Maria Ponzi
Maria Ponzi Director of The Center for Wine Education | Endowed Chair of Wine Studies
TJ Day
Maria Ponzi is a distinguished leader in the wine industry, known for her lifelong dedication to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As the former owner and president of Ponzi Vineyards, she played a pivotal role in elevating Oregon wine to international prominence. She grew up immersed in the family business, from planting vines to expanding production and sales, and alongside her sister, built Ponzi Vineyards into one of the nation’s premier wineries. Her leadership extended beyond winemaking, helping transform Oregon wine country into a sought-after travel destination.
After earning a journalism degree from the University of Oregon and working in Boston’s publishing industry, she returned to Ponzi Vineyards in 1991, guiding its expansion from 10,000 to over 50,000 cases annually and increasing vineyard holdings significantly. In 2021, she and her sister successfully negotiated the sale of the winery to Société Jacques Bollinger of Champagne, France.