Home » California » Beringer White Zinfandel
Last Updated By Jon Rogers 43 Comments
Beringer White Zinfandel is known as “America’s favorite White Zinfandel”. It comes from Napa Valley, California and has an alcohol content of 10.0% by volume. Beringer was established in 1876.
From the Beringer White Zinfandel bottle: “Since 1876, Beringer has crafted award-winning wines in Napa Valley and this White Zinfandel is no exception. Crisp and refreshing, bursting with the aromas and flavors of fresh fruit, America’s favorite White Zinfandel is well suited on its own or as the perfect compliment to a meal.”
Beringer White Zinfandel Review
This wine is light rose in color, almost approaching pink. In the glass, this wine is not heavy by any means. No legs here, just a sheeting action on the sides of the glass that quickly dissipates. Interestingly, after the wine was consumed, you could see a layer of residue on the bottom of the glass.
The aroma of the wine was light and bright. It was also very lofty, though more so noticed upon the initial pour. Less so after a moment or two. The nose was of fresh fruits and perhaps a hint of candy apple.
The wine’s taste was very sweet, as expected. Given the light appearance of the wine, you may be suprised that the taste is a bit “darker” then might be expected. This is primarily due to the sweetness of the wine.
The finish of the Beringer White Zinfandel was long and noticable all over the mouth. A very slight bitter taste was noticed at the long end of the finish.
Overall, this wine makes for a good summer sipper. It definitely needs to be serve chilled and you’ll find that recommendation on the bottle. The relatively lower alcohol content also makes it a better sipper. Pair this with a cookout on the grilland beach volleyball! A good starter wine for a younger legal aged wine consumer.
Beringer White Zinfandel price about $7.99.
About Jon Rogers
Hi, I'm Jon! Back in 2012 I started Honest Wine Reviews to share my reviews of wine and wine clubs. Fast forward to today and my reviews have been viewed over 1.9M times. I've reviewed over 200 wines, so be sure check for a review before making your next purchase!
Reader Interactions
Comments
Amanda saysAhhh good old Beringer white zin, the training wheels of wine! I started there myself but have since moved on to appreciate the full range of dry reds.
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- Carolyn says
Still the only wine I will drink as I don’t want to waste money on a wine I haven’t tried and don’t like. Beringer is the cool-aid of wine. It’s easy to drink without the alcoholic after taste.
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- Eileen says
Has Beringer White Zin changed its recipe/ fermentation process?
I have been drinking BWZ for years and last several bottles we have bought the color is lighter and taste not the same, and
not in a good way. Someone at Total wine told me Gallo bought them out don’t know what to think about that.
Can you recommend a replacement?
TIA EileenReply
- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for the comment, Eileen.
I’ve been hearing the same thing from others about Beringer White Zin.
While admittedly, I haven’t tried any other white Zin’s, if I were to, I’d probably start with Barefoot, Tisdale and Sutter Home.
There’s quite a few out there now, so plenty to experiment with!
Cheers!
JonReply
- Stacy says
I have noticed the same thing. Ive been drinking BWZ for over 20 years and it has never looked or tasted like some of the bottles Ive bought. There is a major notice in the color and the taste,
I noticed that you did not directly answer her question regarding this. Can you elaborate about this please?
Im not interested in trying any other WZ’s. - Jon Rogers says
I don’t know if the recipe or fermentation process for Beringer White Zin has been changed.
With that said, I suspect it has.
The reason being is that in 2021 there were big changes with Beringer as reported by the The Press Democrat.
In a nutshell, they sold off the portion of their wine brand that included the White Zinfandel to a company called The Wine Group from Australia.
Now the White Zin is being sold as part of the Main and Vine brand, though still retaining the Beringer name, via that company.
I have to believe that all the changes we’re seeing are a direct result of that sale and partial rebranding.
- Michael says
Bought a bottle of the Beringer White Zinfandel yesterday. Cooled it and had a half of glass. I Will tell you that I felt sick from drinking it. I was not alone who felt this. I wiil be purchasing a new bottle and taking it to a toxicology lab, as I don’t think this wine is safe for consumption.
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- Dd says
OK I’m nervous now. Got 2 bottles as a gift. Afraid to drink it.
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- Kathy says
Beringer White Zinfadel is my favorite
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- Anonymous says
Um yeah mine too
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- TOM COLVIN says
I have enjoyed your white zinfandel for a number of years. I notice that I purchased some at Costco yesterday and I feel that the taste is different from the white zinfandel that I purchase at wine wholesale store with a different label.. (This is MAIN % Vine on the label.. I do not remember the label of the other.. PLEASE tell me if there is a difference in the make up..
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- Jon Rogers says
Hi Tom,
Thanks for visiting Honest Wine Reviews.
My website isn’t associated with Beringer. I’m just a regular wine consumer who does reviews. Over 150 different wines reviewed so far!
I took a look at the Beringer site and they have a customer support phone number. It’s (707) 257-5771.
They have a contact page too, here it is: http://www.beringer.com/contact
Hope that helps!
JonReply
- Cheryl says
I agree with Tom and Michael. My favorite wine is no more. The substance in the Main & Vine bottle was an assault upon my tongue and stomach.
Gone is that wonderful body and combination of just sweet enough and the tart caress at the back of the tongue. I am greatly sadden as I have not been able to find a replacement It’s like losing a great friend. I have been snatching up all the old bottles, but the distributors have flooded the market with the new label.
Beringer, we want the REAL white zin!!!!Reply
- Sara says
I drank Beringer White zin every day for years and years. now it tastes awful. I switched to Barefoot Moscato and love it.
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- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for commenting Sara. More people seem to be complaining about Beringer White Zin lately. Not sure what’s going on there…
But, glad you found something you like… Cheers!
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- Kim says
It tastes watered down. Blah. I’ve even tried mixing the old good wine (dark in color) with the new watered down stuff. Now I have a bottle of watered down wine that doesn’t taste quite as weak as the new garbage! Switching to another brand. No more Beringer’s until they switch back.
So disappointed. Was a great wine to have a round when folks came to visit, but not anymore.
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- Suzanne collier says
I agree. It went lighter in color and give me a head ache. So disappointed.
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- Dennis says
We also are Not Happy with the change. The wine is darker and don’t like the taste. Very Disappointed;
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- Q says
What is the stuff floating around in the drink?
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- ken broadway says
I tried Beringer white zin last night for the first time, quite by coincidence. I was a gathering and had brought 3 bottles with me…a sweet red, a dry red and an off dry white…trying to cover the bases for the folks there. Anyway, the host had an aerator that he wanted to demonstrate. Grabbing an open bottle of what I thought was Rose’, he poured it through the aerator and I tried it. I am not a Rose’ person, but was amazed at the sweet-ish, smooth, clean, delicious taste of the wine with a hint of a dry finish. I was surprised to see it was a white zin. We ended up drinking the entire bottle as it was just so good. I was equally surprised to discovered that the Beringer white zin is so cheap. For me, it was nice discovery.
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- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for sharing your experience and discovery, Ken!
Interesting to hear the difference aeration made. Might have to give that a try…
Cheers!
JonReply
- Ken Fulton says
I first visited your winery in the ’80s and have been a faithful drinker of your White Zin ever since . I buy it by the case at Costco, keep it coming. When I was at the winery, I bought some Chenin Blanc and loved it. Do you still make it, and if so, where can I buy it? If you don’t make it anymore, what did you replace it with?
Thank you, Ken FultonReply
- Jon Rogers says
Hi Ken, thanks for visiting Honest Wine Reviews, my wine review site.
I’m not part of Beringer, just a wine consumer like you who happens to review wines!
Anyway, your question is a good one and I’m sure you can find their contact info on their website.
Thanks again for visiting my site… Cheers! Jon
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- Kenya says
I have a bottle that is 21 years old. Is it safe to consume?
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- Jon Rogers says
That’s pretty old LOL.
If it were me I’d probably just ditch that one.
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- Lynn says
I too have been a Berlinger white zin drinker for YEARS! However, the others are right. They have changed it. It is now watered down – it is even a lighter pink than before – you can compare old bottles vs new.
I too am going around buying up old stock. I actually emailed Berlinger and they sold it to another company – I think it’s the Wine Group. When I complained to them they sent me a check for $7. How rude!
Sadly the great taste is gone and there is not a substitute.Reply
- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Lynn… Much appreciated!
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- Lori says
Until recently, this has been my favorite wine and the only one that I buy for myself.
Of all the White Zinfandel wines that I have tried, Beringer’s was always the best. It had the best flavor and body. A few months ago, I purchased a bottle and immediately noticed the difference in color and flavor! What a disappointment. Not even close to what it was. I don’t know why companies think they can fool the consumer, or why they think we will continue to purchase what is now an inferior product. I will not be purchasing this wine again.Reply
- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for the comment, Lori.
Ya, I’m with you. Companies can only fool the consumer for so long. We’re not dummies!
Cheers!
JonReply
- Phil says
I really your comments and have enjoyed your comment on Beringer White Zin which is especially great for us at summertime. Out of curiosity, we’ve been having trouble finding it at stores in the past few weeks. I hope they haven’t discontinued it.
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- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for your kind words Phil!
Their White Zin has been a staple for Beringer. I bet you’ll see it back on store shelves soon.
Cheers!
JonReply
- Dori says
I have several bottles with a vintage date of 2010, is it still good to drink?
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- Jon Rogers says
Hard to tell…
A lot of it depends on how it was stored. Under cool steady temps would have been good.
Honestly, you don’t really know until you try it.
With that said, I wouldn’t be too optimistic. Most of the mass produced wines are made to be consumed upon purchase.
If you do try it, stop back and let us know!
Cheers, Dori!
JonReply
- LKC says
Why are you saying this white zin is from the Napa Valley? The winery is there, but this wine is designated “California” AVA, so the grapes are potentially from all over the state.
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- Jon Rogers says
It said so on the bottle label.
With that said, I don’t disagree with you about where the grapes themselves may come from and I appreciate your comment.
However, the rear bottle label was clear that the wine was crafted in Napa Valley and that’s what I meant by “comes from Napa Valley” in my review.
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- Don says
I have been drinking the legacy Beringer white zin for years and always thought of it as a reasonably priced wonderful tasting wine. That product is no longer being sold. It has apparently been replaced by Beringer “Main & Vine” white zinfandel wine, which is a COMPLETELY different product. Gone is the sweet, fruity aroma and flavor. The Main & Vine version has very little taste and reminds me of medicine I was forced to take as a child. A truly horrible wine. What a shame. Beringer has lost me as a customer.
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- Jon Rogers says
Thanks for the comment, Don.
I’ve noticed the same thing about “Main and Vine.”
Most aren’t liking the change. It will be interesting to see how Beringer deals with this.
Cheers,
JonReply
- Kathleen says
I also have been drinking white zin for years, and the older fantastic wine was 10% alcohol, however, the new watered down white zin is 9%. I am done with it until they change it back!!
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- Barbara says
Why would they ruin a perfect Zinfandel! I noticed the light color when I purchased it. Mind you I purchased 4 bottles. I kept one and brought the others with me when invited out. Each one was awful tasting! Literally poured down the drain!, I complained to the liquor store where I purchased it but they had no answers. He said everyone has complained ! Few pleasures in life! Especially with all that is going on in our country, this was not appreciated.
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- Larry says
I vehemently agree with everyone on the disappointing foul taste of the new Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfadel. I noticed the light color and it smelled and tasted sour. It is truly the worst wine I’ve ever tasted. I can’t drink it so there goes 3 bottles down the drain. One is still sealed so maybe I can return it to Kroger. I wonder if Beringer is reading all the bad reviews?
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- Jon Rogers says
Gosh I hope so, Larry. It would definitely be in their best interest.
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- Bonnie says
I just had to find out if I had gotten a bad batch. I tried this just because I like Zinfandel. It tastes like rust — not that I am a rust drinker — but if I was, I imagine is tastes like Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfandel. Yuk!
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- Joan says
I agree that Beringers white zin is undrinkable!!! It tastes like raisins.
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Greetings, wine enthusiasts! I'm an expert with a passion for oenology, and I've spent years delving into the intricate world of wines. My extensive knowledge encompasses various grape varietals, winemaking techniques, and the unique characteristics that define different wine regions.
Now, let's dissect the article on Beringer White Zinfandel. This piece provides a comprehensive review of the wine, offering insights into its origin, flavor profile, and recent changes that have sparked discussions among consumers. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts covered in the article:
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Beringer White Zinfandel Overview:
- Beringer White Zinfandel is acclaimed as "America's favorite White Zinfandel."
- Origin: Napa Valley, California.
- Alcohol Content: 10.0% by volume.
- Beringer, the winery behind this wine, was established in 1876.
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Description from the Bottle:
- Beringer emphasizes its heritage and history of crafting award-winning wines in Napa Valley.
- The White Zinfandel is described as crisp, refreshing, bursting with aromas and flavors of fresh fruit. It's recommended for standalone enjoyment or as a complement to meals.
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Tasting Notes:
- The wine is characterized by a light rose color, almost approaching pink.
- It is described as not heavy, with no legs and a sheeting action on the sides of the glass.
- Aroma: Light and bright with notes of fresh fruits and a hint of candy apple.
- Taste: Sweet, with a slightly "darker" flavor attributed to its sweetness.
- Finish: Long and noticeable all over the mouth, with a slight bitter taste at the end.
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Consumer Reviews:
- Consumer Amanda refers to Beringer White Zinfandel as the "training wheels of wine" and mentions her transition to appreciating dry reds.
- Carolyn expresses loyalty to Beringer, considering it the "Kool-Aid of wine" due to its easy-drinking nature without a strong alcoholic aftertaste.
- Eileen raises concerns about changes in the wine's color and taste, possibly due to Beringer's sale to The Wine Group.
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Changes in Beringer White Zinfandel:
- Jon Rogers acknowledges reports of changes in Beringer White Zinfandel, potentially related to the sale of a portion of the wine brand to The Wine Group in 2021.
- Consumers, including Stacy and Lynn, express dissatisfaction with the new color and taste, seeking information on recipe or fermentation process changes.
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Consumer Recommendations and Alternatives:
- Jon suggests trying other white Zinfandels like Barefoot, Tisdale, and Sutter Home amid concerns about Beringer's changes.
- Various consumers share their disappointment with the new taste and consider switching to other brands like Barefoot Moscato.
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Safety Concerns:
- Consumer Michael expresses concern about feeling sick after consuming Beringer White Zinfandel and plans to take it to a toxicology lab for analysis.
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Vintage and Aging:
- Questions arise about the safety and quality of a 21-year-old bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel, with suggestions to consider factors like storage conditions.
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Company Response:
- Jon directs consumers with specific concerns about changes to contact Beringer's customer support for clarification.
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Widespread Consumer Discontent:
- Multiple consumers, including Cheryl, Dd, and Kathy, express dissatisfaction with the new Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfandel, describing it as an inferior product compared to the legacy version.
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Recommendations and Concluding Thoughts:
- Some consumers recommend alternatives, while others express disappointment, calling for a return to the original Beringer White Zinfandel's taste and quality.
This article provides a rich tapestry of consumer experiences, concerns about changes in a beloved wine, and the impact of corporate decisions on product quality. It's a valuable resource for those navigating the evolving landscape of wine preferences and industry dynamics. If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to ask!
