Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ZD stand for?
ZD stands for the initials of the last names of the founders (Zepponi and de Leuze) as well as Zero Defects (they were both aeronautical engineers before venturing into the wine industry).
Do the founders still own ZD Wines?
Yes, the winery is owned and operated by the deLeuze family, Norman and Rosa Lee along with their three adult children, Julie, Robert and Brett. Robert's son, Brandon deLeuze, has joined this family business bringing in the third generation.
What varietals do you produce?
ZD has three different varietals with a total of eight different bottlings. We have Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit our wines section to see descriptions of the different bottlings. ZD also has a rotating wine called Rosa Lee's Whim which gives the winemaker an opportunity to create small batches of wine from different varietals, most recently this included a Zinfandel and a Riesling.
What wine are you most known for?
Although Pinot Noir was the first varietal we harvested (35 years ago), our non malo-lactic Chardonnay is our signature wine, with Cabernet Sauvignon playing an increasingly important role.
What does malo-lactic mean?
Malo-lactic fermentation is a bacterial fermentation (known as secondary fermentation) that can take place in wines after they have been fermented from sugar to alcohol. It converts malic acid (fruit acid) to lactic acid (dairy acid) and carbon dioxide. By preventing this process from taking place, we are keeping the crisp, fresh characters and fruitiness of malic acid in the Chardonnay. Our red wines go through malo-lactic fermentation.
What kind of oak do you use?
All ZD Wines are aged in American Oak except our Pinot Noir which is aged in French Oak.
Do you offer tours of your winery?
YES, we have a tasting room that is open from 10-4:30, 7 days a week, except on major holidays. The tasting fee is $10 and generally includes four wines. We also offer a $15 premier tasting that includes a selection of reserve wines and older vintages. Tours are $5 and we do ask that you make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Please call (800) 487-7757 if you are interested in a tour of ZD.