Luisa Ponzi on being a "wine grower," shifting perspectives, and Drink Lerzi!

About this episode

Luisa Ponzi discusses her evolving role in the Oregon wine industry and her upcoming projects.

Luisa Ponzi (wine grower, wine maker, vineyard lover, business owner, mama) says she's not quite sure what her "role" is these days - but it certainly has to do with wine. She says her role in the Oregon wine industry has shifted somewhat and it's done so in a natural way - where the winery used to be her key focus, she says she's now finding the vineyard is where she's pouring a lot of her heart and soul into. The Ponzi family moved from Southern California years ago to the Willamette Valley to start a vineyard, make wine, live off the land and Luisa has fond memories of being in the vines, playing in the dirt and helping Dad. Winemaking was not on her radar, but after she graduated college, Dad invited her to help with harvest (100% intentional on his part) and she says everything just clicked. She made tremendous strides in the Oregon wine industry and when she talks about winemaking, specifically, the vines her family planted years ago which are still producing grapes, you can almost feel her passion for this role she clearly loves so much. Be on the lookout for her label, "Luisa Wines" coming out spring 2026 and the collab she's currently doing with her daughter, Mia…

People in this episode

Host: trish glose

Guest: Luisa Ponzi

Topics covered

• wine industry
• vineyard
• winemaking
• family business
• Oregon wine
• shifting roles

Keywords

• wine grower
• vineyard
• Luisa Wines
• Drink Lerzi
• Oregon wine
• winemaking
• family

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Luisa Wines, Drink Lerzi

Places: Oregon, Willamette Valley, Southern California

More episodes of Hungry for More : an Epicurean's Dilemma

• Warner Boin on "Confidence Uncorked," taking the big jump, and more fun (less snob) with wine · May 28, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Jamie Tracey on the "Anti-Chef", his journey to the kitchen, and his film on Bigfoot · April 30, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Mindy Crosato on climbing out of a low, 2015 "Chopped" Champ, and Decadent Creations · April 16, 2026 · 48 min
• Melissa Cookston on deviled eggs, being in the BBQ Hall of Fame, and lessons beyond the grill · March 19, 2026 · 56 min
• Tiquette Bramlett on pivoting, challenging the norm, and gathering (around Henderson Ave. Wines) · March 3, 2026 · 1h 31m
• Lauren McDuffie on salad dressing (new product launch!), writing, and forever helping the home cook · February 12, 2026 · 59 min