Oral History Interviews: Ponzi Vineyards

Title

Anna Maria Ponzi Interview

Media

Interviewer

Schmidt, Rich

Document Type

Video File

Duration

1 hour 19 minutes 55 seconds

Publication Date

6-7-2019

Disciplines

Oral History | Viticulture and Oenology

Abstract

This interview is an oral history conducted by Linfield College archivist Rich Schmidt with Anna Maria Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards. The interview took place at Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood, Oregon on June 7, 2019.

Anna Maria Ponzi is the president, director of sales and marketing, and a second-generation owner at Ponzi Vineyards. In this interview, Ponzi talks about how she was born into the wine industry (Ponzi Vineyards was founded in 1970 by her parents, Nancy and Dick Ponzi) and how grateful she is to be part of the industry. She talks about how Ponzi has evolved into what it is today and explains how she found her place on the marketing side of the industry. Ponzi credits the winery's success to the open relationship her parents had with their kids, and she discusses how being a woman and daughter in the wine industry meant she had to be strong, persistent, and courageous in order to be taken seriously. Ponzi talks about her daily life, marketing philosophy, and the various organizations she has been a part of (such as ¡Salud!). She closes by discussing the future for her business and changes in the Oregon wine industry, and she offers advice to individuals looking to enter the industry.

Comments

Some oral history interviews were conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.

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