Small Pours, Big Impact with Anna Maria Ponzi

With refreshing candor, Anna Maria Ponzi shares her journey from planting vineyards at age four with her family to leading one of Oregon’s first and most iconic wine brands. Facing a male-dominated industry, she had to “work twice as hard” to build the renowned Ponzi name. She reflects on balancing motherhood with the demands of an international business and the complex dynamics of growing a family enterprise with her sister. Anna Maria opens up about the lasting influence of her trailblazing mother, who instilled resilience and self-sufficiency, emphasizing independence over conformity. Now leading Linfield University’s wine studies program, she reflects on success, intentional living, and her mission to mentor the next generation.  Her story is one of bold leadership and the importance of slowing down to savor life’s moments, leaving a legacy that goes well beyond wine. Thank you for listening ❤ See below for transcript, timestamps, to get in touch, and more. TRANSCRIPT: https://www.shelightstheway.com/amponzi-interview-transcript FOLLOW: Website: shelightstheway.com/ Newsletter: www.shelightstheway.com/newsletter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/she-lights-the-way/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/shelightstheway/  X: x.com/she_lights_way LISTEN TO THE POD: Podbean: https://shelightstheway.podbean.com/ RSS: https://bit.ly/SheLightsTheWayRSS  Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4091de0  Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4h8Kq0N  Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YeCt1m  READ THE BLOG: https://www.shelightstheway.com/blog CONNECT: Contact us: www.shelightstheway.com/contact Share a story: www.shelightstheway.com/story  EPISODE LINKS: Anna Maria’s Website: https://www.amponzi.com/ Anna Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-maria-ponzi-86b14a245/ Anna Maria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amponzico  Linfield University Article: https://news.linfield.edu/ponzi-named-wine-education-director/ Oregon Wine Press Article: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=fermenting-the-future--1722535118--3768--news  Pinot Girl Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anna-Maria-Ponzi/author/B085RF66LK  Ponzi Vineyards: https://www.ponzivineyards.com/our-story/ Anthony’s Circle: https://www.anthonyscircle.org/ In Memoriam: Maria Stewart: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/in-memoriam-maria-stuart  EPISODE TOPICS: 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 01:00 Early Days of Ponzi Vineyards & Family Legacy 03:30 Spirit of Collaboration in Oregon’s Wine Community 05:34 Growing the Winery with Her Sister 08:30 Challenges Faced as Women in the Wine Industry 13:54 Her Mo