Ponzi Blog

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. 

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. 

Meet the Maker: Sarah Wolf Ceramics

Photo by Ellie Baygalov

The Laurelwood at Ponzi Vineyards is a wine country hospitality space like no other, and the attention to every detail has been meticulous. Local food and flavors will be served here to gatherings large and small, and the dinnerware had to be beautiful while reflecting the aesthetics and values of the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to supporting local makers, Anna Maria Ponzi found the perfect plates in the open-air studio of the talented ceramic artist, Sarah Wolf.

With a background in geochemistry, Wolf decided to return to school and earned a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Working from her studio in Northwest Portland, she is quickly earning a loyal following with her unique ceramic dinnerware and vases. Her designs are minimalist and modern, with a slight folk-art feel that is very contemporary.

Ponzi Vineyards is very pleased to have partnered with Wolf Ceramics  on such a special custom dinnerware set for use in 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. Wolf’s work resonates that concept in a marriage of rustic feel and modern lines. Gatherings held in The Laurelwood will not only be hosted in one of the finest hospitality spaces in the Willamette Valley, they will also dine in style on dinnerware crafted by this gifted artist.

Ceramics and winemaking both are equal parts art and science. As a native Oregonian, Wolf is a perfect choice for this space built by a family so deeply rooted in the region. In selecting other artists and craftspeople, 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 Wolf in The Laurelwood are a gifted woodworker, metalworker and architect (stay tuned for their stories soon). 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 Wolf’s work on her website.
• Get a look at some of the beautiful details of The Laurelwood.
• You have the dishware, but now what? Watch our video on how to perfectly set a table for formal occasions.

Introducing the new 2017 ROSÉ with Wine Pairing 101.

What: Wine Pairing 101: Dinner at Ponzi Vineyards
When: Saturday, February 10th, 7pm
Details: $125. Limited to 50 guests
 

Where: Ponzi Vineyards: 
19500 SW Mountain Home Road, 
Sherwood, OR 97140

Just in time for Valentine's Day. Ponzi Vineyards will be setting the table for a food and wine filled night to remember. 

Taste your way to becoming proficient in selecting the perfect wine for any meal. Learn the tricks of the trade from Culinary Director, Thomas Ghinazzi, as you explore Ponzi wines and vintages expertly paired with a variety of seasonal dishes.

This popular evening is topped off with the release of the Ponzi Pinot Noir Rosé & Rosé magnums. Join us for a fun, festive, and elegant dining experience in the heart of Oregon's wine country.

PLEASE RSVP BY FEB. 3
($125 / ticket. Limited to 50 guests. Sells out early.)

Ponzi How-To Guide: Setting a Formal Table

Is the fork on the left or the right? Where do the dessert utensils go? When it comes to the holidays, it's fun to dress things up a bit. For tips on how we would set the table for a formal dinner party, watch this quick 2 minute video.

Click here to watch more How-to Video's, TIPs, and Wine 101.

Ponzi How-To Guide: Opening a Wax Seal

Many Ponzi magnums and specialty cuvées are finished with wax. Learn how to open these bottles safely. All you need is a cork puller, a strong hand and a bit of confidence. 

Here are a few of our favorite selections:

2014 Ponzi Old Vine Pinot Gris

2016 Ponzi Riesling Magnum

 

 

Riesling Recipes

Clay pot chicken tarragon

INGREDIENTS

• 6 whole chicken breasts
• 6 T chopped fresh tarragon (reserve
• 1T for garnish), or 2 1/2 tsp. dried
• S & P, to taste (Salt on the heavy side for clay-pot cooking)
• 1 1/2 C dry white wine
• 1 T arrowroot powder

TECHNIQUE

1. Soak the clay pot, top and bottom, in water for 15 minutes
2. Rinse the chicken in cold water and lay it on a clean cloth to dry.
3. In a well-soaked clay pot, layer the chicken breasts, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper and tarragon. Pour wine over the chicken.
4. Place the top on the clay pot, and put it in the center of a cold oven.
5. Turn the heat to 480°F and bake for 70 minutes.
6 Carefully remove the very hot pot from the oven.
7. Arrange the chicken in a warm serving bowl.
8. Make sauce by straining the liquid from the clay pot into a saucepan. Heat just to boil, reduce heat, and stir in arrowroot to thicken. Adjust seasonings.
9. Arrange the chicken with whole sprigs of tarragon (if you’re fortunate to have a plant outside the kitchen), or garnish with some of the sauce and a sprinkle of tarragon. Surround the chicken with roasted or boiled colorful vegetables, or broiled tomatoes and grains such as farro, wild rice, or rice pilaf. Serve additional sauce at the table.

 

NORTHWEST CHOUCROUTE Garni

INGREDIENTS

• 1 T bacon fat
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 1/2 lb. high-quality sauerkraut,
• rinsed and drained
• 1/2 C dry Riesling
• 1/2 C chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5 juniper berries
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb. smoked ham hocks
• 1/2 lb. slab bacon, cut into large
• chunks
• 1 1/2 lb. assorted sausages
• 1 1/2 lb. pounds smoked ham
• Assorted mustards, for serving

TECHNIQUE

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Add the bacon fat to a large casserole pan and place over medium-heat on the stovetop.
3. When the fat is hot, add the onions and garlic, sautéing briefly until translucent.
4. Add the sauerkraut, Riesling, chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, juniper berries, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Remove the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
6. Arrange the ham hocks, bacon, and smoked ham in the bottom of the casserole and top with the sauerkraut mixture, spreading evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove from the oven, top with the sausages, cover, and bake again until sausages are done, approximately 30 minutes.
8. Serve with an assortment of mustards.

Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers

Deliver the gift of wine with a little panache. We have a limited supply of wooden gift boxes handcrafted in Oregon, available for magnums, single bottles and customized sets of 2, 3, and 6. Pick and choose your wine to create a gift perfectly tailored to the wine lover in your life.

Need a little help? Here are a few of our favorite combinations to guide you in your gift-giving this holiday season. From the collector to the chef to the ultimate wine critic, Ponzi has you covered.  

For the Collector - Three Vineyards with a story to tell

2015 Ponzi Abetina Pinot Noir ($105)
2015 Ponzi Aurora Pinot Noir ($105)
2015 Ponzi Vigneto Pinot Noir ($80)

To Oak or Not to Oak - a 2 bottle set to please any palate

2014 Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve- oaked ($40)
2015 Ponzi Chardonnay- unoaked ($22)

for the love of PinoT– A DUO of Pinot Noir

2014 Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve ($65)
2014 Ponzi Classico Pinot Noir ($43)

Three Pairings for the 3-course chef

2016 Ponzi Pinot Blanc- Pairs well with seafood and salads ($22)
2015 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir- Pairs well with salmon ($27)
2014 Ponzi Dolcetto- Pairs well with beef stew ($30)

A six-pack of award winners for the wine critic

2015 Ponzi Abetina Pinot Noir 95 points Tasting Panel ($105)
2014 Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve 96 points Wine Enthusiast ($65)
2014 Ponzi Classico Pinot Noir 96 points Wine Report Online ($43)
2014 Ponzi Aurora Chardonnay 94 points Wine & Spirits ($63)
2014 Ponzi Chardonnay Reserve 93 points Wine Enthusiast ($40)
2014 Ponzi Old Vine Pinot Gris 93 points Wine Enthusiast ($38)
 

A coveted magnum in a wooden box- you can't go wrong

Browse our extensive selection of large format cuvées.

Get ready to sip and share!

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Charity of the Month, Winter 2018: Family of Friends Mentoring

Throughout WINTER 2018, A portion of every tasting fee

will be donated to Family of Friends.

The Gresham based organization reaches Portland area youth with a mission to build relationships that elevate kids and families and make our community stronger.

Family of Friends is a personal passion project of Ponzi's Associate Winemaker, JP Pierce. We asked JP to share a bit about what inspired his support of this great organization.

"Family of Friends would give 6 weeks’ worth of training and place us with a family in our area who had a child at risk of not graduating high school."

"In late 2014 my wife Heidi and I were looking for ways to give back and forge a deeper connection with our community in Portland.  After coming across an online post from Family of Friends, we decided that becoming mentors for at-risk-youth in our area was a perfect option.  We would be given 6 weeks’ worth of training and be matched with a family in our area who had a child at risk of not graduating high school.   We could share our free time, imagination, love, and joy, with some young boy or girl who needed exposure to new experiences they couldn’t otherwise have. 

All of the children in Family of Friends come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds but similarly share stressors in their home life that would keep them from succeeding in school and from having opportunities we take for granted.  As mentors, we get to share anything we do, A to Z with some great kids (our family has 3 siblings), and in return we get to be a part of building a stronger community.  Heidi and I are very fortunate to be a part of our mentee’s life for these last 3+ years, and remain a voice and ears to someone growing up it a tough situation. "

About Family of Friends

Family of Friends' mentoring program matches volunteers with kids for a minimum of one year, though relationships often last for several years, and beyond. The mentor and mentee get together weekly for outings in the community. The organization's website shares the key benefits to this program, which was founded in 2003: "Kids get access to another trusted adult and fun activities, parents get an advocate for their child, and volunteers get to share their time and experience. Everyone gains a deeper understanding of the world around them."

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 Family of Friends.

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Tips for Flawless Wine Service

You’ve selected the perfect wine for your holiday meal. What you pour your wine into may come as an afterthought, but selecting the right stemware will truly enhance the wine and the occasion. Here are some tips for ensuring maximum enjoyment:

GLASSWARE

Selecting appropriate glassware will not only impress your guests and add some flair to your table, but will allow the wines to show their best.

Pinot Noir

The Oregon Pinot Noir glass was made by Austrian manufacturer Riedel especially for our region’s flagship varietal. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi was actually on the panel of experts who worked with Georges Riedel to develop the glass. The benefits of this special stemware are numerous. Our favorite features are the large bowl― ideal for easy swirling, conjuring all of the wonderful nuances Pinot noir has to offer; and the narrow chimney, which focuses the tantalizing aromas and subtle flavors and gently leads the wine to your palate.

While this glass was made for Pinot noir, you will find just about any wine will enjoy the glass’ benefits. At the Ponzi Vineyards Tasting Room, we serve nearly all of our wines in Riedel’s impressive Oregon Pinot Noir glass. Stop by the tasting room to pick up your own set of these impressive stems. If an Oregon Pinot Noir glass is not available, any large bowled glass, like a traditional Burgundy stem, will do just fine.

White Wines

We love serving Ponzi Chardonnay in the Oregon Pinot Noir glass, but white wines, especially the crisp, stainless-steel fermented cuvées will show quite well in a smaller bowled glass. Riedel makes several beautiful and easy to find options: Veritas and Vinum XL. This type of glass is perhaps the most common found on the market, so chances are you already have this type of stemware in your kitchen cabinet.

Specialty

Whether you’re popping the cork on a bottle of bubbles or pouring a seductive dessert wine, there are a handful of wines that necessitate their own special glass- and for good reason. A champagne flute is not only mean to look elegant and festive, but the tall, elongated glass actually helps keep the tiny bubbles in the wine. A larger bowled glass will expose more surface area and thus the CO2 will quickly dissipate.

Dessert wine, on the other hand, is a little more forgiving. Often times you find the after dinner variety is served in tiny stemware. Wine with higher residual sugar is best enjoyed in smaller quantities because it is so rich. It is not necessary to have special glassware on hand however. Use your white wine stemware. Just keep your pours to about 3-4oz, or half of what you would normally pour your guests.

At the end of the day, the occasion is yours. Use these suggestions as guidelines. If you want to serve your bubbles in an Oregon Pinot Noir glass, go for it… and enjoy fewer dishes to wash! Truth be told, your wine will benefit from quality stemware, no matter the shape.

More Pro Tips

Holidays often tempt overconsumption. Winery Founder and author of The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook, Nancy Ponzi offers a bit of wisdom: “Provide an attractive dump bucket or two. It’s not rude to dispose of wine, particularly if a number of wines are being served; it’s possible to love the wine but want to limit consumption― too much alcohol ruins tasting pleasure.”

Serving Temperature guide

To best experience the true essence of Ponzi wines, Winemaker Luisa Ponzi recommends serving them at the following temperatures:

Pinot noir: 63  ̊  
Chardonnay: 54  ̊
Pinot gris: 47  ̊
Vino Gelato: 43  ̊  

Refrigerators are typically kept at 32 ̊ - 40 ̊, while wine fridges are kept at cellar temperature: 55 ̊ - 57 ̊. Plan accordingly to chill your wines and pull them out in time to warm to the perfect serving temperature.

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