Zinners in the Zenate

Here in California we have a state tree (Redwood) and a state flower (Poppy), but that doesn't make us all tree-hugging, drug addicts. We do like our wine however. In fact, so much so that State Senator, Carole Migden (D-San Francisco, but also represents Sonoma), wanted to have zinfandel to be our state wine.

Despite the fact I think our state government should be working on things like balancing our budget, the legislative bill is kinda fun...unless you you're a winemaker or wine grower not involved in making zinfandel wine or growing zinfandel grapes.

So, yes, there was some debate and amendments were made to the bill. When the dust settled in those smoke-filled...er...wine-soaked back rooms, a compromise was reached. The senate voted today to make zinfandel, the official historic wine of California. Not as grandiose as the official wine of California but a lovely honor nonetheless.

Zinfandel does have a long history in California. Although native to Europe under different names, zinfandel got it's name in the U.S. in the early 1800's and was widely planted in the Sierra foothills during the gold-rush and was a favorite wine of the miners. Indeed, some old zinfandel vineyards still exist, some over one-hundred years old. In fact, you'd probably need more than a few gold nuggets these days to buy such a vineyard! Zinfandel vineyards can now be found in every premium growing region in California.