19 FEBRUARY THURSDAY | Oregon's Ponzi Vineyards Tasting with Winemaker Max Bruening | 7 PM
- Posted on
- By Tim Graham
- Posted in chardonnay, oregon, pacific northwest, pinot gris, pinot noir, ponzi vineyards, willamette valley
Join us on Thursday, February 19th as we welcome winemaker Max Bruening of the Willamette Valley's Ponzi Vineyards to The Wine Wave for an exclusive tasting event in the Loft. For over 50 years, Ponzi has been at the forefront of producing and championing wines of the Willamette Vally in Oregon. This is a limited event and tickets will go fast, and a perfect evening to enjoy these wonderful Oregon wines.
Ponzi Vineyards - Sherwood, Oregon
In the late 1960’s, Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to Oregon to pursue a dream of producing world class Pinot Noir. After many research trips to Burgundy and an extensive search for the ideal location, they purchased 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. Contrary to the beliefs at the time, they knew the climate, soils and vineyard site met every need of cool-climate grape varietals. The Ponzi Family planted their first Pinot Noir cuttings, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded.
In 1974, their first four commercial barrels of Pinot Noir were produced. They released the wine to the Oregon market two years later. Since then, Ponzi Vineyards has become internationally acclaimed for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, setting the standard for Oregon and remaining at the forefront of the nation’s top wine producers.
Now nearly fifty years old, Ponzi Vineyards is thriving under the ownership and management of the second generation. The Ponzi Sisters--Winemaker Luisa Ponzi and President Anna Maria Ponzi--are established leaders in the industry after more than two decades at the helm of the company.
Ponzi Vineyards now owns and farms over 160 acres in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley. All vineyards are LIVE certified, the world’s highest standard for sustainable viticulture. Ponzi Vineyards also holds long-term contracts with many of the best growers in the region, whose vineyards are also certified sustainable.
Winemaker Max Bruening
A Northern Michigan native, Max embarked on his wine career in 2009, gaining invaluable experience with various Michigan wineries. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Max spent a transformative year working harvests in both California and New Zealand. In 2015, driven by a desire to explore cool climate varieties, Max made the pivotal decision to immerse himself in Oregon’s wine scene.
That year, Max participated in his first Oregon harvest with Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, an experience that solidified his passion for Oregon wines. Drawn to the state’s unique terroir and winemaking ethos, he eagerly joined the Ponzi Vineyards team in January 2016. Over the years, Max has navigated through nearly every position in the cellar, showcasing his dedication to the craft.
Max is not just a skilled winemaker; he is also a fervent advocate of low-intervention winemaking and sustainable farming practices. He understands that crafting exceptional wines is an intricate dance between nature and nurture. With a deep appreciation for the delicate balance required, Max is focused on ensuring each bottle reflects the essence of Oregon’s remarkable terroir.
The Ponzi Vineyards Tasting Lineup
Ponzi Vineyards 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris - $19.99
Inspired by Alsace, Ponzi released the first commercially produced Pinot Gris in the U.S. in 1981. Today, this sustainably grown wine is made predominantly from estate old vines—vibrant, expressive, and a living testament to Oregon wine history.
Ponzi Vineyards 2022 Laurelwood Chardonnay - $29.99
Laurelwood Chardonnay, from high-elevation vineyards, is defined by the salinity of its soils, giving the wine bright minerality, roundness, and texture, while still feeling grounded, fresh, and quietly complex.
Ponzi Vineyards 2023 Tavola Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - $23.99
An Oregon benchmark, Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir is a balanced, approachable cuvée sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards across the Willamette Valley, including Ponzi’s own old vines. Offering exceptional quality at an outstanding value, Tavola is perfect for everyday enjoyment, casual gatherings, or weeknight dinners, reflecting Ponzi’s commitment to both excellence and sustainability.
Ponzi Vineyards 2022 Laurelwood Pinot Noir - $32.99
This is a fresh, vibrant expression of the Laurelwood District, an AVA Ponzi helped pioneer and the first in Oregon defined by geology, celebrating how these unique soils bring energy and brightness to the wine.
Ponzi Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve - $79.97
Crafted from own-rooted, old vines with extra care and thoughtful intention, this iconic wine—credited with changing Robert Parker’s view of Oregon Pinot Noir—offers depth, structure, and quiet power.
The Details
Oregon's Ponzi Vineyards Tasting with Winemaker Max Bruening 7 PM
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 7 PM
Price: $115 per guest
Space: Extremely Limited
An evening of elegance, education, and the enduring spirit of the Willamette Valley.
Seating is extremely limited, secure your place for this unforgettable tasting experience
