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

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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 Mother's Influence and Early Lessons in Independence
17:30 The “Four Ounce Pour” Philosophy
22:30 Reflections on Intentional Living
24:10 Writing “Pinot Girl”
28:00 Giving Back to the Community
35:28 New Role at Linfield University
39:00 Evolving Leadership Perspective
42:30 Pride in Family and Career Achievements
50:50 The Future of Oregon’s Wine Industry
54:30 Evolving Definition of Success
56:35 Reflections on Community and Land Preservation
57:00 What “She Lights the Way” Means to Anna Maria