Round Table Tasting: Ponzi Vineyards with CEO Jean-Bapstiste Rivail

On Thursday, August 6, from 5:30–7:00 PM, we're delighted to welcome Jean-Baptiste Rivail, CEO of Ponzi Vineyards, for a special tasting at Knightsbridge. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore one of Oregon's most historic wineries while hearing firsthand about its remarkable legacy and the wines that continue to set the standard for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be an exceptional evening.

Founded in 1968 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the world's premier Pinot Noir regions. Long before the Willamette Valley earned international acclaim, the Ponzi family believed Oregon's cool climate could produce wines to rival the great Pinot Noirs of the world. More than five decades later, their commitment to thoughtful farming, low-intervention winemaking, and exceptional quality has made Ponzi one of the region's defining estates.

A key to Ponzi's signature style is its remarkable home in the Laurelwood District AVA, a small sub-appellation within the Chehalem Mountains. Here, a rare combination of windblown Laurelwood soils layered over ancient basalt bedrock produces wines that balance vibrant red and dark fruit with distinctive notes of white pepper, baking spices, cola, and an unmistakable sense of place. Differences in elevation and soil depth further shape each vineyard block, allowing Ponzi to craft Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of exceptional nuance, elegance, and complexity that have become benchmarks for the Willamette Valley.

We'll be tasting:

1. 2023 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris - Estate-grown from some of Oregon’s oldest own-rooted vines. Been defining Oregon’s voluptuous style for over five decades.
2. 2022 Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood District Chardonnay - 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.
3. 2023 Ponzi Vineyards Tavola Pinot Noir - 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.
4. 2023 Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood District Pinot Noir - 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.
5. 2021 Ponzi Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir - 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.