Tara Bomberger – CFO @ Ponzi Vineyards
Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with Ponzi Vineyards on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Chief Financial Officer.
Founded in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards helped put Oregon’s Willamette Valley on the map as a world-class wine region. What started as a 20-acre farm has grown into a 175-acre estate producing around 40,000 cases per year, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for its pioneering spirit and high standards, Ponzi remains one of the most respected wineries in the region—and a key ambassador for Oregon wine beyond state lines, thanks in part to its standout hospitality and longstanding reputation.
In 2021, Ponzi was acquired by the renowned Bollinger family group—marking their first-ever venture outside Europe. The vision from the outset has been clear: to take this great Oregon winery and amplify its commitment to quality and global recognition. With Bollinger’s deep expertise in winemaking and farming, and a long-term investment mindset, Ponzi has moved decisively—developing nearly 40 new acres of vineyards (now certified organic and preparing for B-Corp certification), refreshing its brand identity, investing significantly in the cellar and vineyards, and elevating both wine quality and guest experience. The portfolio has been streamlined to focus on excellence, and the team continues to grow through training and international exchange.
This strategy is paying off: Ponzi Vineyards is now receiving critical acclaim like never before. Recent vintages have earned some of the highest scores ever awarded in the region. James Suckling has called it “a stalwart,” Wine Advocate described it as “the yardstick against which all Pinot Noirs should be measured,” and Time Magazine featured Ponzi as a reason to visit the Willamette Valley in its “100 Places to Visit” list—just to name a few.
Today, Ponzi is writing a new chapter—one that honors its roots while embracing a bigger, bolder future.
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