The Zinfandel Wine Grapevine, also known in the 19th century as "the Zinfandel" is the only important Vitis vinifera wine variety identified closely with the state of California. Zinfandel's enigmatic journey to California has never been completely resolved and possibly never will be. The best evidence suggests that the variety came to California around 1850. There was no vine named "Zinfandel" in Europe at the time. The origin of the name "Zinfandel" is as mysterious as is the origin of the variety. (USDA Zones 6-10)