Winexpert Private Reserve - Zinfandel (Lodi Old Vines, California)

Winexpert Private Reserve – Old Vine Zinfandel Wine Making Kit (Lodi, California)

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 in every bottle.

Grape skins are included, delivering the authentic colour, tannin structure, and complexity that define a proper Zinfandel. Bold, rich, and unmistakably Californian — this is a kit that rewards patience.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of crushed dark berries and subtle smoke lead into a full-bodied palate of 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.

Wine Characteristics

• Style: Zinfandel
• Sweetness: Dry
• Body: Full
• Oak: Medium
• ABV: 14% Approx.
• Region: Lodi Old Vines, California
• Grape Skins: Yes
• Yield: 23 litres (approx. 30 x 750ml bottles)
• Ready: 6–8 weeks
• Labels Included: Yes

What's Included?

• 14L of Lodi Old Vine Grape Juice Concentrate
• Grape Skins
• Yeast
• Stabilisers & Clarifying Agents
• Oak
• Step-by-step Instructions
• Premium Bottle Labels

Equipment is required separately — a winemaking starter kit is ideal if you're new to home winemaking. Otherwise, you'll need a primary fermenter (30L minimum), a 23L carboy, airlock and bung, racking equipment, a hydrometer, no-rinse sanitiser, approx. 30 x 750ml bottles, corks, and a corker.

Please note: this is an ingredients kit only — winemaking equipment is required separately.

Winemaker's Tip

Old Vine Zinfandel benefits enormously from bottle aging. 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" on the label 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. It's fruit-forward and bold, but technically a dry red.

How does this compare to other Zinfandel kits?

This kit leans firmly towards the bold, rich Lodi style — full-bodied, dark-fruited, and spiced with medium oak. If you enjoy full-flavoured, structured Zinfandels rather than lighter styles, this kit is well suited to your palate.

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.