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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
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Ponzi Vineyard’s second generation sisters, Maria and Luisa Ponzi welcomed Lucie Lawerence of New Zealand’s Aurum Wines, Julie Cooper of California’s DuMOL Winery and Ludivine Ambroise of Burgundy’s Maison Ambroise for a magical evening celebrating these four women winemakers of Pinot noir. Ponzi Vineyards Culinary Director Tom Ghinazzi’s fresh, summer-inspired menu complemented each wine expertly, combining stunning vintages with delicious food for a truly remarkable dinner. Courses included a Foie Gras with raspberry, frisee and apricot, wild salmon garnished with hazelnuts and thyme, and a chateaubriand of prime beef topped with bordelaise, lavender and chanterelles. Stories from the winemakers regarding their experience in the field and individual philosophies offered further insight into the secrets and complexities of the industry. Finally, as the evening wound down, guests enjoyed Ponzi Vineyard’s stunning views of a pastel sunset over the Chahelem Mountains.
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.
PV: Do you enjoy wine? If so, what do you fill your glass with in the summer?
MKL: “I looooove a beautiful rosé as anyone who follows me on social media knows! I truly believe life is all about balance and enjoying things that enrich your experience of life! Yoga and wine are two of my favorite ways to find fulfillment in the day!”
PV: What are some of the benefits you see to taking your yoga practice outside?
MKL: “Practicing outside is really a magical experience… as yoga-y as it sounds the sun truly has a different way of heating your body that makes you feel so open and strong, different than any indoor heat I’ve ever felt. Also it’s been my experience that being outside on the grass or sand allows us to be more uninhibited and try things we might be scared to try in the studio. I’ve seen so many people finally get their headstand for the first time in an outdoor class because they just tried and weren’t scared to fall! But don’t take my word for it come to practice with me at Ponzi!!”
PV: What are some tips for anyone new to yoga, maybe trying their first class?
MKL: “My first tip always is to have a sense of humor about yourself and give yourself tons of credit for even trying. Yoga can be intimidating because there are certain poses we learn almost like learning a dance but with a strong teacher, a sense of humor and a willingness to show up you can’t lose! And more than likely you will have a positive experience and be excited to come back for more!”
Join us Saturday, July 22nd at 10am for Yoga in the Vineyard.