Dear Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery,
I seldom pen letters of praise, but regarding your Lake County Petite Sirah, I must make an exception. The wow factor on this one is off the charts. We found it buff and bold and pretty exciting. And yet, for all its bravado, there is also a subtle complexity that rewarded our palates with nuances of currants and black pepper. What we especially loved about this wine is that it also displays a distinct dryness, making for an elegant, soft-spoken finish. We expect it will age beautifully. Bravo!
Rich Rosecrance, a new and excited devotee.

Dear Friends,

Only a couple of months into the New Year and it seems to be a promising one for Zina Hyde Cunningham as the medals are already rolling in for several of our wines. Besides racking up 94 points and being honored with the Editor's Choice designation by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, our 2005 Lake County Petite Sirah swept the field and walked away with a Gold Medal at the 2008 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. This is exciting news and all of us are proud. Before this news is released to the world next month, we thought it only right to give you, our valued customers, first chance to purchase this extraordinary, limited release before it sells out.

Orders are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Case Discounts: 1-2 cases: 10% off; 3-5 cases: 15% off; 6+ cases: 20% off. Wine Club Members receive an additional 5% off.

If you prefer to place your order over the phone, please call Zack Truter at (707) 895-9462.

Cheers,
Your Zina Hyde Cunningham Team

"This Chard is so rich and opulent, it's almost decadent, but is balanced with dryness, crisp acidity and a bracing minerality, like a tang of granite. Yet it's the flavors of pineapples, peach pie, vanilla and cinnamon, that keep you coming back."
- Steve Heimoff, Editor Wine Enthusiast

"Find out what 89 points tastes like; swirl, let it breathe for a moment, savoring the aromas of cherry, vanilla, cassis and almond liquor. At first sip, the palate awakens with splashes of black cherry, peppercorn, leather and oak. The finish is smooth and ripe with powdery tannins, cassis and well-aged tobacco. This Meritage is a most-careful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot all from the same vineyard. Enjoy it now, however this wine will continue to get better with age through 2015."
- Steve Ledson, Winemaker

Upcoming Events
February 21 - 22, 2009: International Alsace Varietal Festival:
Come spend an unforgettable weekend in the splendor of the Anderson Valley in celebration of your favorite white wines. What a pairing! One of the most beautiful places on earth combined with some of the best wines on the planet. And of course, it wouldn't be a true festival without live music and over-the-top food. This event marks its 4th anniversary and will be highlighting Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat crafted by the world's finest vintners of Alsace-style wines. Guests will have the opportunity to sample each wine, meet the winemakers and enjoy scrumptious entrees prepared by local culinary talent. Included on the roster of events will be a technical conference featuring keynote speaker Lettie Teague from Food &Wine Magazine, a grand tasting, a special gourmet winemaker dinner as well as visits to the participating wineries. Accommodations in the Anderson Valley are limited, so plan early. >> buy tickets


May 16, 2009: Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Winemaker Dinner:
Join the Zina Hyde Cunningham, Goldeneye and Claudia Springs Winemaking teams for an elaborate dinner hosted by The Ledford House Restaurant. Chef/Owner Tony & Lisa Geer prepare an amazing four course dinner that will be paired with different wines from the guest wineries. Zina Hyde Cunningham owner/winemaker Steve Ledson will be there along with Dan Duckhorn of Goldeneye, Duckhorn and Paraduxx wineries and Claudia Springs proprietors Claudia and Bob Klindt. Receptions starts at 6 pm. Dinner is at 6:45 pm. Cost is $100 per person (includes tax & gratuity). Please call The Ledford House Restaurant at (707) 937-0282 to make your reservation. Seating is limited to 60 people. This will sell out quickly. Log on to www.ZinaWinery.com/events for the menu and more information.

May 17, 2009: Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Winemaker Dinner:
After a day of tasting some of the most amazing Pinot Noirs from Anderson Valley, nothing is better than sitting down with celebrated winemaker Steve Ledson for an astounding dinner paired with Zina Hyde Cunningham wines. Stevenswood Restaurant will host this amazing dinner on May 17, where renowned Executive Chef Patrick Meany will ensnare your palate with unique and mouth-watering courses that Steve Ledson has paired with his best wines, including his award-winning Pinot Noir. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. Cost is $125 per person. Tax and gratuity are not included. For reservations please call Stevenswood Restaurant at (800) 421-2810.
Check the Stevenswood Restaurant blogspot for the menu and more information.

August 14 - 16, 2009: Wine Club Member Party - Save the date!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Second Annual 2009 Zina Hyde Cunningham Club Member Party! Seats are filling up for the August 14th through 16th party! Join Steve Ledson on his ranch for tours of the newest Zina Hyde Cunningham estate vineyard sites.

Sign up today! Please call (707) 895-9462 to make your reservation or send an e-mail to zack@zinawinery.com.