What does it take to lead—and eventually sell—one of Oregon's most iconic wineries? In this episode of Women's Million Dollar Conversations, Alice Tang sits down with Anna Maria Ponzi, former owner of Ponzi Vineyards and a true pioneer in the American wine industry. Anna Maria shares her journey of growing up in the vineyards and eventually taking the helm to lead the brand through massive expansion and a successful global acquisition.

Anna Maria discusses the delicate balance of maintaining family traditions while making the hard strategic decisions necessary for a million-dollar exit. If you are a founder wondering how to build a brand that lasts—or how to know when it's time to move on to your next chapter—Anna Maria's insights on stewardship and soul are essential.

In this episode, you'll learn:
-How to scale a family-owned business while staying true to its founding values.
-The emotional and strategic process of preparing a company for acquisition.
-Why Anna Maria views her role as a "steward" rather than just an owner.
-The importance of defining your own success beyond the family name.

Key Moments:

01:10 – Anna Maria's background: Growing up in the Oregon wine industry.
02:55 – The Value of Money: Creating security for the family and the legacy.
04:30 – Scaling Ponzi Vineyards: Reaching milestones through quality and consistency.
06:45 – The Decision to Sell: Navigating the complexities of a multi-generational exit.
09:15 – Breaking the Bias: Leading as a woman in the traditional world of viticulture.
12:50 – Advice for Founders: Why you must understand the "soul" of your business.
15:40 – Gratitude: Reflecting on the impact of Ponzi Vineyards on the global stage.