Pinot Girl: A Family. A Region. An Industry.

by Anna Maria Ponzi

An intimate memoir by the daughter of one of Oregon’s earliest wine families. In 1968, California cabernet and French wines ruled the world. That was, at least, until the Ponzis and a handful of other determined visionaries dared to consider winemaking in Oregon. Dick and Nancy Ponzi were among the first to grow and process Pinot Noir grapes in the then undiscovered Willamette Valley. They were neither farmers, winemakers, nor businesspeople, but they were motivated by their passion and were determined to realize their dream. With their three children in tow, the young couple helped the valley to expand into a world-class wine region with an international reputation for revolutionizing American Pinot Noir. Through intimate and candid prose, Anna Maria Ponzi shares an insider’s view of this humble beginning—how a scrappy piece of land developed into a world-renowned wine business. Pinot Girl is an unforgettable, heartfelt account of the hard work, persistence, ingenuity, and collaboration it took to help establish this now famed wine region, told through the eyes of a young girl who grew up among the vines.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2020

Reviews

[Jamison Baken]

a MUST read! Couldn’t put this book down, loved learning about the Ponzi legacy. Captivating and extremely well written, will be giving this book to family and friends for Christmas this year. I can’t recommend ‘Pinot Girl’ enough!

[April Kniess]

I really enjoyed reading Anna Maria's memoir about her family's vineyard history. I live in Oregon and was very familiar with some of the places and names she mentions in her book. I actually live in Beaverton and would frequent the Ponzi tasting room. One of my favorites. I had no idea her family also started Bridgeport Brewery; also a place I visited frequently with friends. She and her family deserve much credit for bringing Pinot Noir to our beautiful state. Such a wonderful story. I appreciate it from her perspective as a child who had her hands in the progress from the beginning. A lot of love and hard work. Thank you for also bringing healthcare to the worker bees in the fields.

[Erin]

I’m certainly biased, having worked for the Ponzi family many years ago, but I think it’s fair to say this book is a wonderful read. The detailed descriptions of a path and place that looked so very different then was like walking into warm and curious memories. I enjoyed the many stories and even learned many new things. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves wine, a story of perseverance, or the history of places in the PNW. Enjoy it with a glass of Pinot (Noir or Gris)!

[Mary Kate]

After visiting the Willamette Valley for the first time last week, I picked up this memoir at my hotel. I am so glad I did! What a fun, little book about wine! Easy to ready, engaging, and informative. Would recommend to anyone interested in US wine, Oregon, and/or pinot noir.

[Kelly Andrew]

3.5 stars Kindle book-own