Ponzi Blog
Meet the Maker: Metalworker Jeff Whitaker of Jeffmade
The Laurelwood at Ponzi Vineyards is a wine country hospitality space like no other. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned and even the smallest element has been crafted to reflect the values and aesthetics of Ponzi Vineyards and the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to supporting local makers, the Ponzi Family found the perfect metalworker for this project with Jeff Whitaker of Jeffmade.
Whitaker has been working with metal for 25 years, initially as an artist using it to express abstract ideas. Taking inspiration from the natural world, he made objects that looked as though they had been grown or eroded rather than made with tools. He began receiving requests to use his skills to craft more utilitarian objects. Though he resisted at first, seeing such projects as a potential distraction from his artistic work, he discovered there was not a compromise at all between art and function. Rather, he discovered he enjoyed working within project parameters.
He now takes on a variety of projects, striving for elegant design utilizing these powerful materials to create something that remains beautiful forever. This devotion to his craft has attracted a client list that reads like a “Best of Portland” list: Toro Bravo, Tasty n Sons, Mediterranean Exploration Company and Pine State Biscuits, to name just a few.
Ponzi Vineyards is very pleased to have partnered with Jeffmade for some of the most impressive features of our new hospitality space, The Laurelwood. The design of The Laurelwood pays tribute to founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi while moving forward into the future under the leadership of sisters Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi. Whitaker’s work resonates that concept with elegant designs grounded in strong materials that still possess their natural characteristics.
Whitaker initially worked with Ponzi Vineyards during our construction of the Tasting Room, creating the door hardware and fireplace screen. It was a natural choice to bring him back to work on The Laurelwood. For this ambitious project, he created the fireplace that is the focal point of the space, as well as the door hardware, the metal facing, and the truly impressive display cabinet.
The permanence of steel is such a perfect match for this hospitality space grounded in a legacy that has had such an influence on Oregon history and that endures into the future. In selecting artists and craftspeople for The Laurelwood, Ponzi Vineyards looked for not just skill, but also for people who have an intrinsic understanding of the area and its culture, and who contribute to the elevation of the region’s prominence through their work. Joining Whitaker on that roster are a gifted woodworker, ceramicist and architect. The synergy of their creations is unique, yet reflective of the past, making The Laurelwood truly one of a kind.
To inquire about The Laurelwood, contact events@ponzivineyards.com or call (503) 628-1227.
- You can view more of Whitaker’s work on his website.
- Read about Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics, who crafted our stunning dinnerware.
- Get a look at some of the beautiful details of The Laurelwood.
May 11, 2018 at 11:41 AM
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Celebrate The Laurelwood with the 2014 Sparkling Brut Rosé
The Laurelwood at Ponzi Vineyards is officially open!
To celebrate this grand occasion, we are releasing our 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé. Made from a blend of 70% Pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay grown in a Goldilocks vintage – not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy. Everything was just right! The fruit comes from our highest elevation site at Merten Vineyards and our oldest vines at the original Ponzi Estate Vineyard.
"An aromatic nose of strawberry cream, crushed hibiscus and magnolia mingle with hints of fresh cranberry and pastry cream. The broad mouth of dried apricot and quince is balanced by juicy acidity and a hint of Frangelico."
– Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
Ponzi Vineyards’ first sparkling wine production was in 1996 to celebrate the birth of the first Ponzi Grandchild. From that experience, and realization of the skill and labor that goes into sparkling wine, it was not repeated until 2008. That particular year was the first vintage at our new winery and a real cause for celebration. It made perfect sense to release the 2014 vintage to celebrate The Laurelwood, our stunning new hospitality space where modern elegance meets rustic roots set against stunning vineyard and valley view.
The 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé is available online and in our Tasting Room, located just outside Portland. We are open daily 11-5:30 pm. Stop in to visit and pick up a bottle of this special wine. Cheers to The Laurelwood!
To learn more about the process of making sparkling wine, check out our post on the bottling of the 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé.
May 1, 2018 at 2:05 PM
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Hospitality Space Update - Opening in March!
At Ponzi Vineyards Collina del Sogno, harvest is winding down. Only a few pretty yellow leaves remain on the vines. The skies offer a kaleidoscope of constantly changing gray fog, bright cobalt and sunshine and stormy dark rainclouds. In the tasting room, guests cozy up to the warm fireplace and sip complex Ponzi wines.
The flurry of harvest activity is slowing, but the construction on the new hospitality space is still moving full steam ahead. The front lawn has been planted, and the siding installed. The windows are in and so far, things are going according to plan. Brett Fogelstrom of Fogelstrom Design Build has done a beautiful job!
The new hospitality space, opening in March 2018, will provide Ponzi guests with a comfortably luxurious space to entertain. Reservations are already booking for this space, so don't miss your opportunity to experience all we have to offer. Contact kati@ponzivineyards.com with questions or to book the space.
Nov 7, 2017 at 10:44 AM
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Views for Miles- Hospitality Space Update
The new Ponzi Vineyards Founder's Room at Collina del Sogno, opening March 2018, boasts spectacular views of the Chehalem Mountains. Looking back at the new hospitality space from the Avellana Vineyard with the moon rising, the new build out's sprawling terraces are subtly nestled into the hillside. Portland-based Fogelstrom Design Build’s plan to match the beautiful topography of the surrounding Chehalem Mountains, creates an extravagant place from which to look out without disturbing the natural landscape. The new space is turning out to be perfection!
Here's another vantage point, just behind the pond, looking over the crest of the hill into the vineyard. For reference, the tasting room is just behind the new build out, out of view.
The view from inside the space is stunning. Designed to facilitate sipping, dining and socializing in comfortable luxury, the Founder's Room can accomodate up to 80 guests for a vareity of events; with access to Ponzi wines, delicious meals and views for miles.
Learn more about private events at Ponzi Vineyards >>
To book the new Ponzi hospitality space for your event, contact to Kati Focareto at kati@ponzivineyards.com.
Oct 4, 2017 at 3:13 PM
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The Hospitality Space Takes Shape
Construction is really taking shape on the new hospitality space at the stunning Collina del Sogno property, overlooking the expansive Chehalem Mountains. As of today, the foundation is poured, the walls are up and we are beginning to see Portland-based Fogelstrom Design Build’s plan come to life. The build out is just next to the current tasting room and when completed will provide us with a dedicated space to host wine-centric events. Starting in Spring of 2018, guests can party and relax while sipping world class Ponzi wines in an elegant new space. Just check out the view!
We will be sure to keep you up to date on the exciting construction project as we near completion of this lovely addition to the state-of-the-art-gravity-flow winery and modern tasting room.
Comments (2732)The Hospitality Space Takes Shape
Construction is really taking shape on the new hospitality space at the stunning Collina del Sogno property, overlooking the expansive Chehalem Mountains. As of today, the foundation is poured, the walls are up and we are beginning to see Portland-based Fogelstrom Design Build’s plan come to life. The build out is just next to the current tasting room and when completed will provide us with a dedicated space to host wine-centric events. Starting in Spring of 2018, guests can party and relax while sipping world class Ponzi wines in an elegant new space. Just check out the view!
We will be sure to keep you up to date on the exciting construction project as we near completion of this lovely addition to the state-of-the-art-gravity-flow winery and modern tasting room.
Ponzi Vineyards completes the final phase of Collina del Sogno
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Laurel Carroll
laurel@ponziwines.com
503-628-1227
Ponzi Vineyards completes the final phase of Collina del Sogno
Sherwood, OR (June 29, 2017) – Ponzi Vineyards began construction on a new hospitality space at their stunning property Collina del sogno, in the Chehalem Mountains, earlier this year. The buildout from the existing tasting room will provide the 47-year-old winery a dedicated venue to host wine-centric
events. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.
Designed by Portland-based Fogelstrom Design Build, the flexible addition will accommodate up to 80 guests and can be partitioned off for more intimate tastings and receptions. A fireplace anchors the main room, but the real architectural showpiece is an arched wood ceiling that emulates the curve of a wine barrel, bringing both a sense of spaciousness and warmth to the space. Large sliding glass doors open to a private, wrap-around covered terrace, featuring an outdoor fireplace and sweeping wine country views.
Brett Fogelstrom of Fogelstrom Design Build comments, “This new space completes the building as originally envisioned. The material palette
of warm wood, concrete, steel and glass, together with the overall progressive form, is meant to express the Ponzi Family’s approachable and welcoming style as well as their constant drive for innovation. My hope is that people will come away feeling that they have experienced a very special place.”
The new building will provide a functional and elegant space for the winery to enhance the current hospitality program, further promoting world class, cool climate varietals, wine country tourism and culinary arts.
Ponzi Vineyards Tasting Room Progression
This third phase at Ponzi Vineyards’ hilltop property was preceded by the construction of a state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery and a modern tasting room.
Purchased in 2006, the 42-acre property off Mountain Home Road in Sherwood was planted to 20 acres of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot gris. In 2007, work began on the four-level, gravity-flow winery, conceptualized by Winery Founder Dick Ponzi and daughter, Second Generation Winemaker Luisa Ponzi. It was completed just in time for the 2008 harvest.
In 2013, the Ponzi Vineyards tasting room, also designed by Fogelstrom Design Build opened to guests, offering one of the valley’s first seated tasting experiences.
About Ponzi Vineyards
When it comes to American wine, few possess the rich history and experience of Ponzi Vineyards, one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. For nearly 50 years, Ponzi Vineyards has been a pillar among New World producers. The winery was founded in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi, at a time when Oregon Pinot noir was unknown and the region was not thought to be favorable to growing wine grapes. Ponzi Vineyards was recognized early on as a premier producer of Pinot noir and instrumental in putting Oregon on the map as a world class wine region.
This tradition of excellence is carried on with Second Generation Winemaker Luisa Ponzi and President Maria Ponzi, at the helm for more than 25 years. The winery continues to be a leader in cool climate varietal innovation through gentle handling techniques and advancements in the vineyard, including their latest, Clonal Massale. All 130 acres of Ponzi vineyards are certified sustainable, recognizing the winery’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Ponzi Vineyards sets the bar for Oregon wines and remains at the forefront of quality American wine. Learn more at ponziwines.com
Follow the latest winery updates, events and more from Ponzi Vineyards on our Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Progress on Hospitality Space
The new hospitality space begins to take shape at the Ponzi Vineyards Winery. A towering fireplace and feature walls are poured from concrete, reflecting the look and feel of the winery’s modern tasting room.
Designed by Portland-based Fogelstrom Design Build, the addition will accommodate up to 80 guests and can be partitioned off for more intimate tastings and receptions. The fireplace anchors the main room, but the real architectural showpiece is an arched wood ceiling that emulates the curve of a wine barrel, bringing both a sense of spaciousness and warmth to the space. Large sliding glass doors open to a private, wrap-around covered terrace, featuring an outdoor fireplace and sweeping wine country views.
Brett Fogelstrom of Fogelstrom Design Build comments, “This new space completes the building as originally envisioned. The material palette of warm wood, concrete, steel and glass, together with the overall progressive form, is meant to express the Ponzi Family’s approachable and welcoming style as well as their constant drive for innovation. My hope is that people will come away feeling that they have experienced a very special place.”
The new building, set to open Spring 2018, will provide a functional and elegant space for the winery to enhance the current hospitality program, further promoting world class, cool climate varietals, wine country tourism and culinary arts.
Jul 24, 2017 at 12:40 PM
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New Space for Wine Events Breaks Ground
We're thrilled to announce we've broken ground on a new hospitality space! The extension, designed by Fogelstrom Design Build will offer a venue in addition to the tasting room for wine-centric events. The modern tasting room, also by Fogelstrom Design Build, opened in 2013. The hospitality space, ideal for wine dinners, receptions and special tastings is expected to open spring 2018.
May 10, 2017 at 2:17 PM
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