May Education Program - Just Add Wine: Oregon Wine Country Tourism & Incorporating Wine into Events

Join us for learning and discussion on all things Oregon Wine at The Allison Inn & Spa. Our presentation will be led by Oregon Wine’s Country own Anna Maria Ponzi. Maria has had the rare opportunity of working in every aspect of the wine business and has served the industry in myriad ways, most importantly, as an ambassador for Oregon wine both nationally and internationally. She will be sharing her insight on the past and future of tourism in Oregon Wine Country and how to incorporate Oregon wine into our events.

Learning Outcomes:

• The Evolution of Tourism in Oregon Wine Country
• How Oregon Wine can Inspire Travel & Tourism
• How Oregon Wine can elevate Group Dining Experiences and Events

Speaker:  Anna Maria Ponzi

Anna Maria Ponzi is the former owner and past president of Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. From the age of four, she’s had the rare experience of working in every aspect of the winery. She helped plant its original vines, worked on the bottling line, hosted guests in the tasting room and has made countless national and international sales calls. Anna Maria has served the state’s wine industry in myriad ways, including serving as an early ambassador for Oregon wine both nationally and internationally while building Oregon wine country into a travel destination. 

After earning her degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, she worked in Boston’s publishing industry until returning to the rural family business in 1991. Soon after, she was joined by her winemaking sister and the two young women trailblazed the growing tide of female vintners. Simultaneously, they grew the business from an annual production of 10,000 to over 50,000 cases and increased its vineyard holdings from 20 to 140 acres. This ownership distinguished Ponzi Vineyards as the nation’s only winery solely owned and operated by second-generation sisters at the time. 

She is recognized for establishing a premiere travel destination with the opening of the valley’s first seated wine experience among other visitor attractions in the area. Her memoir ‘Pinot Girl’ was released in celebration of the winery’s 50th Anniversary in 2020. A year later, she and her sister successfully negotiated the sale of the winery to the esteemed French house Société Jacques Bollinger of Champagne, France. In 2023, she created “The Four-Ounce Pour”, a keynote that reflects on her life in wine and how bringing intentionality and balance into our lives creates greater meaning and impact.

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🍇 Wine Enthusiasts' Delight: This year's raffle prize is a state-of-the-art wine cooler that combines functionality with elegance as well as wide variety of wines from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Imagine having your favorite wines perfectly chilled and ready for enjoyment at any moment. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, this prize is sure to elevate your wine experience.

🎟️ How to Participate: Participating in the raffle is as easy as pouring a glass of your favorite vintage. Simply purchase your raffle tickets online or at one of our in person events, and each ticket brings you one step closer to winning this fantastic wine cooler. The more tickets you have, the higher your chances of becoming the proud owner of this enviable prize.

📅 Important Dates: Mark your calendars with these key dates for the Annual Wine Cooler Raffle:

• Raffle Ticket Sales Begin: Friday, February 2nd
• Raffle Drawing Date: Tuesday, May 14^th
• Winner Announcement: During our monthly meeting at the Allison.

🥂 Raise a Glass to Support: The Annual Wine Cooler Raffle isn't just about the thrill of winning; it's also an opportunity to support MPI Oregon. Proceeds from the raffle go towards our chapter fundraising and allowing us to continue bring great education opportunities to our members.

🌟 Spread the Word: Help us make this year's raffle the best one yet by spreading the word! Share our posts on social media, tell your friends and family, and let's create a buzz around this exciting event. The more participants we have, the greater the impact we can make.

Don't miss out on the chance to win a premium wine cooler and support a great cause. Purchase your raffle tickets starting February 2nd and join us in raising a glass to another successful Annual Wine Cooler Raffle!

Cheers to good times, good wine, and good deeds!