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The Champagne Bollinger-owning Bizot family has announced that it will take over the Ponzi Vineyards winery in the US state of Oregon, which was founded in 1970 and has 14 ha of vineyards. The farm produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, several sparkling wines as well as the Italian grape varieties Arneis and Dolcetto. As part of the deal, the Ponzi family will retain 40.5 hectares of vineyards and grow and deliver the grapes under a long-term contract with Ponzi Vineyards.
"The US is such an important market for Champagne and wines from Burgundy, Sancerre, Cognac and the other regions where our family owns vineyards," said Etienne Bizot, chairman and CEO of the Bollinger family holding group. Under the leadership of a new management team, which is currently being searched, Anna Maria Ponzi will continue to lead sales and marketing during the transition period. Luisa Ponzi will continue her work as director for viticulture and winemaking in the future.
Four French wine estates already belong to Bollinger. Ponzi is the first acquisition in the USA for the champagne house. Nothing is known about the purchase price.
(uka / Photo: Ponzi Vineyards)