Ponzi Blog

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!

Charity of the Month, November: Willamette Cares Food Share

Throughout November and December, Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley Wineries and the Oregon Foodbank Networks team up to provide emergency food to the most vulnerable in our community, providing meals during the holidays. A portion of tasting fees from the Ponzi Tasting Room in Sherwood, OR, will help feed the people in the Willamette Valley community. Help us spread the joy this holiday season. Come taste and help Ponzi give back! #ponzicares

From Willamette Valley Wine, "It’s our opportunity to share our bounty during the holiday season and to give back to the people of our community. Won’t you join us?"

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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 Harvest Dinner 2017

Ponzi's Harvest Dinner 2017 was a magical evening featuring cozy atmosphere, chatting with two generations of the Ponzi family, a delicious meal and a preview of the 2015 single vineyard Pinot noirs and Chardonnays. Both second generation Ponzi sisters spoke, Luisa presented the new wines and Maria remembered the 2002 vintage.

The evening could not have more perfectly represented indian summer in the Willamette Valley. The clear skies faded into a spectacular sunset!

The dinner itself was an amazing five-course dinner by Winery Culinary Director, Thomas Ghinazzi, with each course perfectly paired with the unreleased 2015 Single Vintage Pinot noir and Chardonnay, plus a surprise library wine: the 2002 Abetina Pinot Noir.

To finish the meal, Chef Tom served a dessert of cheese blintz paired with limited release 2016 Ponzi Vino Gelato.

Please join us next year to celebrate the harvest. Mark your calendars!

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 >>

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.

Tickets are available >>