Ponzi Blog
Stewardship: 3 Certified-Sustainable Oregon Wineries
The history of Oregon’s wine country is rooted in a deep respect for the land. The founding wineries of the Willamette Valley built their businesses on principles of sustainability. They took their roles as stewards of the land seriously, and from day one they implemented practices that nurtured both the environment and the people who worked in the vineyards and wineries. You can explore this history further on the Willamette Valley Wineries Association’s website. If you would like to do a tasting tour supporting sustainable wineries, you have a lot of options. We suggest starting with these three.
Stop 1: Ponzi Vineyards
19500 SW Mountain Home Road, Sherwood
(503) 628-1227
www.ponzivineyards.com
Founded by Dick and Nancy Ponzi in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards is now owned and operated by their daughters, Luisa and Anna Maria Ponzi. Their vineyards are LIVE Certified, and they hold long-term contracts with some of the best growers in the region whose vineyards are also certified sustainable. They are Salmon Safe, members of the Carbon Reduction Challenge, utilize cover crops for weed suppression and fertilizers, and operate a four-level gravity-flow winery that was one of the first Oregon facilities awarded the LIVE Winery Certification, meeting LIVE specifications for an eco-friendly building and sustainable winemaking practices. Just 40 minutes from Portland, it’s a must-see.
Stop 2: Rex Hill
30835 OR-99W, Newberg
(503) 538-0666
www.rexhill.com
For your next stop, it’s a quick trip to Newberg to visit Rex Hill. Established in 1982, they were purchased by A to Z Wineworks in 2007. Rex Hill has practiced sustainability from its outset. Their vineyards and winery are LIVE certified and they work with their independent growers to help them farm organically. Their Jacob-Hart Vineyard is Demeter-certified Biodynamic, a philosophy of stringent organic farming practices that considers the physical, energetic and spiritual aspects of farming.
Stop 2: Penner-Ash Cellars
15771 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg
(503) 554-5545
www.pennerash.com
Your last stop was founded by the legendary Lynn Penner-Ash and her husband, Ron. Penner-Ash was the first female winemaker hired in Oregon at none other than your previous stop, Rex Hill. In 1998, she began crafting her own wines, finally moving into her own sustainable, energy-conserving, gravity-flow winery in 2005. The design of the building takes into consideration ergonomics, putting worker health and safety foremost by eliminating the need for heavy lifting thanks to a system of catwalks and forklifts. Their Estate Vineyard is LIVE Certified and Salmon Safe, as are many of the vineyards they work with via independent growers.
Jan 16, 2019 at 1:11 PM
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Harvest 2018: It's a Wrap!
The end of harvest has arrived!
We brought in 700 tons of beautiful fruit and are excited about the wine we'll be creating from this vintage. None of it would be possible without our skilled vineyard crew (led by Vineyard Manager Miguel Ortiz), our exemplary Production staff (led by Winemaker Luisa Ponzi), and our amazing harvest interns, who join us from around the world to learn and grow with us.
Their hard work, sense of humor and passion for this industry has made this season unforgettable. We thank you.
Oct 30, 2018 at 12:36 PM
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Charity of the Month--October: Breast Friends
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, throughout October a portion of tasting fees from the Ponzi Vineyards Tasting Room will be donated to Breast Friends, an organization that works to ensure that no woman faces cancer alone.
Breast Friends is a unique resource for women, their family, friends, co-workers and the community. Their mission is to minimize the fear and isolation of a cancer diagnosis and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. For over a decade, their programs have empowered thousands by providing emotional support and hope. They instruct friends and family in specific ways to support their sick loved ones and they provide resources for the entire family. Breast Friends volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, offering individual assistance through one-on-one contact via phone or in person. They also provide customized support groups.
Breast Friends was chosen as our October charity by President Anna Maria Ponzi. “Breast cancer impacts so many women,” she said, “including members of the Ponzi Vineyards team, their friends and families. The great work this charity does to support female cancer patients is near and dear to Ponzi Vineyards.”
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 Breast Friends through the end of October.
- Learn more about Breast Friends.
- Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
- Read about our Tasting Room.
Oct 3, 2018 at 2:30 PM
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Charity of the Month - August 2018: Adelante Mujeres
THROUGHOUT AUGUST 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO ADELANTE MUJERES.
Adelante Mujeres has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization educates and empowers low-income Latina women and families in the state of Oregon. Annually, they serve more than 5,500 families, helping them become full participants and active leaders in the community.
Adelante Mujeres means “women rise up” in Spanish. Founded in 2002, it was created to serve the oft-overlooked population of Latina women by offering programs developed specifically to help them participate in activities and classes. Since then, it has grown to serve Latino youth, children and men as well as women. Adelante Mujeres promotes school readiness for young children, pathways to higher education for youth and lifelong learning for adults. It also provides training, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and strategies for raising capital to help Latino entrepreneurs launch successful and sustainable small businesses, and provides aspiring Latino immigrant farmers and gardeners with the training and skills necessary to grow produce using sustainable methods and to successfully market their products. In 2005, they launched the Forest Grove Farmers Market to provide an outlet for small farmers and food producers to connect with the community by offering fresh, local goods.
This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Miguel Ortiz, Vineyard Manager at Ponzi Vineyards. He says, "This program is special to me because it helps youths build strong cultural identity and fosters healthy lifestyles and academic success. Every high school senior involved in the program graduates high school and goes on to college."
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 Adelante Mujeres through the end of August.
- Learn more about Adelante Mujeres.
- Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
- Read about our Tasting Room.
Aug 1, 2018 at 3:06 PM
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2018 International Pinot Noir Celebration Recap
Co-founded by Nancy Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards in 1985, the International Pinot Noir Celebration now draws nearly 1000 people from all over the world to McMinnville, Oregon, for a weekend of wine tasting, education and dining from the bounty of the Northwest. Attendees include Pinot noir producers and devotees, journalists, Northwest chefs and food lovers. This year's IPNC did not disappoint! Once again, Ponzi Vineyards participated in seminars, sharing the expertise we've cultivated over nearly 50 years as one of Oregon's founding wineries. Our wines were shown at multiple pourings to demonstrate the high-quality the Willamette Valley consistently produces. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi presented alongside Burgundy's finest vintners.
The event was such a success, and it was our great honor to participate. Until next year!
Jul 31, 2018 at 2:01 PM
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Classico Vineyards Series: Avellana
Pinot noir loves the Willamette Valley with a perfect spot for this varietal seemingly 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, second-generation 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 our own Avellana Vineyard for its aromatics.
Planted in 2006, Avellana is one of our younger vineyards in the Classico blend. After 40 years of viticultural experimentation, this vineyard was selected for its northwest-facing slope and rich Laurelwood soil. The Pinot noir blocks have been planted Clonal Massale™, a technique developed by Luisa Ponzi in which a mix of two dozen clones are planted at random. This vineyard also shares the site with our winery and tasting room.
The unique Clonal Massale™ planting method yields more interesting and consistent wines despite vintage variability, enabling Avellana to achieve a richness of flavor and aroma usually associated with older vineyards.
“Each clone has a personality,” says Ponzi. “When many are combined in a single block, the multitude of characteristics naturally brings complexity and dimension to the wines. By planting these clones at random, like wildflowers, it further relinquishes the question of clone and focuses fully on the terroir of a site.”
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.
Jul 17, 2018 at 9:51 AM
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Summertime ¡Salud! E-Auction
We’re proud to be part of ¡Salud!. Co-founded by Nancy Ponzi, ¡Salud! is an event and a service program that provides healthcare outreach services to vineyard workers and their families where they live and work. Our vineyard crews are an important part of the winemaking process. They often faces barriers that make finding basic healthcare a challenge, and many don’t visit the doctor for minor issues until they become major. ¡Salud! Services, a project of OHSU Tuality Healthcare, provides a bridge for many workers and their families to provide reliable, safe and accessible care. We believe these services are vital to the story of Oregon wine, and now there’s a chance for you to support the community and access our wines made solely for this purpose.
The Summertime ¡Salud! E-Auction is your chance to get in early on one case of our rare and premium ¡Salud! Cuvée, a blend of our very best Pinot Noir barrels. Only five cases are produced each year, sold only at ¡Salud! events in the past. For three days only, bid from anywhere via phone or computer on one special case. Help make healthcare accessible to all. Purchases may be tax deductible.
Learn more and register to bid today.
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:51 AM
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CHARITY OF THE MONTH - JULY 2018: PROJECT LEMONADE
THROUGHOUT JULY 2018, A PORTION OF EVERY TASTING FEE AT PONZI VINEYARDS WILL BE DONATED TO PROJECT LEMONADE.
Project Lemonade has been selected as our Charity of the Month. This organization, run entirely by volunteers, supports and promotes confidence in foster children by helping them shop for free back-to-school clothes at their location in Lloyd Center Mall. Each foster child selects their own new or nearly new outfits, accessories and shoes. Any child with an open case and those under the supervision of the state of Oregon are eligible to schedule an appointment to shop.
Since 2012, Project Lemonade has served approximately 10,000 foster children from over 26 counties. There are around 13,000 children in the Oregon foster care system. Budget reductions have practically eliminated state-issued clothing vouchers that foster families use to purchase clothing. Many foster children move frequently and sometimes suddenly, and can fit all of their belongings in a single plastic trash bag. Project Lemonade was created to help provide essential clothing items to these children.
This organization was selected as our Charity of the Month by Anna Maria Ponzi, Winery President and Director of Sales and Marketing at Ponzi Vineyards. “Project Lemonade is based on a simple principal: when kids feel good about themselves, their confidence builds, which drives inspiration and motivation,” says Ponzi. “Most foster kids move to several homes throughout the year, usually bringing with them very few belongings. What clothing they may have is often too small or well-worn. At Project Lemonade, we allow kids the thrill of shopping for new back-to-school clothes, which for many is a unique experience. It’s amazing what can happen when a young person begins those first days of school feeling empowered simply by what they’re wearing. I am drawn to help those without a voice. I feel obligated to advocate and support those whose journeys have been difficult, especially young people who are victims of situations beyond their control. Project Lemonade, through its simple mission, allows me a way to make another individual’s path less challenging and, if nothing else for a moment, just a little more positive.”
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 Project Lemonade through the end of July.
- Learn more about Project Lemonade.
- Get directions to our Tasting Room, just 40 minutes from Portland.
- Read about our Tasting Room.
Jul 6, 2018 at 10:52 PM
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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
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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
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