In the late 1960’s, Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to Oregon to pursue a dream of producing world-class Pinot noir. After many research trips to Burgundy and an extensive search for the ideal location, they purchased 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. Contrary to the beliefs at the time, they knew the climate, soils and vineyard site met every need of cool-climate grape varietals. The Ponzi Family planted their first Pinot noir cuttings, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded. In 1974, the first four commercial barrels of Pinot Noir were produced and released to the Oregon market 2 years later. Following many successful years of producing incredible wines and helping to establish Oregon as a place to produce world class wines, Dick and Nancy handed over ownership and management to the second generation - The Ponzi Sisters--Winemaker Luisa Ponzi and President Anna Maria Ponzi. Luisa had always worked with her father in the winery. She moved to Beaune to attend the famous wine school, where she was awarded the Certificate Professionnel D’Oenologie et Viticulture in 1993, the first American woman to earn such distinction. Luisa took over the winemaking duties from her father later that year and completed her first vintage as head winemaker. Maria Ponzi graduated from the School of Journalism at the University of Oregon and worked in the publishing industry in Boston before returning home to the wine business in 1991. In 2014 Maria assumed the position of President, overseeing all business operations Since 2000, all Ponzi vineyards have been LIVE Certified Sustainable, the highest international standard for sustainable stewardship of the land. A thorough set of guidelines requires low impact practices and encourages biodiversity. The combined goals are producing the highest quality wines while nurturing and protecting the terroir. Ponzi requires its growers to meet the same farming standards. In 2006, the Ponzi family purchased a site in the Chehalem Mountains and planted Twenty acres planted and construction of a new winery started. The site sits on the sloping mountainside with panoramic views offering sight lines to all Ponzi Vineyard properties. The beautiful Avellana Vineyard surrounds the winery. Ponzi Vineyards now owned and farmed over 160 acres in the Laurelwood District AVA of the Willamette Valley. In 2008, the gravity-flow winemaking facility became one of the first to be certified by LIVE for both the environmentally conscious building design and responsible winemaking practices. Ponzi’s long-standing and holistic approach to sustainability also extends to their vineyard crew, by offering high wages, full-time employment and healthcare options. in 2021 the sisters decided to sell the winery and vineyards to Groupe Bollinger family. The Ponzi family retained 100 acres of vineyards and will grow and sell grapes to Ponzi Vineyards. Lisa has stayed on as Legacy winemaker and is joined by North Michigan native Max Bruening as winemaker. Max has experienced vintages in Michigan, California, New Zealand and Oregon. He joined the team in 2016. JB Rivali is the CEO of Ponzi Vineyards and Executive Vice President of Groupe Bollinger USA. JB has worked for some of the world’s top fine wine companies in sales, distribution and international management. The team’s goal is to continue the legacy of Ponzi Vineyards and produce world class wines that reflect Oregon’s remarkable terroir.