Pour Decisions: A Zinfandel Mystery Night & Zin Tasting

What do murder mysteries and mysterious grapes have in common? Mortal Zin uncorks both in an evening of suspense, storytelling, and sensational sips.

Diane Schaffer, a Stanford PhD and retired professor, brings her firsthand experience from working at a Santa Cruz zinfandel winery to her gripping debut novel, Mortal Zin. The story follows corporate attorney Nollaig “Noli” Cooper, who returns to her godparents’ winery only to find her childhood mentor dead under suspicious circumstances. Teaming up with PI Luz Alvarado, Noli uncovers a web of secrets tied to California's vineyard history and the enigmatic Zinfandel grape.

Joining the conversation will be Bridget Leary of Broc Cellars, a Berkeley-based natural winery known for its hands-off approach and deep respect for California’s heritage varietals—especially zinfandel. Bridget will guide a tasting of three distinct zinfandels, each one offering a different clue to the grape’s layered identity.

The evening will feature a reading from Mortal…