Ponzi Vineyards Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

OWHA04

Name and location of repository

Level of description

Collection

Title

Ponzi Vineyards Collection

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

Languages of the material

  • English

Scripts of the material

  • Latin

Language and script notes

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

Place access points

Name access points

Accession area