The 20th Annual Zinfandel Advocates and Producers Wine Festival begins on Thursday in San Francisco.

ZAP is the world’s largest zinfandel wine festival, showcasing approximately 250 wineries. There will also be educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and food events paired with the wines.

The wine starts flowing tonight with the “Good Eats and Zinfandel Pairing” at the Fort Mason Center from 6-9 p.m. There will pairings from 50 restaurants and 50 wineries.

Friday’s events will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel and include a guided tasting and dining event with the winemakers. And Saturday marks the “Grand Zinfandel Tasting and Silent Auction,” with more than 250 wineries showcasing their latest releases.

ZAP is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel. The membership is made up of winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts.

The organization supports research and scholarships and this year, the American Heart Association/Stroke Association will also be a beneficiary.

Click here for more information.

Photo Credit: By Anachronist, via Wikimedia Commons

• Tag: education, food pairing, wineries, wines, ZAP Wine Festival, zinfandel