That Agoston Haraszthy was the first to bring Zinfandel to California is a well-known and controversial claim most likely started by his son Arpad in the early 1850’s.The story was widely accepted until historian Charles L. Sullivan in his book Zinfandel: A History of a Grape and Its Wine challenged Arpad’s statements. Sullivan admired Agoston for his achievements and praised his contributions as a key figure in the development of the American West and “an important force in the history of California winegrowing.” However, Sullivan argues that there is no concrete proof that he brought the first Zinfandel vine to California and that Arpad Haraszthy’s claim about it was a myth.

However, in the biography by Brian McGinty, Strong Wine: The Life and Legend of Agoston Haraszthy, the author provides evidence that Agoston could well have obtained Zinfandel vines as early as 1852 with the help of his friend Lazar Meszaros, former Hungarian Minister of War and avid horticulturalist who operated a grape nursery in New Jersey during the period in question. This evidence would tend to corroborate Arpad Haraszthy’s recollection. Sullivan does not discuss it in his book leaving the issue in controversy.

Certainly non-controversial is the fact that Zinfandel has always been the family favorite wine variety.