Welcome to zinalley winery Feel free to explore and find out the many things we have to offer. Through our site you may order wine, learn more about our history, see what's in store for ZinAlley, and contact us directly. About the ZinAlley Vineyard Rolling hills, Linne Calodo soil, hot summer days and cool coastal nights make excellent terrior for Zinfandel.
The dry-farmed, head-pruned vines are grown in the old world tradition to produce a rich and very complex Zinfadel. The vineyard has a south-west exposure to ensure full sun during the day. The gently sloping hills of calcareous shale and adobe soil are reminiscent of the south of France, and allow for excellent drainage, with the afternoon coastal breezes tempering the extreme summer heat.
The dry-farmed, head-pruned vines are grown in the old world tradition to produce a rich and very complex Zinfadel. The vineyard has a south-west exposure to ensure full sun during the day. The gently sloping hills of calcareous shale and adobe soil are reminiscent of the south of France, and allow for excellent drainage, with the afternoon coastal breezes tempering the extreme summer heat.
Services
Our historyZinAlley is a small family-owned and operated winery nestled in the heart of the Central coast's Famous Templeton Gap and was once part of the old Pesenti Estate. Frank Nerelli and his wife Connie bought the property from his uncle, Victor Pesenti, in the early 1970's. They planted dry farmed, head pruned vines, grown in old world tradition with the finesse of modern technology to produce a soft and complex Zinfandel.
About the label The design of our Label was an adventure in itself. While travelling through Italy, May of 2001, Connie came across an artist in the little town of Greve, in the Chianti district in Tuscany, who had the same talent and passion toward art as Frank had for wine. With a hand shake and a small deposit, a deal was struck.
Reviews (22)
Melene A.
Sep 03, 2021
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Christina Gonsalez
May 18, 2021
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Mike Moore
Mar 16, 2021
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My wife and I went there over the President's Day weekend on a lead from another winery down the street. We did not have a reservation, but we took a chance to see if we could do a tasting because we love zin. Frank was there with another gentleman doing a tasting with a small group of about five people. We know that they saw us and we waited for about 10 minutes. There was no one else there. Neither Frank nor the other gentleman ever acknowledged our presence. We do not know why. Maybe we needed a reservation? Needless to say, we were very disappointed. When I read all of the other reviews, I
Marc M.
Dec 30, 2020
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Elvie Balderrama
Dec 07, 2020
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A. J. S.
Oct 30, 2020
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Jeff Efron
Oct 02, 2020
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Steve C.
Jul 21, 2020
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Bradley M.
Nov 12, 2019
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Stopped into this winery and boy was I glad. They offered the best zins in the area. All they offer is zins and dessert wines. Honestly I will become a club member here at some point. Customer service is great here. Frank is really nice. If you like zins this is a definite must stop. Tasting fee was beyond reasonable for what you taste. Got two bottles and enjoyed every drop. Look forward to coming back and getting a membership 9r more bottles.
Rekha A.
May 22, 2018
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Jammy, luscious, deep, dense, rounded absolutely knock your socks off new world Zin. There are only few occasions when a single sip of a wine makes you go "DAMN" and this was one of them. The 2015 Zin is absolutely a must buy, one of their best yet. It is a one trick pony of sorts and if you are not into Zin, there isnt much else to do here as its quite basic, not much seating or a big bar or area to hang around in.
Go on tours and picnics, hang by the fancy tasting bars and gardens around the area and take in gorgeous views at the other wineries and enjoy the day, but don't forget
Go on tours and picnics, hang by the fancy tasting bars and gardens around the area and take in gorgeous views at the other wineries and enjoy the day, but don't forget
Paul E.
Apr 23, 2018
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Elyssa R.
Nov 08, 2017
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Someone stopped us outside another winery and told us to go to Zin Alley. Naturally, we were weary. We went to another winery and mentioned this interaction. She promptly told us to go Zin Alley, saying the first $40 bottle of wine she ever bought from Frank.
We went and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Frank and his colleague clearly have a passion for the wine experience and are excited to share their knowledge.
Yes, the bottles are not cheap ($47/bottle), but given the care but into it, it felt like it was worth the price.
We went and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Frank and his colleague clearly have a passion for the wine experience and are excited to share their knowledge.
Yes, the bottles are not cheap ($47/bottle), but given the care but into it, it felt like it was worth the price.
Joe Z.
Sep 29, 2017
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Long time Zin fan, I had never heard of this one. Was at a different tasting room and happened to be standing next to a local, Rick, owner of the Oakdale Ranch (check out his place on airbnb, nice peaceful place to stay with a view). We compared wine experiences and he encouraged me to check out this place. I only had time for one more tasting that, my last, day....this was it.
Wow, what a hidden small gem, owned and operated by a gentlemen from the family that owned the land that became Turley and many other good wineries in the area. The best way to describe this unpretentious winery
Wow, what a hidden small gem, owned and operated by a gentlemen from the family that owned the land that became Turley and many other good wineries in the area. The best way to describe this unpretentious winery
Armond H.
Apr 10, 2017
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Boy what a surprise! Passing by there about hundred times never went in for the name that included "Zin". A must try. Their Zins are anything but a traditional Zin. Frank Nerelli is incredible he came over personally and assisted us. No non sense guy. Asks you few questions and if you know your wine then watch out because he will go out of his way to assist you educate you and believe me when you leave, you will learn few things about wine and winemaking and wine serving that you never knew. Frank is passionate about his craft and whether you like his wine or not it doesn't matter
Andrew D.
Dec 03, 2016
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The passion of winemaking here is contagious. We were given a tasting by Frank, the wine master himself. He makes great Zinfandel and pinots, and that's exactly what he does. The tasting is $5 and is no thrills. Each bottle is around $50 but I highly recommend at least stopping by and giving it a try, you won't be dissatisfied.
P. M.
Oct 23, 2016
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Brandon S.
Jan 23, 2016
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At Zin alley, what you see is what you get. We walked in and the winemaker greeted and poured for us. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't overly excited about us either. And that was ok. It was actually refreshing.
This guy poured us 3 Zins and a dessert wine. He was blunt, and answered every question we had. I really enjoyed it. No bells, no whistles, just wine and a hardened soul. My wife and I bought a bottle of 2012 Zinfandel, and enjoyed the change up in tasting style.
This guy poured us 3 Zins and a dessert wine. He was blunt, and answered every question we had. I really enjoyed it. No bells, no whistles, just wine and a hardened soul. My wife and I bought a bottle of 2012 Zinfandel, and enjoyed the change up in tasting style.
Robyn B.
Jun 14, 2015
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Great place! We arrived at opening time and they weren't quite open yet. I called and the owner was very kind and came right out and met us in the tasting room. He was quite entertaining and informational. We are enthusiasts of ports and some dessert wines, so that's what we tasted. We loved the 2011 Zin Port and bought a bottle, may end up ordering a case after we live with this bottle for a few days at home. We really enjoyed our visit to Zin Alley and will return.
Thalia F.
May 26, 2015
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My sister and I enjoyed the gruff and trash-talking Frank, the Reverend Zinfandel of Paso Robles and maybe the universe. Frank's Zins are predictably good and the mean dog attitude was icing on the cake-a winemaker with personality ++!
If you love Zin, you MUST come here. If you think Frank is "mean" then maybe you don't know Zin. Once you demonstrate your worthiness in things general as well as things Zin, then the Reverend may admit you through his golden gates.
Well worth the trip, the highlight of our Paso wine tasting!!
Sis and I love the Reverend and his garden of
If you love Zin, you MUST come here. If you think Frank is "mean" then maybe you don't know Zin. Once you demonstrate your worthiness in things general as well as things Zin, then the Reverend may admit you through his golden gates.
Well worth the trip, the highlight of our Paso wine tasting!!
Sis and I love the Reverend and his garden of
Julie Barnard
Jun 02, 2014
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Lina L.
Feb 23, 2014
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This place has some AWESOME wines. You will be very very pleased with this place. It's not as fancy as other wineries but you will fall in love with the wine, trust me. I really hate to tell really good spots but you kinda have to with YELP. This guy has been in the wine business over 30 years and he has perfected his wines,with some of his unorthodox ways of wine making. That port is one of the best I've ever had. Go visit and let him tell you the story himself.
Annie T.
Nov 12, 2013
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