I'm here to learn yah a bit more.
DCV Wine History
As with much of northern California's history things kicked off shortly after the Gold Rush. The first to plant grapes was a French immigrant in 1870, but it was the Italians that really put the area on the map for wine. By the mid-1880s there were 900 acres of grapes planted in Dry Creek Valley with most of it Zinfandel (a grape originally from Croatia). As with the entire industry Phylloxera, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and WWII slowed things down significantly. The rebirth started in the 1970s.
DCV Wine Grapes
There are 9,000 acres of wine grapes in Dry Creek. Over 50 wineries call Dry Creek home and over 150 have Dry Creek Valley on their label. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc might be the stars, but look for lesser known wines like Barbera, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese.
Arguably, the most famous Zinfandel vineyard in DCV is the Maple Vineyard. If you get a chance to taste one do so.
DCV Zinfandel Characteristics
Some will be a fruit-forward jammy style; others what you'd call more restrained or traditional. Most wineries lean one way of the other, some are "tweeners." Explore and find out what you like. It's okay to like 'em all!
Most of these listed below are open seven days a week for drop in visitors, but not all, so check their websites. This is by no means any sort of definitive list. There are many more wineries with great zin than just those listed here. DCV is the place for Zinfandel immersion!
Armida
Have a picnic, enjoy the view, drink some Poizin.
Bella
If you like 'em big and fruity and don't mind the drive down the narrow, winding road then Bella is for you. Also known for their cave tours. They have a loyal following.
Dry Creek Vineyards
They've been around since the early 70s and are one of the wineries that put Dry Creek, and especially DCV Zinfandel, on the map. They make a whole range of wines including several zins with the Heritage Zinfandel being a great deal. Nice picnic area.
Mazzocco
Probably the most well-known winery for fruit-forward, jammy zins with a loyal following. You'll either love them or love their neighbor as they're totally different styles (see Ridge/Lytton Springs below).
Nalle
Small production, an elegant style for Zinfandel. Made to be food-friendly. If you're looking at zins on a restaurant menu and see a Nalle this is the one to get.
Pedroncelli
The traditional restrained style of wines at very reasonable prices. The family has been farming and making wine here since the 1920s.
Preston
I overheard Lou Preston once say no wine has to be more than 14.5% alcohol. His style is very drinkable and his wines are excellent. Only sold at the winery.
Quivira
One of the earliest organic grape growers. Also a large organic garden (in season) that you can walk through.
Rafanelli
Small, family run for several generations, they've been in DCV for over 60 years. Those who love their softer style are pretty fanatic about the wines here. They sell out quickly.
Ridge / Lytton Springs
Historically, probably the most important zin producer in the country. Solid, ageable, old style. One of the most memorable wines I've ever had was a 15 year old DCV zin from these guys.
Unti
Small production, worth getting an appointment to check them out. Don't miss the Barbera.
Wilson
Well-known as a pioneer for the fruit-forward zins. They've been winning lots of gold medals for about 25 years. Nice view overlooking the vineyards on the valley floor.
Other Sonoma County Zinfandel
You'll find good Zinfandel from Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Rockpile, and Russian River Valley, also. They are a bit different in style mainly because of different microclimates.
Disclaimer: I work for a company owning wineries listed above
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