Zinfandel’s story begins far from California’s sunbaked vineyards.
In this episode of The Second Glass, we follow the unexpected journey of Zinfandel from its Croatian origins as Tribidrag, through its Italian identity as Primitivo, to its reinvention as California’s heritage grape.

We explore everything a CSW-level student should know:
• DNA discoveries and Old World origins
• how Zinfandel arrived in the U.S. in the 1800s
• key regions like Lodi, Sonoma, and Paso Robles
• old-vine culture and why it matters
• the grape’s bold, high-alcohol, jammy style
• the surprising influence of White Zinfandel on its survival

Whether you’re studying for certification or just fascinated by wine history, this deep dive uncovers how Zinfandel became one of America’s most iconic—and misunderstood—grapes.