Producing world-class wines was the vision of two former aerospace engineers who in pursuit of their dream launched ZD Wines. The plan was to produce wines similar to those from the renowned Burgundy region of France using the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay winegrape varieties. In 1968, Norman de Leuze and Gino Zepponi pooled their resources of $3,000 apiece and applied for a winery permit.

Today, the de Leuze family continues to produce wines with a personal, hands-on approach.

Over the years, ZD Wines have graced the tables of White House dinner parties, spanning three administrations. The wines have garnered over 342 awards of excellence in prestigious competitions; and in 1997, ZD Wines was named a Winery of the Year by the Wine & Spirits Buying Guide.