Forty years ago, Aerospace Engineer Norman deLeuze decided to stop “chasing Sputnik” as he liked to say, and pursue his dream of establishing a world-class, family-run winery.

ZD, an acronym for an aerospace quality control program, Zero Defects, at Aerojet General where Norman worked became the winery’s namesake. Norman’s passion for wine, his innovative nature and his desire to create products of the highest quality were a perfect match for the then fledgling California wine industry.

Today, located in the heart of Napa Valley, three generations of the deLeuze family thoughtfully craft ZD Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. With a shared commitment to producing beautiful wines that also respect the land, the family continues to nurture the delicate balance between organic farming techniques and refined winemaking. Forty years ago very few imagined that Norman’s vision would one day lead to the production of a wine that graces the tables of dignitaries, world class restaurants and family tables throughout the world.

To learn more about the history of ZD Wines and it's founder click here.

April marks the release of the 2007 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir. This wine is a tribute to the memory of Norman deLeuze, ZD’s founder. His enthusiasm for winemaking and commitment to organic growing techniques resonates in this Pinot Noir, his favorite varietal. Norman approached each day with a renewed spirit of quiet optimism, a spirit that continues to thrive in the history and people of ZD Wines. Reflective of his passion for life, this wine is refined, enjoyable and full of charm.

Produced every year since 1969, Pinot Noir is the grandfather of ZD Wines. Using grapes from the Carneros region, ZD’s first Pinot Noir was proudly labeled, “Produced in Sonoma County from Grapes Grown in the Carneros Region of Napa,” making ZD the first winery to recognize Carneros on a label. The significance of that label is intrinsically linked to the production of the ZD Pinot Noir. Developed in a style that is distinctly Carneros, the ZD Pinot Noirs are crafted to reflect richness and intense varietal character - maximizing the interplay of California sunshine in a cool grape-growing region to achieve fully mature grapes with great intensity and flavor.

We hope you will join us in celebrating this truly special month.

UC Davis deLeuze Family Endowment

Discovering a Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma

Mission Statement: “This endowment fund is established to recognize and further promote the outstanding research approach of Dr. Joseph Tuscano and the UC Davis Cancer Center in pursuing a non-toxic cure for lymphoma which will have widespread availability for lymphoma patients. When a cure for lymphoma is found, this fund will be designated toward non-toxic cures into perpetuity.”

Following a career in aerospace engineering, Norman deLeuze, ZD’s Founder, went on to become a world-class vintner of Napa Valley. In the wine business, his down-to-earth attitude was well suited to his approach to limited intervention winemaking and organic vineyard practices. One of his greatest legacies, however, may be his collaboration on research efforts as a lymphoma patient of UC Davis Research Oncologist Dr. Joseph Tuscano.

Joining forces with UC Davis, Norman, together with his wife Rosa Lee, pioneered the UC Davis deLeuze Family Endowment for a Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma. Through ZD Wines, Norman and Rosa Lee’s three children, Robert, Julie, and Brett wish to continue their founder’s efforts in finding a non-toxic cure for lymphoma, the disease which claimed Norman’s life in October 2007. Having raised nearly $700,000, and with a goal of $1,000,000, we thank our supporters for continuing to join the family in the non-toxic fight against lymphoma.

Select restaurants are becoming involved in the Endowment by donating $1 for every glass of ZD Wines sold between February and May 2009. Participate in the fight against lymphoma by patroning these restaurants during this time period or by donating directly to the Endowment Fund. View the list of participating restaurants or visit www.zdwines.com to learn more.

To donate to the Endowment, please send checks to:
deLeuze Family Endowment
C/O ZD Wines
8383 Silverado Trail
Napa, California 94558

Make checks payable to:
deLeuze Family Endowment

Visitors return to the Napa Valley year after year for experiences that they can’t find anywhere else. They come for the beauty, they come for the food, they come for the people and, most importantly, they come for the wine. The complex, nuanced, graceful spirit of this place is unmistakable. 40 years after ZD’s founding, we look back with pride to see that our contributions to that spirit have left an indelible imprint.

Thank you for continuing to make this place remarkable through your support and generosity.

Best wishes,

The deLeuze Family

2007 Chardonnay
California $34

2006 Reserve Chardonnay
Napa Valley $55

2007 Pinot Noir
Carneros $40

2007 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros $65

2007 Rosa Lee Petite Sirah
Napa Valley $30

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley $50

2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $125

June 4-7
Auction Napa Valley
In 2009, Auction Napa Valley celebrates 29 years of incredible community fundraising. Raising money for great causes is also great fun as Auction Napa Valley offers world-renowned hospitality at Auction Eve soirees, private dinners and lunches with winemakers, the Barrel Auction at Robert Mondavi and much more. Join ZD Wines as we share our wines, our valley and our hospitality!

June 19
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
This world-renowned three-day gastronome event offers food and wine lovers the chance to discover the latest trends of the culinary world by interacting with the leading chefs and wine experts. The perennially sold-out event supports Food & Wine’s Grow for Food Campaign benefitting Wholesome Wave Foundation, a national initiative to encourage sustainable farming. ZD Wines is thrilled to participate in this year’s event.

To view more upcoming events, visit us online.