Ponzi Vineyard

WineTrail trekkers with a modicum of Oregon wine history know the name Ponzi. Just hearing the name conjures up images of pioneers, industry leaders, land stewards and family. Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved to the northern end of the Willamette Valley in the 1960s with the express purpose of growing cool-weather Burgundian grapes and other varietals. Although many observers in the wine world would have considered them a little crazy, they proved otherwise and showed the world that pinots and chardonnays would do just fine in the rich earth found between the Oregon Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains.

Visitors to the Ponzi Vineyards estate in Beaverton are advised to budget extra time for this winery. It’s a field trip. First off, the well-manicured grounds and indigenous gardens, populated with amazing sculpture, will hold your attention even if landscaping isn’t your thing. Weather permitting, you will likely see people playing bocce, sharing a picnic, or strolling about. Once inside, your eyes will lock on the pictures and storyboards sprinkled on the walls. The image of little Luisa Ponzi in the vineyard with her blond hair foretells her future role as Ponzi’s second-generation winemaker. By now, you look at your watch and realize that a full half-hour has slipped by and you haven’t had your first swirl and sip!

The eager-to-please pouring staff paces you through a tasting bonanza of reds and whites, including Italian dolcetto and an unusual arneis varietal. Of course, center stage is pinot noir served in Riedel stemware designed especially for savoring this Burgundian varietal. (Try it. It works! You will taste a difference.)

For those wishing to spend extra time learning more about Ponzi Vineyards, including technical winemaking information, groups of five or more can arrange a customized tour of the winery. Call 503-628-1227 to arrange a private tour.

If your wine-tasting weekend only allows a quick getaway to Dundee, check out the Ponzi Wine Bar at 100 SW Seventh Street. The wine bar features select wines from Oregon’s top vintners, microbrews, Italian coffee, and a selection of appetizers and local gourmet foods. (Dick and Nancy Ponzi also founded Oregon’s oldest microbrewery, BridgePort Brewing Company in Portland.) This is your opportunity to address the burning issue of which pairs best with pinot noir: cheese or chocolate?

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  Ponzi Vineyard was featured in WineTrails of Oregon as part of the Greater Portland WineTrail on page !