Season 07 - Episode 4 -Maria Ponzi- Paul Johnson and the Linfield University Center for Wine

Wine Crush Podcast NW

In this engaging episode of the WineCrush podcast, Season 7, hosted by Heidi Moore, listeners are taken on a journey into the heart of Oregon's wine country, with a emphasis on the storied wine-producing region of the Willamette Valley. The episode is adorned with rich narratives from two distinguished guests, Paul Johnson of Satyr Fires and Maria Ponzi, who delve into their personal histories, their contributions to the Oregon wine industry, and their perspectives on wine education and collaboration.

Paul Johnson's story is one of a passionate transition from the East Coast to Oregon, driven by a love for Pinot Noir. Having managed a wine shop in Connecticut and being enchanted by Oregon's Pinot Noir, Paul made the significant move to Oregon with hopes of contributing to its wine legacy. Despite his self-professed status as an outsider, Paul highlights the open, collaborative spirit within the Oregon wine community that welcomed him and allowed him to pursue his winemaking dreams. His venture, Satyr Fires, stands as a testament to the success born from community support and mutual enthusiasm for wine.

Maria Ponzi offers a profound insight into growing up amidst the burgeoning Oregon wine industry. Not born into it but introduced at a tender age of four, Maria's narrative is rich with the evolution of the Oregon wine scene from its nascent stages, marked by skepticism and a lack of identity, to its current global renown. Maria's journey transitions from hard labor in the vineyards to a pivotal role in sales and marketing, illustrating her adaptability and passion for the family business. Furthermore, her literary contribution, "Pinot Girl," serves as a personal memoir and a historical account of Oregon's wine industry's growth, capturing the collaborative spirit that propelled it forward.

The episode takes a thoughtful turn towards education with a focus on Linfield's Wine Studies Program. Maria Ponzi, serving as the interim director, outlines the program's comprehensive approach to wine education, encompassing viticulture, enology, marketing, sales, and more. Linfield's program stands out for its emphasis on real-world experience, boasting partnerships with local wineries and the innovative Acorn to Oak Wine Experience managed by Paul Johnson. This unique venture pairs wine business operations with educational goals, offering Linfield students invaluable hands-on experience in the wine industry.