WinExpert Private Reserve Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel – 30 Bottle Wine Kit

WinExpert Private Reserve 30 Bottle Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Lodi’s old vine Zinfandel is the stuff of California winemaking legend. Decades-old vines, naturally low-yielding and intensely concentrated, produce grapes with a depth of flavour that younger vines simply can’t replicate. This WinExpert Private Reserve kit captures that character — grape skins included — delivering crushed dark berries, blackberry, dark cherry, plum, and oak spice with the richness and structure you’d expect from old vine fruit.

Wine Characteristics

Tasting Notes

Deep, inky ruby in the glass with aromas of crushed dark berries and subtle smoke. On the palate it’s full-bodied and bold — blackberry, dark cherry, and plum layered with oak spice and warmth. The finish is long and satisfying, with the richness and structure you’d expect from old vine fruit. A wine that rewards patience — best after 6–12 months in the bottle.

What’s in the Kit

• 14 litres of Lodi Old Vine grape juice concentrate
• Grape skins
• Dedicated wine yeast
• Stabilisers, clarifying agents & oak
• Premium bottle labels
• Full step-by-step instructions

Equipment Needed

This kit requires basic winemaking equipment (not included):

• Primary fermenter (30L+ capacity with airlock)
• Secondary fermenter / carboy (23L)
• Siphon & tubing
• Hydrometer
• Thermometer
• Cleaner & sanitiser
• 30 x 750ml wine bottles, corks & corker

First-time winemaker? Browse our Wine Starter Kits for everything you need to get started.

Winemaker’s Tip

Old Vine Zinfandel benefits enormously from bottle ageing. While it’s ready to bottle in 6–8 weeks, the intense fruit and tannins need time to integrate and soften. Aim for a minimum of 6 months in the bottle — 12 months will deliver a noticeably smoother, more complex result. This is a wine worth waiting for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Old Vine” mean for the wine?

Older Zinfandel vines naturally produce fewer grapes but with significantly more concentrated flavour and intensity. “Old Vine” signals a richer, deeper, more complex wine compared to younger vine fruit — and you’ll taste the difference in the finished bottle.

Is this Zinfandel sweet?

No — this kit ferments fully dry. Zinfandel’s naturally jammy, berry-forward character can read as sweetness, but there is very little residual sugar in the finished wine. Bold and fruit-forward, but technically a dry red.

What foods pair well with this wine?

Zinfandel’s boldness pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecue, smoked dishes, hearty pasta with meat sauce, and aged hard cheeses. Its full body and intensity stand up well to rich, flavourful food.

About WinExpert Private Reserve

WinExpert Private Reserve is the pinnacle of the WinExpert range — using 14 litres of premium grape juice concentrate plus grape skins, sourced from the world’s most prestigious growing regions. No additional sugar required. Producing exceptional, cellar-worthy wines with remarkable complexity, body, and aroma, ready in just 6–8 weeks.

Note: This kit contains ingredients only. Winemaking equipment is required separately.