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Dana and Nick Blizzard of Blizzard Wines in Hillsboro, Oregon
Grapes at Alloro Vineyard in Sherwood, Oregon
Celebrating Woman-Owned Businesses and Winemakers

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PU Marsh Hall
Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood, Oregon

Celebrating Woman-Owned Businesses and Winemakers

Women Leading the Way in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley

March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day. Join us in honoring the great women running successful businesses here in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley.

Historical Figures

  • Tabitha Moffit Brown helped shape the history of Pacific University in Forest Grove. When she came to the Oregon Territory in the late 1840s, Tabita Moffat Brown was nearly 70. She helped form the Tualatin Academy, which was the first charter granted by the Oregon Territorial Government. One of the oldest educational buildings west of the Mississippi, Old College Hall came soon after and became Pacific University by 1854. She is known as the Mother of Oregon.

Winemakers:

  • Luisa Ponzi, Ponzi Vineyards
    Winemaker Luisa Ponzi knows a lot about winemaking. Not only is she the daughter of pioneering winemakers Dick and Nancy Ponzi, but she is also the first American woman to earn a certificate of enology and viticulture in Beaune, France. Ponzi is known for its elegant, modern tasting room with unbeatable views of the Chehalem Mountains and Avellana Vineyard. Enjoy fireside seating, patio seating with amazing views, bocce ball, and of course, award-winning wines.
  • Dana Blizzard, Blizzard Wines 
    Dana Blizzard first made her own small batch of wine using grapes from her parent’s vineyard in 2007 and decided to study winemaking to learn the science of it. Over the years, the vineyard was upgraded and a new tasting room was built, where visitors can experience Blizzard’s premier wines, enjoy the view and get an inside look at the production process.
  • Shannon Gustafson, Raptor Ridge Winery 
    Shannan Gustafson was the winemaker for Hawks View Winery before heading to Raptor Ridge, where she brings vast knowledge from her years of education and experience in winemaking across three continents.

Restaurateurs:

  • Lisa Tran, Tân Tân Delicatessen
    Lisa Tran is the daughter of refugees who escaped Vietnam in 1975. She told Bon Appetit the story that led them to today’s popular restaurant with its own collection of sauces. Lisa flourished as an entrepreneur when she started selling her mother’s sauces (right after having twins!). You can find Tân Tân’s peanut, hoisin, vegan “fish” and hot chili sauces at a dozen grocery stores and soon, visit their newly remodeled restaurant for all your favorite meals.
  • Carina Comer, Carina’s Bakery
    Carina Comer opened Beaverton’s first vegan bakery, which features traditional Swedish baking. Carina grew up fighting illness and is now a proud advocate, employing those with physical or mental disabilities. Her vegan recipes promote ethical living and “build an inspiring story” with each ingredient and each hand it takes to build and deliver it.”

Shop Owners

  • Anne Johnson, Mamancy Tea & Chocolate
    Anne Johnson, who grew up drinking tea as a family ritual in Kenya, is a certified tea sommelier and chocolatier. She uses ingredients from all over the world for her high-quality teas and chocolate truffles. Don’t skip the tea-infused chocolates like the masala chai, earl grey, or houjicha flavors. Mamancy also serves high tea, an English-style tea with hot tea, savory sandwiches, and sweet treats
  • Paula Hayes, Hue Noir Cosmetics
    In 2009, chemist Paula Hayes discovered the right formula for makeup for darker complexions and Hue Noir was born. Her makeup products–lipsticks, foundation and blush–are especially formulated for people of color. Paula’s makeup, including new product lines, limited-edition colors and more, is available at the Hue Noir Beauty Bar in Beaverton.
  • Hazzel Svvengar, Forager Vintage
    Hazzel opened her vintage clothing store in March 2020 after years of work, starting as an online seller before landing at her brick and mortar location in Beaverton’s Downtown Historic District. Her goal with Forager is to find forgotten goods and promote more sustainable shopping.
  • Krystal Michaels Monroe, Puppernickel Biscuit Co.
    You can find Krystal (along with furry colleagues Glinda and Rose E.) selling dog treats and more at her downtown Hillsboro shop and pop-up stands at local farmers markets. She’s dedicated to baking all-natural, wholesome dog treats for dog families.
  • Lori Carroll, Jan’s Paperbacks
    Jan’s Paperbacks has a long history of being owned by women, starting with Jan in 1981. After 37 years, customer Lori took over ownership and the shop lost its lease in Aloha, prompting a move to downtown Beaverton. Lori runs Jan’s Paperbacks solo, gives back to the community and shares frequent neighborhood recommendations on social media. The shop has a vast selection of used books, new books, gifts, puzzles, calendars and more.