Ponzi Blog

Chardonnay- The Ideal Wine for Autumn Meal Pairing

When second generation Winemaker Luisa Ponzi returned to the family winery after her studies in Beaune, France, she brought with her a passion for White Burgundy. When it comes to Oregon Chardonnay, the Willamette Valley offers the ideal climate for this noble varietal to thrive. Ponzi Chardonnays are known for being balanced, boasting beautiful fruit notes and a light touch of oak, making them truly versatile food wines.

Chardonnay's structured yet supple nature, acid and combination of fruit and minerality, can help to bring out flavors in a variety of dishes. Where a bold red may overshadow the sweet and savory subtleties of turkey and stuffing, a finely-balanced Chardonnay will complement and even enhance these dishes. Give it a try! 

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Our recommendations for effortless fall food pairing:

While you're falling in love with Ponzi Chardonnay, don't forget to order some Pinot noir too!

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Ponzi Riesling Featured in Imbibe's Taste Test

Riesling is having its day in the sun. Imbibe Magazine featured a small group of Northwest produced Rieslings as "Ideal for the holiday table." With bracing acidity, sometimes a balancing touch of residual sugar and food friendly minerality, Riesling deserves a place at the holiday table. Says Imbibe Associate Editor Penelope Bass, "it’s one of the most food-friendly wines, making it perfect for the holidays." We couldn't agree more!

Imbibe describes the 2015 Ponzi Riesling as "bone-dry and delightfully crisp, with notes of melon, almond and an almost saké-like character." 

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Ponzi Vineyards Official Wine Sponsor at SATW Conference

For the first time, Travel Portland hosted the Society of American Travel Writers' (SATW) annual meeting. The visiting travel writers were treated to conference discussions, field trips and a City of Makers dinner, all demonstrating Portland's innovative "maker" culture. As a pioneer of the Oregon wine industry, and winemakers, Ponzi Vineyards was invited to be an exclusive wine sponsor of the City of Makers dinner, and to host a tour group at the winery.

During the reception, travel writers sipped 2016 Ponzi Pinot Blanc, 2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris and 2015 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir while checking out the City of Makers wall. 

Maria Ponzi started the evening with an inspirational talk focusing on the innovation and creativity thriving in Oregon. "Maker" culture and entrepreneurship have been key to the success the state's wine industry as well.

For the nearly 50 years, Ponzi Vineyards and other leading Willamette Valley wineries have built this destination, with its culture of tenacity, originality and commitment to quality. The SATW annual conference was a great opportunity to celebrate how far we've come!

Visualizing Ponzi's New Hospitality Space with Maria Ponzi

Winery President Maria Ponzi shares her vision for the comfortably luxurious interior of Ponzi's new hospitality space, due to be completed in March 2018.

Ponzi Vineyards Supports Local Umpqua Bank with Lobby Display

Ponzi Vineyards supports its community here in the Chehalem Mountains outside of Portland, choosing opportunities to partner with local businesses whenever possible. If your bank is local Progress Ridge Umpqua (or even if it's not) stop in and see the Ponzi Vineyards display in the lobby. It's up for the next few months and will change as the holidays approach, featuring festive gift ideas for everyone on your list.

When it comes to American Pinot noir, few possess the rich history and experience of Ponzi Vineyards, one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. The winery was founded in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi who realized the Willamette Valley met every need of noble, cool-climate grape varieties. 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 the past 25 years. The winery continues to be a leader in Pinot noir innovation and remains at the forefront of American wine, as one of Oregon’s legendary producers.

Governor's Trade Mission to Japan

Governor Kate Brown invited Ponzi Vineyards President Maria Ponzi to represent the Oregon wine industry on a trade mission to Japan promoting Oregon products and tourism. The 4-day mission to Tokyo will include a reception with the Governor, featuring Ponzi wines served at the reception; a Women in Leadership event; and a seminar on doing business in Oregon and an Oregon Food Showcase. Representatives from Business Oregon, Travel Oregon, the Oregon Department of Agriculture,  and other women-owned, Oregon businesses will attend and promote help foster trade and tourism between Japan and the Beaver State. 

The Trade Mission Updates

Ponzi Vineyards President Maria Ponzi and Oregon Governor Kate Brown toast trade between Japan and Oregon with Ponzi Pinot Noir at the Friends of Oregon reception in Tokyo.

Maria Ponzi visits Nissin World Delicatessen in Tokyo, where they carry Ponzi wines, and poses with Ponzi Pinot Noir and wine department manager, Mitsuo Takenaka.

Director of Oregon Department of Agriculture, Alexis Taylor, posed with signed Ponzi bottles at Nissin World Delicatessen.

Ponzi President Maria Ponzi and National Sales Associate Brenna Patterson visit the Filcon Service  offices in Tokyo. They distribute Ponzi in Japan.

Thursday morning, Maria held a tasting at Winart Magazine, during which they staff tasted these Ponzi wines: 2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris, 2014 Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve, 2015 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir, and 2014 Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve.

At a wine tasting and signing event at Sogo in Kawaguchi area, Maria found an in depth display of Ponzi wines. They even carried the Vino Gelato!

Brenna signed Vino Gelato for an adoring fan, as well!

The Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve was a huge hit at Seibu in Ikebukuro, where Maria bonded with Chardonnay lovers over this beautiful wine.

At a tasting in the Funabashi area, Maria poured the 2015 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir, and praised the Willamette Valley as a world class vineyard location for beautiful Pinot noirs and other cool climate varietals. The store created great signage and promotional materials featuring Maria and Luisa Ponzi.

To read the official trade mission press release, click here>> 

Follow Maria Ponzi's travels on our blog & social media >>

Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Home of great Pinot Noir at any price

The artcle describes the 2014 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir: "Plum, raspberry and fresh black fig aromas abound. The palate is stuffed with dark-leaning fruit flavors, subtle spices and hints of bitter chocolate. Continuing fruit is joined by bits of Chicory on the somewhat lusty finish."

Read the full article here.

2014 Ponzi Avellana Pinot Noir is a top scoring wine from Oregon with 95 points from Wine Advocate

Ponzi is proud that the 2014 Ponzi Avellana Pinot Noir is a top scoring wine from Oregon with 95 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. 

Here's how the wine was described: “Medium-bodied, laced with firm, finely-grained tannins, it delivers intense red berry and earthy layers in the mouth with some exotic spices coming through, finishing long and refreshing....”  Read more>>

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Wine & Spirits Magazine Names 2014 Ponzi Aurora Chardonnay one of the Year's Best

We are pleased to announce the 2014 Ponzi Aurora Chardonnay was featured as one of the Year’s Best US Chardonnays, with a score of 94 points from Wine & Spirits.

From Wine & Spirits: "The flavors are fulsome and elegant at once, and while you may luxuriate in the texture, its quiet energy will be the lasting impression..."

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Ponzi Receives a Warm Welcome at Cambridge's EVOO

EVOO, an acclaimed Boston restaurantand Ponzi account, hosted Maria and Luisa Ponzi for a delicious meal and an opportunity to learn more about Ponzi Vineyards wines. The evening was as informative as it was enjoyable. Thanks to the EVOO staff for their enthusiasm for Ponzi wines.