Ponzi Blog
Classico Vineyards Series: Aurora
Pinot noir loves the Willamette Valley. It seems there is a perfect spot for this varietal around every corner. Ponzi Vineyards is lucky to farm some of the best at our Avellana, Aurora and Madrona vineyards. These sites are the foundation of our signature wine, the Classico Pinot Noir. To complete the blend and truly highlight what this region can produce, we work with area growers to source the finest fruit from exceptional vineyards. When sourcing from these growers and from our own vineyards, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi looks for fruit that contributes the desired aromatics, structure or fruit intensity to complement her vision for the vintage. For our 2015 Classico blend, she selected Aurora Vineyard for its fruit intensity.
Named for its stunning view of the sunrise, Aurora was originally planted in 1991. This 80-acre vineyard has it all: old vines, lots of sunlight and Laurelwood soil on a Southeast-facing slope in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At 300-600 feet of elevation, this vineyard builds on experiments done at other Ponzi sites. It features numerous comparative plantings, rootstock studies, clones and spacing variations. One of the most notable plantings is an exact duplicate of the Ponzi Abetina vineyard, planted in 2005, called Abetina 2. Those plantings comprise a collection now preserved on rootstock on the same soil, elevation and aspect as the original block. Aurora is also a LIVE-certified site.
All of this adds up to a vineyard that shows incredible consistency year after year, producing fruit with big, spicy flavors and beautiful tannins that act as the backbone of our Classico blend.
Get a bottle of Classico Pinot Noir for yourself. The dusty tannins, hints of roasted coffee and mouthwatering acidity are balanced by almond sweetness. Pairs beautifully with food.
About the Classico Series
Our Classico Pinot Noir is blended from 100% Pinot noir sourced from the exceptional sites throughout the Willamette Valley with Ponzi’s most established vineyards at its base. The result is a classic New World expression of Oregon Pinot noir with nuances and flavors that are a hallmarks of the region’s varied soils and cool climate. Follow along as we explore some of the vineyards chosen by Winemaker Luisa Ponzi as the truest expressions of the vintage.
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:11 PM
Permalink
A Look Inside The Laurelwood Photoshoot
We hope you enjoy this peek inside The Laurelwood. Designed specifically for private events, we try to keep some of the details, well, private, so as not to spoil the big reveal for guests arriving at your celebration. But we couldn't help but share a few from this very special photoshoot.
Built to honor Founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi, every detail of The Laurelwood was thoughtfully designed to reflect our rustic roots while moving confidently forward into a bright future. This one-of-a-kind place is the perfect setting for any celebration.
To view the entire space, please contact events@ponzivineyards.com or call (503) 628-1227 to schedule a tour. Read more about this space and private events here.
To view the entire space, please contact events@ponzivineyards.com or call (503) 628-1227 to schedule a tour. Read more about this space and private events here.
Jun 29, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Permalink
Women of Pinot Series: Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines
On July 26th, Ponzi Vineyards will host a very special Women of Pinot dinner celebrating women winemakers! Six celebrated winemakers from Oregon, Alsace, New Zealand and California will come together for an incredible night of food and wine. It’s a rare event to have so much talent in one room. In addition to an expertly paired multi-course meal, guests will have the opportunity to taste more than a dozen wines and hear how they are made from the people who crafted them. Join us at one of Oregon’s founding wineries, set in the stunning Chehalem Mountains of the Willamette Valley. Space is limited, so get your tickets now on our website or by contacting events@ponzivineyards.com.
One of the featured winemakers at the dinner is Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines in Oregon. Originally from Quebec, Canada, Meunier studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Dijon in France and at Lincoln University in New Zealand before training in Burgundy, France, under Pascal Marchand at Domaine de la Vougeraie and with Blair Walter of Felton Road in New Zealand.
In 2007, Marchand referred Meunier to Dominique Lafon to oversee his new Oregon consulting project, Evening Land. Meunier quickly gained acclaim: her wines were selected for Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year for 2009 through 2015.
In 2014, Meunier and Evening Land’s CEO Greg Ralston left to begin their own venture.
“At some point, it became clear that making my own wine was important,” says Meunier.
They founded Lavinea in Carlton, Oregon. The winery harvests from five of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette valley, producing single vineyard vintages from each: Elton, Tualatin Estate, Temperance Hill, Lazy River and Nysa.
The winery is still young, but is already gaining a reputation. Josh Reynold of VINOUS is betting that Lavinea will become widely known as one of Oregon’s elite producers.
To meet Meunier and sample her wine, please join us for our Women of Pinot dinner on July 26th. Tickets can be purchased on our website or by contacting events@ponzivineyards.com. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet winemakers from around the world in a fun, intimate setting.
The other featured winemakers that evening will be Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards, Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin, Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines and Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines.
Jun 27, 2018 at 3:56 PM
Permalink
The Laurelwood at Ponzi Vineyards
The Laurelwood at Ponzi Vineyards is a Willamette Valley hospitality space like no other! We recently had an open house to unveil the space to friends and family, and were fortunate to try these beautiful wines from the cellars of our friends: 1980, 1985 and 1986 Ponzi Pinot Noirs. They were the perfect highlight at the celebration of this space that pays homage to our past while moving forward into the future. And they were delicious! It was so wonderful to see the aging power of these amazing Pinot noirs.
Thank you to everyone who attended the event and continues to provide us with love and support. It was such a pleasure to have you all in one room!
Please enjoy this gallery of the open house event. Nestled within the vineyard, with stunning views of the Chehalem Mountains, The Laurelwood is the perfect wine country destination for meetings, retreats and other important gatherings. You can read more here about the space and the elevated hospitality experience provided to every guest at Ponzi Vineyards. For more information or to book your next event, contact events@ponzivineyards.
We'll be posting a beautiful gallery of images of The Laurelwood soon. Stay tuned!
THE LAURELWOOD OPEN HOUSE
Jun 27, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Permalink
Classico Vineyards Series: Alloro
The Willamette Valley is perfectly suited in every way for Pinot noir. There is an abundance of beautiful growing sites. Ponzi Vineyards is lucky to farm some of the best at our Avellana, Aurora and Paloma vineyards. These sites are the foundation of our signature wine, the Classico Pinot Noir. To complete the blend and truly highlight what this region can produce, we work with area growers to source the finest fruit from exceptional vineyards. When sourcing from these growers, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi looks for fruit that contributes the desired aromatics, structure or fruit intensity to complement her vision for the vintage. For our 2015 Classico blend, she selected Alloro Vineyard for its remarkable fruit intensity.
Originally planted in 1999, this 34-acre vineyard sweeps across a west-to-east southern aspect on Laurel Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. At 450-700 feet of elevation, the Laurelwood soil--a deep, wind-blown loess topsoil over decomposed basalt--creates optimal conditions for sustainable dry farming at this LIVE certified site.
Alloro’s growers have a philosophy of seeking “purity of flavor” in their grapes, meaning all of their growing practices are designed to draw out the site’s true personality. Beginning early in the growing season, they predict the year’s weather patterns and plan for canopy and crop-load management techniques that will encourage proper development.
The abundance of older vines and lots of sun in the afternoon make for the dark, lush fruit flavors in our Classico blend.
“As a grower, we have enjoyed working with the Ponzi Family and the Ponzi Vineyards team for over 15 years," says David Nemarnik of Alloro Vineyars. "Luisa makes us feel like family! The quality of Ponzi’s Classico Pinot noir shows the passion and attention to detail that goes into crafting such well-made Oregon wine!”
Get a bottle of Classico Pinot Noir for yourself. The dusty tannins, hints of roasted coffee and mouthwatering acidity are balanced by almond sweetness. Pairs beautifully with food.
About the Classico Series
Our Classico Pinot Noir is blended from 100% Pinot noir sourced from the exceptional sites throughout the Willamette Valley with Ponzi’s most established vineyards at its base. The result is a classic New World expression of Oregon Pinot noir with nuances and flavors that are a hallmarks of the region’s varied soils and cool climate. Follow along as we explore some of the vineyards chosen by Winemaker Luisa Ponzi as the truest expressions of the vintage.
Jun 22, 2018 at 3:25 PM
Permalink
Vineyard Series: Tucking the Vines
Grape vines grow quickly! It seems like we just had bud break and now the vines are already growing tall and full.
The grapevine canopy is made up of shoots and leaves which need to be thinned and tucked throughout the growing season. Thinning is the process of removing extra shoots to give the remaining ones greater and more even access to sunlight. Thinning also improves fruit quality, as the plant can focus resources rather than spreading them thin.
The remaining vines grow out and down, and if left unattended will eventually reach the ground where they are susceptible to damage, pests and disease. To avoid this, the vines are tucked up between wires that encourage upward growth and create a uniform distribution of foliage that minimizes shading of the fruit. The increased air flow and sunlight penetration around the vine lessens disease pressure on the plant, as well. Tucking also keeps the rows looking neat and tidy. Compare the “before” photo (at top) with the “after” photo:
Tucking is done by hand several times during the growing season. It’s labor-intensive work and care must be taken not to break the growing vines. Our amazing crew, led by Vineyard Manager Miguel Ortiz, is quick and efficient--many of them have been with us for nearly 20 years or more! Through their skill and expertise, the vines are kept tucked and safe, ready for the next stage of growth when they begin to flower.
Read along as we follow the vineyard throughout the year in The Vineyard Series:
Jun 19, 2018 at 10:46 PM
Permalink
Happy Father's Day, Dick Ponzi
A father is a man who creates, then nurtures and protects that creation with wisdom and love. We can think of no one who embodies that idea more than Dick Ponzi.
Dick’s entire life has been one of creation: first and foremost a husband and father, he is an engineer, pioneer, educator, brewer, winemaker, builder, lobbyist and mentor. He is one of the founding fathers of the Oregon wine industry and has been a tireless protector it, nurturing the industry into the thriving force it is today. Beyond his career as a PCC educator for decades, he also taught and mentored several winemakers who later went on to build their own wineries.
He is also one of the founding fathers of Oregon’s brewing industry, having established one of the first craft breweries in the state and then lobbying to legalize brewpubs.
When you consider how much Oregon’s wine and beer industries have contributed to the state’s image and economy, you can argue that Dick is one of the founding fathers of Oregon’s booming tourism and culinary industries, too.
So this year for Father’s Day, we raise a glass of fine Oregon Pinot noir to him, and look back with respect and gratitude on all this renaissance man has crafted and raised up.
- Pick up a bottle of the 2014 Ponzi Classico Pinot Noir as a gift for dad this Father's Day.
- Read more Ponzi Vineyards history here.
- Read more about the Ponzi Family here.
Jun 15, 2018 at 11:26 AM
Permalink
CHARITY OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2018: A HOPE FOR AUTISM
THROUGHOUT JUNE 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO A HOPE FOR AUTISM.
A Hope for Autism (AHFA) has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization provides evidence-based treatment to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping them achieve their highest potential regardless of their financial situation or insurance plan. Using internationally recognized methods, AHFA positively impacts children’s lives by providing individualized therapy and education for children with autism and related disorders and their families, and strives to assist and educate the community about autism.
This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Peter Van Etten, Tasting Room and Club Sales Manager at Ponzi Vineyards. “I selected Hope for Autism for their work with families affected by autism,” says Van Etten. “My wife is currently in a graduate program for speech language pathology and she has helped me become more aware of the different struggles kids and their parents face when diagnosed with autism. As a parent, I could only imagine how difficult it would be and I’m thankful A Hope for Autism can provide these important services to support the families affected by autism.”
We invite you to visit Ponzi Vineyards this month and join us in support of this valuable organization. A portion of every tasting fee will be donated to A Hope for Autism through the end of June.
- Learn more about A Hope for Autism.
- Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
Jun 8, 2018 at 11:30 AM
Permalink
Meet the Maker: Artist Barbara Rawls
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 history, values and aesthetics of Ponzi Vineyards and the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to supporting local makers, the Ponzi Family found the perfect visual artist for this project with fine art painter Barbara Rawls.
Previously working in ceramics, Rawls has been painting for 15 years. She works primarily with acrylic, sometimes also incorporating plaster, charcoal, collage and graphite to create complex layers. She marks the work with scribing and scraping tools. “To create history and depth in the surface,” Rawls says.
It’s this depth of history that makes Rawls the right choice for The Laurelwood, a space that pays homage to a rustic past while looking forward into the future. Rawls’ husband once lived at the Ponzi Historic Estate and helped with some of the first vines planted by Ponzi Vineyards. This long connection between the families gives Rawls a truly personal perspective on The Laurelwood and enabled her to create a piece that fit perfectly into the space.
The painting is a triptych and blends abstract landscape with realism, with the Ponzi Historic Estate set among contemporary forms. Larger than most of her work, it is prominently displayed behind the marble bar in The Pearl Room, the intimate reception area of The Laurelwood.
“The space works really well for my piece,” states Rawls, “with the lighting and the dark wall and the marble.”
This is not the first work Rawls has created for Ponzi Vineyards: two other pieces are displayed in the Tasting Room, where Rawls’ abstract, color-driven shapes complement the modern lines of the room’s design.
The triptych created for The Laurelwood is 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. Rawl’s work resonates that concept by grounding images of the past in strong colors, shapes and textures. 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 Rawls on that roster are a gifted woodworker, ceramicist and metalworker. 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 Rawls’ work on her website.
- Read about Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics, who crafted our stunning dinnerware.
- Celebrate The Laurelwood with us with the 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé.
Jun 4, 2018 at 1:58 PM
Permalink