Zion Vineyards finished its grape harvest exceptionally early this season, following an unusual heatwave in March that caused the fruit to ripen ahead of schedule. While the harvest typically extends well into September and sometimes October, the winery wrapped up operations before Labor Day. Despite the rapid timeline, anticipation remains high. Winery representatives noted that wine receives its signature flavors and colors from the amount of time the crushed grapes—collectively referred to as the must (consisting of the skins, seeds, and juice)—remain in contact with one another. This year’s must boasts a robust character, high sugar content, and exceptionally rich flavors.
The early harvest coincides with Zion Vineyards celebrating two years of working closely with St. George restaurant Wood Ash Rye to host popular monthly wine pairing dinners. On Thursday, September 17, the winery will participate in the annual Dining on Main event, which closes Main Street from St. George Boulevard to the Tabernacle circle. This unique open-air dining experience will feature a five-course meal curated by the restaurant, with each course paired with a selected Zion Vineyards wine. Interested patrons can secure reservations online through OpenTable.
For those visiting the tasting room, the winery is welcoming two popular wines back to its tasting menu. The Tempranillo is a full-bodied, smooth-drinking selection that the winery describes as being like a Cabernet meeting a Pinot Noir and having a baby. It features bold notes of cherry and cedar, intense dark fruits like blueberry, currants, and cassis, and savory aromas of butterscotch with a hint of smoke and lightly turned earth. It pairs exceptionally well with flat-iron steaks, classic tomato-based sauces, barbecue, and grilled meats, as well as dessert options like cherry cordials over amaretto ice cream or pecan pie. Also returning is the 2023 Primitivo, which is entirely estate-grown at the Leeds vineyard. Known as Italy’s Zinfandel, this bold, rich, and fruit-forward wine bursts with blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, and plum, balanced by notes of anise, cinnamon, clove, dark chocolate, earthy pepper, and tobacco. It pairs wonderfully with classic red pasta dishes, sweet and spicy barbecue, short ribs, and roasted meats.
Located at 5 Hidden Valley Road in Leeds, Utah, just twelve miles north of St. George off Interstate 15, the Zion Vineyards tasting room is open seven days a week from noon to 6 PM. Reservations are not required for tastings. Additional details and online purchases are available at zionvines.com.
