Honestly, I Know Nothing

About wine. Seriously, nothing. I do love going to wine tastings, swirling red liquid around in a large glass, sticking my nose in, and inhaling deeply.

I don’t smell sandalwood. I don’t taste notes of raspberry. Tannin, what?

But that’s okay. It still tastes great. And it’s free.

Anyway, here is an article I wrote for Express talking about the ways in which a wine lover can educate oneself. Maybe I should listen to my own directions.

Start Your Wine-ing: D.C. Vino Lessons [Express]

PS…After the jump learn about The Zinfandel Grand Tasting in DC next week.

ZINFANDEL ADVOCATES & PRODUCERS ON THE ROAD THIS SPRING

Washington Welcomes ZAP May 21 & 22

Rough & Ready CA, spring 2008–Nearly 70 Zinfandels from California’s many growing regions are coming to Washington D.C. for two days of tastings.

On May 21, there will be an all-Zinfandel evening of tastings, produced in association with The Washington Wine Academy. The VIP Winemaker Reception (6-7:00 p.m.) is followed by The Zin-tastic Winemaker Reception (7-9:00 p.m.) at Sam & Harry’s (1200 19^th St. NW, 20036). Tickets from $85 to $125 at http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org/public-events.htm#may21.

On May 22, The Zinfandel Grand Tasting takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Westin Grand (2350 M St. NW, 20037). Tickets are $46.50 and can be purchased online at http://www.washingtonwineacademy.org/public-events.htm#may21. Members of the wine trade can attend an earlier trade-only tasting from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.; tickets available at www.zinfandel.org.

Attendees will have the chance to meet face to face with winemakers and winery owners from 28 ZAP member wineries who will answer questions about the uniqueness of the varietal and share their artistic dedication and commitment to crafting these wines. Where does Zinfandel grow best? What are the characteristics of Zinfandel grown in the different areas? How do you match Zinfandel with food? Discover the answers to these and other intriguing questions. The two days of tastings feature wines from 8 growing regions in California (Mendocino, Lodi, Northern Sonoma, Napa, Central Coast, Sonoma Valley, Northern Sonoma and Russian River).

ZAP’s 17^th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival will take place January 28-31, 2009 in San Francisco. Check www.zinfandel.org for details and to purchase tickets for the four days of events.

Visit ZAP’s website at www.zinfandel.org for more information about ZAP events. Other news from ZAP is the introduction of its new social networking program, www.ZinWorld.com, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Contributions, grants and gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and provide support for our research and educational programs. ZAP’s federal tax ID is 94-3151462.