VIP Seminar and Tasting

Saturday, 1/31

Saturday is the big one. VIPs start early with an exclusive Seminar in the Vintner’s Theater, where winemakers present their wines.

Then comes The Tasting, the largest single-varietal tasting of its kind. Held in the beautiful Atrium at CIA at Copia, you’ll stroll through dozens of top Zinfandel producers like Ridge, St. Francis, Harney Lane, and more, sampling heritage old-vine expressions, innovative blends and everything in between. Culinary pairings elevate the experience.

The Tasting is the main event you can attend where you don’t need a VIP Pass. Pricing is $275 and includes tastings from over 40 wineries and some delicious bites. It’s a great way to find your new favorite Zinfandels and also learn a little bit about the wines.

Whether you want to go all out with the VIP pass and make a (fancy) weekend of it or just head to the main tasting event on Saturday, ZinEx is a wonderful event that you will love. We highly recommend checking it out.