Two former aerospace engineers had a dream to produce wines similar to those from the renowned Burgundy region of France using the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties. In 1968, Norman de Leuze and Gino Zepponi pooled their resources of $3,000 apiece and applied for a winery permit and built their winery. The winery prospered and continued to expand with a new facility completed in 1980 and then expanded again 13 years later.

Visitors today follow the path along the vine covered building, past the circular fountain, to the attractive tile floored tasting room. Large windows look out on a small courtyard adorned with rose bushes. Behind the tasting bar are windows that allow a peek into the barrel room. Logo clothing and quality stemware is for sale.

There are a number of tasting and touring options, including on Saturdays the ZD Wine and Cheese Tastings, and on Sunday, the unique “Sensory Component Tasting” where you can sharpen your senses by identifying particular aspects of a wines bouquet. There are also two daily tasting options in the main tasting room with the Premier tasting giving you the chance to taste wines aged for five to 10 years.

ZD’s focus is on a handful of grape varieties. They source grapes from Napa County, Santa Barbara and their own Napa vineyard. Their Chardonnay is produced in a fruit forward, non-malolactic fermentation style. The Rosa Lee Riesling is slightly “off dry.” They also produce a Pinot Noir from Carneros fruit, and a mighty Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.