Zinfandel grapevines for sale

Zinfandel Grapevine | Grow, Care & Planting Guide

Zinfandel is a dark-skinned red grape variety known for producing bold, fruit-forward wines with moderate to high alcohol and firm tannins. It is versatile, capable of producing jammy, early-drinking wines, structured, age-worthy reds, and even rich rosés. Controlled yields can enhance concentration, balance, and complexity.

  • Originated in Croatia
  • Ripening Period: Late season
  • High vigor
  • Moderate yield
Availability

Preferred Climate

Zinfandel performs best in a warm Mediterranean climate with long, sunny growing seasons. It thrives in well-drained soils and benefits from moderate diurnal temperature variation to preserve acidity while achieving full ripeness.

Growth Characteristics

Zinfandel produces medium to large clusters of medium-sized berries with thin to moderately thick skins. The vine exhibits high vigor and can be naturally productive, requiring careful canopy and yield management to achieve concentration and balanced ripening. It buds and ripens late, making it susceptible to uneven ripening in cooler sites, but warm climates allow full flavor and sugar development.

How to Plant & Care for Zinfandel Grapevines

  • Pre-irrigate soil 24 hours before planting
  • Acclimate the grapevine to site temperature before planting
  • Remove any plastic pot before planting a green potted grapevine
  • Plant the vine so the graft union is ~6 inches above the soil line
  • Install a plant protector over the vine
  • Irrigate based on soil type and site conditions
  • View our planting guides for in-depth instructions
Green Potted Vine Planting GuideDormant Bareroot Vine Planting Guide

Wine Profile

Zinfandel wines are typically full-bodied with moderate to high tannins, moderate to high acidity, and often elevated alcohol. Aromatically, they display dark berry fruits such as blackberry, raspberry, and plum, often accompanied by spice, pepper, licorice, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, the wines are rich, plush, and layered, with a concentrated fruit core and a long, structured finish. Rosé and lighter styles are fresh and fruit-driven, while aged reds can develop complexity with tobacco, leather, and dried fruit nuances.

Clones

  • FPS 6 - Sourced from Boon Doon Winery. Moderate to high vigor and yield. Medium cluster size. Considered biggest production out of all other clones.
  • FPS 13 - Sourced from Nova Vineyards in CA. Moderate vigor and yield. Medium cluster size.
  • FPS 22 - (Researching)
  • FPS 24 - Sourced from Lytton Springs in CA. Moderate vigor and yield. Medium cluster size.
  • FPS 25 - (Researching)
  • FPS 26 - (Researching)
  • FPS 41 - Sourced from Grey Creek Viticultural Services in CA. Moderate vigor and yield.