Celebrated Oregon wine pioneers, Dick & Nancy Ponzi established their now world-renowned Ponzi Winery back in 1970, helping in the process to prove what's now a given: the Willamette Valley is indeed a perfect place for making Pinot Noir and other wines. They made the move north from the Bay Area, inspired by some celery wine and the desire for a better, back-to-the-land lifestyle for their growing family.

Then in 1984, the Ponzis launched BridgePort Brewing, the state's first craft brewery. In their eyes, it was a natural extension of winemaking, and from its inception, BridgePort was hailed for its innovation and quality beers.

Join us for a lively conversation with Dick and Nancy about such early-day adventures as when they (and their young children) were the primary labor force of the winery; and the historic debut of their brewery amidst abandoned buildings and active rail yards-- today's Pearl District in Northwest Portland. For both ventures, Dick was designing and building much of the needed machinery.

Throughout their near half-century in Oregon, the Ponzis point to the genuine feeling of community among winemakers and brewers here. This cooperative spirit fostered much success and a lot of fun over the years! Other regions and states haven't been so lucky.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp