Top Zinfandel Brands to Savor

Diving into the world of Zinfandel, you're entering a realm filled with robust flavors and rich history. Zinfandel is a versatile grape that has found a unique home in California, producing wines that are both bold and complex. This article will guide you through some of the top Zinfandel brands that have consistently delivered quality and character in their wines. If you're eager to discover which brands have made a mark in the Zinfandel landscape, read on below.

Illustration of zinfandel

Best brands of zinfandel in 2025

Ridge Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards, a celebrated producer of Zinfandel, began its journey in 1964 with a small vineyard, and now champions single-vineyard winemaking, notably with their Geyserville (first produced in 1966) and Lytton Springs (first produced in 1972) Zinfandels; their Paso Robles Zinfandel, for example, often features a blend of 90% Zinfandel with other varietals, while the East Bench Zinfandel is typically 100% Zinfandel, and both the Pagani Ranch and East Bench wines have been recognized among the world's most sought-after Zinfandels.

Bedrock Wine Co.

Bedrock Wine Co., established in 2007, is a renowned producer of Zinfandel, often blending it with other varietals from old vines averaging around 80 years old; their Old Vine Zinfandel often includes about 85% Zinfandel, with additions like Carignan, Petite Sirah, and Cinsault, sourced from vineyards like Teldeschi Ranch, and is recognized for its complex flavors, showcasing both fruit and spice with a high level of intensity, receiving a 93 point rating by Wine Spectator in 2022. Additionally, the winery focuses on preserving historic California vineyards, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn more about their offerings by visiting the Bedrock Wine Co. website.

Turley Wine Cellars

Turley Wine Cellars, established in 1993, is renowned for producing exceptional Zinfandels, primarily from old-vine vineyards, some dating back to the late 1800s, with the "Old Vines" Zinfandel often featuring a blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% other varietals and an alcohol content around 15%; they craft around 50 different wines, many from single vineyards, with organic farming practices and native yeast fermentations, showcasing the unique terroir of California. Their vineyards are located in regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, and Paso Robles.

Seghesio Family Vineyards

Seghesio Family Vineyards, established in 1895, is a renowned producer of Zinfandel, crafting wines from over 300 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards in Sonoma County, with some vines averaging 75 years old. They are recognized as one of the largest Zinfandel producers in the US, with their Sonoma Zinfandel being the #1 Zinfandel in the U.S. above $20. The winery shifted from bulk wine production to focus on quality in 1993, and has since become known for their Zinfandels that have consistently scored 90 points or above for ten consecutive vintages. They are celebrated for their rich, complex, and balanced wines that showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard. Seghesio's old vine Zinfandels are especially prized, resulting in a rich wine with great depth. For more information, visit their official website.

Carol Shelton Wines

Carol Shelton Wines, a highly acclaimed producer, has been crafting exceptional Zinfandels for over 40 years, earning Carol Shelton the title of "Winemaker of the Year" ten times and "Most Awarded Winemaker in America"; her iconic "Wild Thing" Zinfandel, from Mendocino County, often features old vines and wild yeast fermentation, boasting a 14.4% ABV with lush, jammy fruit notes, and has been included in Wine Spectator's Top 100 list multiple times. The 2021 Rockpile Reserve Zin won Best of Class at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, with several of her other zinfandels scoring above 90 points in various publications; you can explore her diverse portfolio of wines and learn more about her winemaking philosophy at her official website.

Ravenswood Winery

Ravenswood Winery, established in 1976 by Joel Peterson, is renowned for its "no wimpy wines" philosophy, with a focus on crafting exceptional Zinfandels from old vines, often with a high alcohol content around 14.5%; their Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel, for example, showcases a velvety texture with complex aromas and has earned a 4.1 rating on Vivino, while the Teldeschi Vineyard Zinfandel is a single-vineyard designate that highlights the unique terroir of Dry Creek Valley, often blended with other grapes such as Petite Sirah and Carignane. Their wines are known for a bold flavor profile, often including notes of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate, and many are aged in French oak for 16–20 months. Despite ownership shifting to Gallo, they continue to produce highly rated Zinfandels. You can explore their wines on their website.

Bogle Vineyards

Bogle Vineyards, a family-owned winery established in 1968, is recognized for its exceptional Zinfandels, particularly their Old Vine Zinfandel, sourced from 40 to 80 year-old vines in Lodi and Amador counties, often praised for its concentrated flavors, boasting notes of raspberries, blackberries, and spice with a 14.5% alcohol content and matured for 7 months in American oak. The winery has received multiple awards, including "American Winery of the Year" from Wine Enthusiast in 2019, further solidifying its position as a top producer of this varietal. You can find more information about their wines on their official website.

Joel Gott Wines

Joel Gott Wines, established in 1996, is a notable producer of Zinfandel, sourcing grapes from California regions like Lodi and Amador, often from old vines, resulting in a full-bodied wine with ripe blackberry, plum, and spice notes. Their wines are typically aged in a mix of American and French oak barrels with an alcohol percentage around 14.4%-14.5%, offering a velvety texture and long finish. You can find their widely acclaimed products on their official website.

Cline Cellars

Cline Cellars, a family-owned winery established in 1982, is celebrated for its Zinfandels, particularly the "Ancient Vines" sourced from 100+ year old dry-farmed vines in Contra Costa County, with their "Old Vine" Zinfandel from Lodi also highly acclaimed, often showing ripe berry flavors and a touch of vanilla from 35% new French oak aging. Their Zinfandels, often a blend such as 97% Zinfandel and 3% Carignane, are known for a full-bodied and fruity character, with alcohol around 14.5% and a complex aroma of cherry, chocolate, and spice, earning scores as high as 92 points.

Lodi Wine Company

The Lodi Wine Company, located in the self-proclaimed "Zinfandel Capital of the World," is renowned for producing exceptional Zinfandel, with the region accounting for over 40% of California's premium Zinfandel production. Their sourcing from old vines, some dating back to the 1880s, contributes to the wine's rich character. Many of their Zinfandels have received awards and recognition, highlighting the quality and consistency achieved through their classic Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool evenings. A great example is the 2021 Burlington Chandler Mokelumne River-Lodi Zinfandel, which won "Best of California Zinfandel" at the 2023 State Fair.