PONZI BOTTLES 2009 VINTAGE IN ECO-FRIENDLY GLASS

Ponzi Vineyards sustainability objectives met with revolutionary new light-weight-glass bottles

BEAVERTON, OR— Ponzi Vineyards is proud to announce its first release from the 2009 vintage, the 2009 Ponzi Pinot Gris, in a new “eco-friendly” glass, produced by Saint-Gobain Containers’ Washington State plant and supplied by Caliber WinePak.

Ponzi Vineyards is one of the first Oregon wineries to bottle with glass from the company’s new ECO SeriesTM line, and the first to use it with the Stelvin closure. The low environmental impact glass containers were developed in response to a lack of high quality, eco-friendly wine bottles. With many wineries, particularly in Oregon, committed to sustainable farming and winemaking practices, access to sustainably produced packaging brings their commitment full circle.

Following in suit with the Ponzi family’s philosophies on sustainable business practices, all of the winery’s 2009 vintage wines, including the nationally distributed Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and two Pinot Noirs, and the small production Rosato, Chardonnay and Riesling, will be bottled in the ECO SeriesTM bottles.

Aside from the obvious ergonomic benefits of the 12 bottle case being lighter and easier to move around, the new design is manufactured in a manner that has significantly less impact on the Earth. Using recycled materials and reducing the overall weight of the bottle substantially lowers the amount of raw materials used by 15%. Additionally, the CO2 equivalent per bottle produced is reduced by 25%, and energy consumption for transportation to the winery is reduced by 25%. This new bottle is nearly one half pound lighter, and also slightly smaller, in diameter and height. These factors allow more cases to be added to shipments, making distribution more efficient.

“With the new glass, we save one truck for every seven making the trek to our warehouse in California, compared to what we were doing a year ago. Every little bit adds up!” says winemaker Luisa Ponzi.

Another happy by-product is the lighter bottles fit more comfortably in the average wine fridge.

Recognized last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain became the first glass manufacturer to be acknowledged as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The company’s immense efforts to decrease the use of energy and raw materials result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

With over 400 wineries producing nearly 2 million cases of wine annually in the state of Oregon alone, it’s clear how a little attention to this piece of the puzzle will go a long way.

Ponzi wines bottled in ECO SeriesTM glass make use of the Stelvin closure, a 100% recyclable aluminum screw cap. Look for 2009 Ponzi Pinot Gris at the Ponzi Estate Winery and the Ponzi Wine Bar this week. Ponzi wines are nationally distributed by Wilson Daniels, Ltd.

For more information on the eco glass, visit Saint-Gobain or Caliber WinePak online. For information on upcoming releases in the new container contact Ponzi Vineyards at 503-628-1227.
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Final Stop - Houston!

Renee Hamilton, Wilson Daniels Ltd. Texas Market Manager, is more than a knockout. She’s smart, ambitious and wine savvy and (like me) balances her role as mother, wife and breadwinner. She picked me up at the Lancaster Thursday morning and we were off.

First stop - aromatic YAPA, where we met owner Mark Lewis, who used to have a deli/take-out shop in Eugene, Oregon. He gave us our first order of the day - several cases of three wines – what a way to start the morning!

Our next meeting was a bit more intimidating. We met with the Fine Wine Buyer at Spec's Liquor Stores, Charles Dalton – better known as “Bear”. This man has incredible buying power as Spec's is one of the state’s largest wine stores. “Bear” is one of those buyers who makes you feel small. In addition to his large frame, he doesn’t say much when he tastes. He rather types his comments into his computer, without giving much back. As the presenter, this makes it incredibly challenging, wondering if he’s enjoying the wines or just getting through them. He did take a photo of us for his newsletter, so I figured that was a good sign.

An Italian gentleman was waiting for us at Spec's check-out counter as we left the appointment. He was to be my “date” for the day. Somehow Gabriele (Gabe) Chiocca (a real Italian) found his way to Texas and is now one of Republic’s top sales reps. We immediately hit it off, conversing in Italian in the car as we drove to our lunch appointment. Hearing and speaking Italian always takes me back to when I lived in Perugia many, many years ago. We had a delicious lunch at Arturo’s and met David Andry, the wine buyer there.

Next stop - the father/son team at Divino, a beautiful Italian restaurant. Chatting with Patrick McCray and his father Jim McCray, gave me a sense of connection. Working with one’s folks can be rich and fulfilling, but can also be challenging. Having patience is critical. These guys were great and I enjoyed getting an outside view of a family business relationship.

Busy Patrick Dorrian of Valentino was nice enough to meet with us, but our conversation was short and sweet. By this time, I was getting nervous, looking at my watch realizing traffic was accumulating on the highways and I was an hour from the airport. Tonight was the night I was flying home.

Renee wanted us to make one last stop at the Houston Wine Merchant. Gabe drove me there as he popped in a CD from one of his favorite Italian artists. He sang as I got restless in the seat next to him. Gabe dropped me off at the shop, I called Renee to insure she was watching the time, then went inside and met up with Marcy Jimenez, who was sympathetic to my concern over the time, but courteous enough to taste through the line-up.

Minutes later, Renee whisked me away to the airport with an hour to spare. That final flight home is the one I’m always most anxious about – when you’re ready to see your kids, you’re ready.

I spent the following two days relaxing with my family. A soccer game for Max, a trip to the mall with Lauren, a long walk with Sami and Brett, homemade pizza and a good movie at night settled me back into home life in Scholls.

Happy to be home, pleased to have sold some wine and to have met a lot of really nice people in the great state of Texas. Thank you, Texas and Republic. You guys are the best!

Ciao.

Maria

Vibrant Austin!

Landed in sunny Austin. Just as I was making arrangements at Budget, an attractive young woman, Stephanie Stowell, greeted me at the counter with a beautiful smile and rescued me. The bright, ambitious Republic On-Premise Sales rep helped me load my suitcase and sample of 2009 Pinot Gris into her car and we were off.

First stop, The Melting Pot, where we met Michael Swartz. Talk about a nice guy. It’s rare you meet a busy restaurant owner who is so calm, easy going and interested. I actually enjoyed the sales call. I love when this happens, when you actually find someone who is seemingly sincerely interested in your product and appreciates your story.

Stephanie organized a group lunch at Josie’s, where I was able to meet Jennifer of 219, Ike Johnson of Max’s Wine Dive and Sean Minto, Republic’s On Premise Wine Division Manager, a well-dressed charming British gentleman. Cory, owner of Josie’s, was busy in the back while his kitchen crew created delicious redfish tacos, which more than satisfied our entire table. The wines showed well with the dish’s spicy notes and the conversation was lively: how Internet wine sales are affecting independent wine shops and how Blackberrys have created poor manners and never-ending work weeks.

From there, Stephanie and I took a drive to a new development just outside of downtown Austin, The Domain. A new Westin Hotel opens this week and we were due for a staff training with the dining room staff. Hundreds of people were on the scene. Painters touching up the walls, random meetings being conducted throughout the space and vacuums were rampant, anticipating the grand opening. A tall, slender middle-aged man wearing very hip glasses gave us a hearty greeting. He’s known as “B”, Carl Bruggemeier, the concept developer for the restaurant. As “B” shook my hand, he remarked, “Ah, Ponzi, one of the country’s best wineries. Great family, great wines, great story. I’ve been placing your wines in my restaurants for decades.” Nice.

More than 20 servers showed up for the training – most of them sincerely interested in tasting the wines and hearing our story. I was impressed. I have a hunch they're going to sell a lot of Ponzi there.

Last stop of the day was at Eddie V’s where we quickly tasted through the wines with busy General Manager, Jeff Freeman. After being dropped at the hotel, I found my way to Avis and rented my car destined for San Antonio the following morning. Short workday, but well executed by Ms. Stowell, a brilliant rep who has a strong future in wine.

My evening was spent driving around Austin’s active city, alive with young people running, walking and biking along the river. I ended up at the sushi bar, Uchi, and was fortunate to strike up a friendly conversation with a nice gentleman from Dallas. he explained he was a fan of “big reds” and California wines, so in traditional form, I attempted to convince him to give Pinot Noir a chance, suggesting the 2008 vintage as a great opportunity. Who knows, maybe we’ll get another convert.

San Antonio Bound

Left early the next morning in my silver KIA driving South on Highway 35 due for San Antonio. Ray Ayala of Republic’s On Premise team met me at the airport where I traded in my chic ride for Ray’s Cayenne - better suited for the wine queen. We were off to see Oliver-Pierre Ressel of The Grape Wine Company. Yes, he’s very French and, yes, he knows his wine, fortunately he loved ours.

Lunch date at Fredericks (incredible food) included guests Erich Heileman of Vino Volo (the company that has set up wine bars in airports throughout America) and Joey Sholdra, GM at Bin 555. Nice guys. Just so happened the big guns from Republic Distributing were dining there, as well so had an opportunity to thank them for their support. I just love lunches. Don’t get these too often back home.

From there, we headed downtown, tossed back a double espresso and met up with Laz McGill at Bohanans – considered one of the best steak houses in the city. From there - get this - we walked! After passing The Riverwalk and some of the city’s most historic buildings, we sat down with Chris Walling, Director of Food and Beverage for the Omni Hotel. A proud Texan who enjoyed the wines and invited me back to host a future winemaker dinner.

Our final call was one of my favorites of the day – Christian Schimmelfennig of Flemings. Here’s a buyer who offers you cold water, a seat and pays you one of nicest compliment ever, “Your father is a real legend in American wine history. Congratulations.” Okay, so I immediately like this guy, and fortunately, he liked our wines too.

Hugs and thanks to Ray for the long day and next thing I know I’m removing my shoes and laptop at another airport security gate. Ah ... this is getting old. The days are beginning to run together along with the numbers of airport gates and hotel rooms.

Speaking of hotels, I just arrived at my Houston accommodation, The Lancaster. This charming old hotel is nestled in the center of the city. It’s quaint, clean, people are nice, Internet's free and the lights are on! No dinner tonight. Straight to bed. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to enjoy my last day in the Lone Star State.

Ciao.

Maria

Four Days; Four Cities

The Lone Star state greeted me with gray skies and a dark hotel room. Suffice to say, we’re not in Florida anymore. I checked into a well-known hotel chain, was issued a keycard at the front desk and made my way to my assigned room. I opened the door and walked into a dimly lit space with pillows scattered on the floor, jewelry on the desk and a used coffee cup on the counter. It took me a moment to realize – I’m standing in someone else’s room! Freaky. The front desk sorted it out and gave me an “upgraded room”, which was identical to the otherwise “downgraded room” except this one was actually clean. I called home, brushed my teeth and caught the final hour of The Academy Awards. Sandra Bullock rocks.

The abrupt entry into Dallas was soon forgotten the following morning as Linda Torbica, Wilson Daniels Ltd. District Manager met me at the hotel lobby in her champagne Lexus and bright smile. I boarded the luxurious transport and headed out for a full day of visiting the locals.

Our first couple stops were with wine and liquor store chains. This means meeting corporate buyers found in rather mundane office buildings. Nice enough guys, but so unfortunate to have to work in such uninspired interiors – featured colors: gray, beige or cream. And the fluorescent lighting doesn’t help to brighten the situation. In contrast to the décor, our wines shined, including the just released 2009 Pinot Gris, and we successfully placed several wines.

Lunch at Newports was a delight. We met up with an ambitious, sharp, young distributor rep, Courtney Steinberg and an enthusiastic savvy wine buyer, Tiffany Ross of Cork. A girl’s lunch indeed. Topics involved my kids, our husbands, wine, diets, books, careers – the usual. Tiffany, already a Ponzi fan, made for fun conversation and an enjoyable lunch.

Courtney and I managed to dodge the heavy rain and meet with some friendly accounts including Andy Powers at Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Taryn Anderson at The Porch and Yutaka Yamato at Yutaka. Sold wine, enjoyed Courtney’s company and overall had a good day. Linda met us at our last account, Yutaka Sushi (a place where I promise to indulge on my next Dallas visit) and made our way to Hibiscas.

Here we ran into the wine buyer Taylor who has been supportive of our Tavola Pinot Noir over the past few months. Linda invited Stuart Campos, Sales Manager for Republic’s Fine Wine Division to join us. We had an engaging dinner, discussing the distributor’s recent trip to Alsace where the sales team was able to experience the people, the place and the wines of the region. It’s moments like these when I wish I could join their educational visits. We agreed – we’re so fortunate to be able to work in this industry.

Although, I have to admit I miss the palm trees, the Texan accents are pretty darn charming even if the portions are a bit large.

Ciao.

Maria