ZD Wines Celebrates 50 Years of Family Winemaking
In a valley that boasts more than 400 wineries, few can claim a half century of continual success, and fewer still maintain family ownership during that duration. ZD Wines is one of those few.
Founded in 1969 by aerospace engineers Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi, and taking its name from the two owners’ surname initials, ZD Wines marks its 50th year with the 2018 harvest. Today, the second and third generations of the deLeuze family carry on the winery’s legacy of producing wines of quality, consistency, and style as originally envisioned by its founders.(Norman and Rose deLeuze assumed sole ownership of ZD in the mid-80s after the unexpected death of Zepponi.) They do so via innovative and organic winemaking techniques.
“Our parents Norman and Rose were dedicated to producing the highest quality wines and strived to raise the bar of excellence across the board,” said their son, Brett deLeuze,President of ZD Wines. “As we head into our 50th harvest, we are honored to carry on their vision and winemaking traditions.”
ZD wines are produced from the family’s certified organic Napa Valley vineyards in Rutherford and Carneros, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara ,Monterey and Sonoma. The winery’s first- class hospitality center is located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, and offers sweeping valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The winery is known for its three core varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. ZD also produces two small production whimsical wines named “Rosa Lee” and their soon-to-be released first-ever sparkling wine commemorating the 50-year anniversary. Also, to be released soon is their 20th bottling of Abacus, ZD’s pinnacle and innovative solera style wine, a blend of solera style wine, a blend of every vintage of their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1992.
The deLeuze family is known for its ecologically sensitive approach to all aspects of their operation. Their certified organic vineyards promote biodiversity using state-of-the-art technologies, as well as time honored farming methods. Winery and vineyard operations utilize solar energy, bio fuels, composting, cover cropping, recycling, water conservation, and electric vehicles.
In addition to their dedication to sustainability, the deLeuze family is also dedicated to giving back. Annual fundraising events include Crush Challenge and ZD’s Summer Wine Celebration. Emphasis is placed on the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club Teen Center as the beneficiary of these events, as well as The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation that benefits research to find a non- toxic cure for Lymphoma(Founder, Norman deLeuze succumbed to this disease in 2007). Each week, the deLeuze family and ZD team deliver healthy snacks to the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. The deLeuze family also provides an annual $500 grant to each employee to gift to local charities of their choosing, and each year the winery participates in charitable events around the country.
“Our father believed that great wines are made from healthy vines grown in rich, living soils,” said Robert deLeuze, CEO of ZD Wines. “We are dedicated to taking care of our planet and our community. It’s at the core of who we are as a family and who we are as a business.”
For More Information: 8383 Silverado Trail, Napa CA, 800-487-7757, zdwines.com
