January at Zion Vineyard is a time for barrel aging the 2025 wines and bottling the 2024 wines. Wine from grapes harvested this past fall in 2025 is transferred into barrels, both French oak and American oak.
Barrel aging is an extremely important part of the winemaking process, where the vineyard’s big reds develop much of their character. This may contribute toasty notes of oak and leather or vanilla, clove spice, and char. Barrel aging adds complexity to a wine’s bouquet, nose, and taste. The way the oak barrels are charred, or the species of oak used, all affect the wine. The porous nature of wood allows oxygen to gradually enter the wine, resulting in a smoother, rounder finish.
January is also bottling season for the 2024 wines. The bottling process is small, typically involving four to five people. Bordeaux-style bottles are sanitized and then filled with nitrogen gas, which acts as a barrier between the wine and the cork. This allows the winemaker to better control oxidation. The bottles are then filled with wine, displacing much of the nitrogen while leaving a protective barrier that prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the wine. Using nitrogen in the process allows for fewer sulfites, which is better for consumers.
Bottle aging remains an important part of winemaking, though it is not as critical as in years past. With just a few months of bottle aging, fruit flavor may increase, astringent flavors may soften, and a smoother mouthfeel may develop.
Some wines are also receiving extended barrel aging, including the 2023 Petit Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both have benefited from an additional six months in barrel, imparting a soft, lush mouthfeel while retaining full body.
Wines being bottled include the 2024 Petit Sirah, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a new Rioja-style red blend.
Visitors are invited to stop by and taste the wines at Zion Vineyard, located at 5 Hidden Valley Road in Leeds, just 12 miles north of St. George and just off I-15. Reservations are not needed. The winery is open seven days a week from noon to 6 PM. Learn more at zionvines.com or call 435-849-8806.
