Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed the bill that would have named zinfandel "California's historic wine," saying that "singling one (wine) out in special recognition would be inappropriate."

In a message that accompanied the veto delivered this week to the state Senate, he acknowledged zinfandel as part of California's heritage, but said that "to name only one of the varietals produced in California as the historic wine fails to recognize many world class varietals produced in the state.

"With California's unique micro climates, diverse geography, outstanding soils, and industrious growers, farmworkers and vintners who have mastered the delicate art of winemaking perfectly balancing art with science, it would be a shame to recognize only one as 'California's Historic Wine,'" he said.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Carole Migden (D-San Francisco), who originally wanted to name zinfandel as California's state wine, but an outcry from much of the wine industry forced her to change it to "historic wine." With that wording, the bill passed through both houses of the Legislature.

Expressing disappointment with the veto was Justin Boeger of Boeger Winery, who is president of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, an association of about 300 zinfandel producers and 5,000 consumers.

Some good came of it, though, he indicated. "We feel that all the interest surrounding the bill since its inception to the veto has really drawn attention to zinfandel and wine in general and its impact on our society," he said.

Bruce Walker of Starry Night Winery, who is vice president of ZAP, said, "It was simply wrong because this bill was not about choosing one variety over another. It was recognizing zinfandel in its historic role in laying the foundation for the California wine industry."

Schwarzenegger said, "Whether it is a cabernet from Napa or Sonoma, a delicate pinot noir from the Central Coast, a zinfandel from the San Joaquin Valley or Sierra Foothills, California produces some of the finest wines in the world. California wines have inspired authors, artists and Oscar winning motion pictures.

"Californians should be proud of all our 'California Grown' agricultural products because they are the fruit of the toil of the finest ranchers, growers, scientists and entrepreneurs in the world. Singling one out in special recognition would be inappropriate," he said.