Ponzi Vineyards
Winery
Aptly named Collina del Sogno, which loosely translates from Italian to “Place of Dreams,” Dick Ponzi’s dream of doing it right, as he puts it, is a goal realized after more than 30 years of planning. Ponzi’s state-of-the-art, sustainable winemaking vision marries innovation and efficiency with environmentally friendly wine production. The 30,000-square foot facility maximizes the natural contours of the site for light, temperature control, gravity flow processing, water retention and recycling.
The four-level winery is primarily constructed of concrete and metal with wood features. The concrete portion of the building utilizes fly ash, a waste product from coal-fired power plants. Solar panels line the south facing side of the angled roof, providing energy that will be integrated into the electrical power system. Excess electrical power will be sold or credited back to the power company. The Zincalum metal roof contributes reflective properties to support the high quantity of insulating material to maintain constant cool temperatures. Additionally, the building is 80 percent buried in the ground which further sustains consistent temperatures. Ventilation is accomplished by mechanically bringing in cool evening air when required. No air conditioning should be necessary.
Slender exterior windows along the top of the building allow for just enough sunlight to pass into the facility, making it bright enough to work without appreciably affecting the interior temperature. This indirect natural lighting is designed around 90 percent of the exterior walls, with energy efficient fluorescent light fixtures also available when necessary.
Not all of the innovation takes place indoors. For example, the facility will also take advantage of the rainy Oregon climate by collection and storing storm water for irrigation and fire suppression. All process water will be collected for irrigation as well. Landscaping will feature drought resistant and native plant species.
Collina del Sogno sits on a 42-acre parcel between Beaverton and Newberg, atop Chehalem Mountain. The project is scheduled for completion in time for the 2008 harvest.
The second generation — Michel, Maria and Luisa — maintains the tradition of sustainable practices in every aspect of the family business. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi’s gentle, hands-on techniques in the vineyards and cellar preserve varietal character and ensure a healthy ecosystem in which the vines, native plants and insects can thrive.
“In today’s global market, it’s imperative every wine send a clear message to it’s buyer. Our story is about high quality, sustainable agriculture and true stewardship of the land. This message is paramount to Oregon’s positioning in the global wine marketplace. LIVE certification emphasizes this point and creates a brand position that most other wine regions simply don’t have — it’s our edge on the competition. To be able to say your winery and vineyards have achieved the highest certification in the world for sustainable viticulture, that’s pretty powerful,” says Maria Ponzi.
