Ponzi Blog
Ponzi Vineyards supports local scholarship fund
Each month Ponzi Vineyards supports a different local charity by donating a portion of the proceeds from tasting fees. In June we featured LIVE, Inc. We are proud to share that our donation will help fund a scholarship for first-generation students enrolled in the Wine Studies Program at Chemeketa Community College.
LIVE supports environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing through third-party certification and education. Since 2000, all four Ponzi Vineyard sites have been certified by the organization.
From LIVE:
Al MacDonald/LIVE Wine Studies Scholarship Fund
The Oregon wine industry employs many promising young people of color. Our goal is to provide assistance to first-generation students enrolled in the Wine Studies Program at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. Funds will be used to help defray tuition costs and other educational expenses. Participating students must enroll or be enrolled in classes and make consistent progress toward their degrees or certificates in the Wine Studies Program.
Donations will be generously matched up to the $5000 milestone by Al MacDonald, one of the founders of both LIVE and the Wine Studies Department at Chemeketa Community College. This scholarship has been named to honor his lifetime of service in education and sustainable agriculture.
Donations above the $10,000 milestone will be used to further fund this scholarship, and to establish similar endowments at other community colleges with wine studies programs in the Pacific Northwest.
LIVE is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing practices in the Pacific Northwest. Our third-party certification of vineyards and wineries is internationally recognized as the gold standard for sustainable winegrowing programs.
Questions about this scholarship or about sustainable agriculture can be emailed to LIVE Executive Director Chris Serra at chris@livecertified.org.
Aug 8, 2017 at 12:31 PM
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Comments (4086)Celebrating Women of Pinot at Ponzi!
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.
Yoga in the Vineyard with Margo
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.