Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1970-2009 (Creation)
Extent
2.5 linear feet
Name of creator
Biographical history
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection contains newspaper and magazine articles highlighting the Ponzi Vineyards, photographs of the vineyards, invitations sent to and from the Ponzi’s, information about the Ponzi Vineyards published by the Ponzi Estate and outside publications, documents of correspondence, and miscellaneous materials that include mentioning of the Ponzi Vineyards and their wine.
System of arrangement
Arranged in two series: Series 1. Photographs. Series 2. Documents.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Access is by appointment only. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Latin
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Dick and Nancy Ponzi donated the Ponzi Winery Collection papers to the Linfield College Archives on November 2011.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Jereld R. Nicholson Library, Linfield College
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
International Pinot Noir Celebration Collection
¡Salud! Collection
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Summary: This collection details the history of Ponzi Vineyards, founded by Dick and Nancy Ponzi. It includes information regarding events at the vineyard as well as the winery business. Included are articles showcasing the accolades given to the wine made at Ponzi Vineyards and the history of the work that the Ponzis have done to create their winery, as well as the contributions of other individuals.
General note
Historical Note: Originally having nothing to do with viticulture or enology, the Ponzis were originally located in Southern California. After meeting Nancy, getting married, and having children, Dick Ponzi decided he wanted to revive his family tradition of home winemaking. The family focused on learning winemaking, working in California vineyards and studying at home, all the while raising their three young children. Then, after a number of years of learning, traveling, and researching, the Ponzis discovered Pinot Noir, and in 1969 set out along the West Coast to find a suitable location to begin
growing.
Eventually, they found the Willamette Valley: perfect for Pinot Noir and cheap enough to start up a new business. The original Estate Vineyard was established in 1970. By 1974, the Ponzis produced their first vintage. The Ponzis were also active in many other industries of the Willamette Valley. They opened one of Oregon’s first microbreweries in 1984, the Bridgeport Brewing Company. They later sold the brewery in 1995. In addition, the Ponzis also began their Dundee project in 1998 to commercialize and educate people on the wealth of agriculture and culinary prospects that the Willamette Valley ultimately had to offer. The Ponzis have a strong belief in the support of local foods and goods which led to the opening of The Dundee Bistro and Ponzi Wine Bar
Specialized notes
- Citation: Ponzi Vineyards Collection. Jereld R. Nicholson Library. Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon. Gift of Dick and Nancy Ponzi, March, 2012.
- Processing information: Input into Access to Memory by Elizabeth Arnold, 2024. Additional info input by Irene Taylor, 2026.
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Archivist's note
Processed by archives technician Terran Sobel-Smith, with the assistance of archivist Rachael Cristine Woody.
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Ponzi, Nancy, 1941- (Subject)
- Dick Ponzi (Subject)