Ponzi Blog

A Memorable Summer Festa

Summer Festa was a success! This event is our biggest of the year, and exclusively for our wine club members. What better way to celebrate our biggest supporters than with an evening of music, traditional Italian food and exquisite wine? Thank you to 3 Leg Torso, The Bylines, Pinolo Gelato and Caravan Coffee for making this event so memorable.

If you were in attendance, thank you! Please enjoy this gallery of images. If you are not a member, join today! You'll receive regular shipments of Ponzi wine, as well as winery and vineyard news and invitations to exclusive events like Summer Festa.

    
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

Women of Pinot: An International Dinner

On Thursday, July 26, 2018, Ponzi Vineyards hosted an international winemaker's dinner, featuring six women winemakers from Alsace, New Zealand, California and Oregon. A beautiful multi-course meal was served, highlighting the sixteen wines presented. Our featured winemakers were

• Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards, Oregon
• Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin, Alsace
• Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines, California
• Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines, New Zealand
• Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines, Oregon

It was such an honor and a pleasure to host these remarkable winemakers and all of our esteemed guests.

View our other exciting upcoming winery events on our calendar.

Women of Pinot Series: Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin

On July 26th, Ponzi Vineyards will host a very special Women of Pinot dinner celebrating women winemakers. Six women 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.

Only 3 seats remain! Get your tickets now on our website or by contacting events@ponzivineyards.com.

One of the featured winemakers at the dinner is Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin in the northeastern community of Orschwihr, France. Established in 1691, Domaine Valentin Zusslin has been successively operated, uninterrupted, for 13 generations. More than 300 years from its founding, it is now operated by siblings Marie and Jean Paul Zusslin, who have managed the company since 2000.

In 1997, the domaine converted to biodynamic viticulture. Much of the work is done by hand both in the vineyard and in the cellar to allow the grapes to fully express the unique terroirs of the region. During harvest, fruit is placed in traditional wooden tubs or small crates to avoid bruising. Immediately after, the clusters are slowly and gently pressed for several hours, producing a must (the expressed juice of the grapes) of very high quality. The juice is transferred to tanks using gravity and fermentation occurs naturally using indigenous yeasts. The wines then age in traditional large oak casks from the Alsace Vosges mountains, which are oval in shape to ensure smooth maturation of each cuvee.

This gentle handling of the grapes and the wine is very similar to the methods used at Ponzi Vineyards and yields elegant, expressive and nuanced wine.

Zusslin only releases wine when they are ready for immediate consumption or for additional cellaring. Some wines produced by Domaine Valentin Zusslin are 100% natural, with no added sulfites.

Her winemaking philosophy is to respect nature, the environment, the seasons and the natural process of winemaking. This approach creates beautiful wines full of vitality.

To meet Zusslin and sample her wine, please join us for our Women of Pinot dinner on July 26th. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet winemakers from around the world in a fun, intimate setting.

Only 3 tickets remain. 

PURCHASE HERE

Meet all the featured winemakers in our Women of Pinot series:

• Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards
• Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin
• Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines
• Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines
• Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines

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.

Women of Pinot Series: Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines

On July 26th, Ponzi Vineyards will host a very special Women of Pinot dinner celebrating women winemakers. Six women 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.

Only 5 seats remain! Get your tickets now on our website or by contacting events@ponzivineyards.com.

One of the featured winemakers at the dinner is Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines in New Zealand. Jacobs studied viticulture and winemaking in New Zealand and France, with experience working in Bordeaux. In 2005, Jacobs and her partner, Jeremy Corban, returned to New Zealand after living in France, knowing that it was the right time to pursue their dream of making world-class, hand-crafted wines that truly express the character of their vineyards. They were drawn to the Te Muna Valley near Martinborough. Set on the high alluvial terrace of the Huangarua River, it has deep gravels, low rainfall, warm days and cool nights, making it an ideal location for Pinot noir.

Her winemaking philosophy is simply to make the best wines possible, not the most wine possible. She stays hands-on and small so that each vintage can be personally managed. Her vineyards are certified sustainable and organic principles are followed whenever possible.

“Since terroir is at the heart of our wines, we look after the environment,” says Jacobs. “We live there. With our family. Why would we want to mess it up?”

Her flagship Pinot noir is hand-picked then crushed in two-ton open fermenters, hand-plunged and aged in new oak. The resulting wine has flavors of ripe berries, dark cherries and plums, with a savory mouth of warm spice and silky tannins.

Not content to only make lithe and elegant wines, Jacobs also sits on the board of the New Zealand Winegrowers Association and is an active part of the Association’s Women in Wine initiative, which offers support for women in the wine industry and encourages them to take roles of leadership and governance.

“This is such an interesting industry,” Jacobs says. “You can contribute in lots of different ways  with different skill sets."

To meet Jacobs and sample her wine, please join us for our Women of Pinot dinner on July 26th. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet winemakers from around the world in a fun, intimate setting.

Only 5 tickets remain.

SAVE YOUR SEAT

Meet all the featured winemakers in our Women of Pinot series:

• Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards
• Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin
• Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines
• Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines
• Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines

Women of Pinot Series: Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines

On July 26th, Ponzi Vineyards will host a very special Women of Pinot dinner celebrating women winemakers! Six women 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 Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines in California. A California native, Sequeira worked her first harvest at Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy, France, in 2002. In 2006, she worked a Southern hemisphere harvest at Vina Cobos in Mendoza, Argentina, and afterwards ran lab operations at a winery in the Russian River Valley of California. She joined La Follette in 2009.

At La Follette, Sequeira creates site-driven, terroir-focused wines. She possesses an appreciation for site and the unique interplay that art and science contribute to revealing the purest expression of terroir. She also has an acute sense of smell.

“I feel like I’m receiving nonverbal messages and cues all day long from ambient aromas inside and outside of the winery,” she said.

Her philosophy is to create wine that is transparent to the site, pure in its expression and enjoyable to drink. She partners with family-owned and farmed vineyards. Having worked with these growers for nearly a decade, she has gained a deep of understanding of their sites that enables her to craft wines reflective of that place at that time.

A natural multi-tasker, Sequeira finds that the role of winemaker suits her perfectly: “Winemaking is a carousel of vineyard visits, cellar decisions, tasting, traveling, spreadsheets and sharing the wines with others.”

To meet Sequeira 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.

Meet all the featured winemakers in our Women of Pinot Series:

• Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards
• Marie Zusslin of Domaine Valentin Zusslin
• Katherine Jacobs of Big Sky Wines
• Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines
• Simone Sequeira of La Follette Wines

 

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.

GET TICKETS

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.

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.)

Wine Pairing Tips to Match Your Holiday Fare

Since our founding, Ponzi Vineyards has crafted balanced, terroir-driven wines with pairing in mind. These are food wines, designed to enhance meals shared around the family table. During the holidays, good food, great wine and your favorite company come together, creating memorable celebrations. From our table to yours, here are some perfect pairings to try this holiday season:

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Generally, it's best to keep food simple when pairing with wine. "Avoid all together - or judiciously use - strongly flavored herbs, spices and vegetables," advises Nancy Ponzi, Winery Founder and author of The Ponzi Vineyards Cookbook. Holiday dishes tend to follow these rules, so pair away!

 

Salad and Younger Wines

Creating a memorable salad pairing relies on taking care not to overwhelm the fresher elements or the wines. Try an assortment of mild greens, and pair with younger, lighter bodied wines like the crisp, high acidity 2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris and fruit forward 2015 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir. Stick to clean flavors in the food and the wine, and keep it simple. Save older vintage and bolder wines for later, featured courses. Nancy's philosophy, "I avoid asparagus, artichokes, chilies or sauerkraut and am wary of Brussel sprouts."

Turkey and fixings with Chardonnay

A complex, structured and well-balanced Chardonnay will enhance all the flavors in roasted turkey and sides, match the acidity of a squeeze of lemon juice and bond with subtle rosemary, garlic and butter flavors. We recommend the limited production single vineyard cuvée, 2014 Ponzi Aurora Chardonnay with your main course. "Lemon balm, straw and white pepper frame this elegant nose, the palate holds true with dried quince, baked apple interlaced with balanced acidity and a touch of minerality," describes Winemaker Luisa Ponzi.

Turkey and fixings with Pinot Noir

It's always a good idea to offer a red option with holiday meals, in addition to the supple Chardonnay pairing suggested above. For a truly special pairing, uncork a bottle (or even a magnum) of the gorgeous 2014 Ponzi Abetina Pinot Noir and add a few mushrooms to your gravy. The structure and tannin of this spectacular Pinot noir will stand up to rich sides, without overpowering delicate turkey sweetness. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi describes, "Spicy notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla on the nose. The mouth follows with bay rum, dark chocolate and cedar notes leading to firm and persistent tannins to finish. Jam packed with everything needed to carry this wine for years." 

CHEESE AND WINE

Whether served as a pre-seating appetizer, palate cleanser or in lieu of a final dessert course, a cheese plate presents an excellent opportunity for wine pairing, giving guests a chance to sip your best wines and find their perfect complements. Preparation is simple, giving you time to focus on main dishes. "Generally look for rich, not overly strong or aromatic wine-complementary cheese," suggests Nancy. "Cheese presents a place to showcase your finest wine." Great wines to pair with cheeses include the bright and balanced 2015 Ponzi Riesling (also available in an elegant magnum) and lush 2014 Ponzi Classico Pinot Noir.  "If you're lucky enough to enjoy a fine Pinot noir (like the 2014 Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve), go for a mellow, rind-washed triple cream."

dessert and Dessert Wine

This pairing is easy! Traditional holiday desserts tend to feature fruits and pie spice. Pumpkin and apple pies keep some of the original sweet-tart flavors even after baking. Pair them with lightly sweet dessert wine, like the 2016 Ponzi Vino Gelato. Just in case there's no room for dessert, this wine stands on its own, a sweet finish to a rich meal. 

Have fun with your pairings and enjoy the conversations they may start. Happy Holidays!

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¡Salud! Pinot Noir Auction 2017

The ¡Salud! Pinot Noir Auction is an incredible event, pairing world class, one of a kind Pinot noirs with winemakers and buyers to support healthcare for vineyard workers. Here's a quick recap of this year's luncheon at Ponzi Vineyards. Please join us next year!

Second generation Ponzi Winemaker, Luisa Ponzi, sipped one of a kind Willamette Valley Pinot noirs while catching up with some old friends and members of a small number of second generation Oregon winemakers: Elk Cove's Adam Campbell and Sokol Blosser's Alex Sokol Blosser.

Winery President Maria Ponzi greeted guests and made sure the event was comfortable and fun.

Ponzi Associate Winemaker JP Pierce poured 2017 Ponzi ¡Salud! Cuvee in the winery.

With harvest finished for this year, Ponzi Associate Enologist, Annette, and harvest 2017 intern, Meille, enjoyed a well-deserved evening of luxury, hobnobbing with winemakers and choosing their favorite Pinot noirs.

Join us next year for the ¡Salud! Charity Pinot Noir Auction. Taste one of a kind cuvees, bid and support healthcare for vineyard workers.