Meet the People Behind Four Ponds Winery
Owner Suzi Raposa, Vineyard Manager Rich Owings, and Business Development Director Vonne Keobouala share the passion, craftsmanship, and vision that make Four Ponds Winery truly special. In this short video, they talk about the dedication that goes into every harvest, the unique character of their vineyard, and the shared belief that great wine begins with care, community, and connection to the land. Their story reveals how tradition and innovation come together to create wines that reflect both place and purpose.
Watch Suzi's Story:
Suzi Raposa
Founder, Four Ponds Estate Winery
Suzi Raposa was born in Pakse, Laos, and was raised by her grandparents until she fled the country with her father and siblings when she was 10.
Her family left a refugee camp in Thailand and immigrated to the United States when she was 11. Suzi grew up in Modesto, California, and later attended Fresno State University, where she earned her degree in physical therapy. As a young girl, Suzi helped care for her grandmother, who was blind. She has continued caring for others as a physical therapist since 1995, driven by a deep passion for helping people heal, improve their quality of life, and feel their best.
Her experiences in the refugee camp and the values of hard work, honesty and hospitality that were instilled by her grandparents have shaped who she is today.
Her love for wine grew naturally over the years, inspired by its ability to bring people together — whether in joy or to get through tough times.
“We drink wine when we’re happy, and we drink wine when we’re sad,” she says.
"Work like a peasant so you can live like a king.”
A Laotian proverb her grandparents often shared with her, it’s a guiding reminder of the value of hard work and perseverance.
Wine, much like her passion for cooking, is all about quality ingredients, patience, and attention to detail. Just like an unforgettable meal, a great wine reflects the care and creativity behind it.
Suzi also saw a gap in the wine world: very few wines truly complement the bold, complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. Her dream is to create a line of wines that do just that — bringing balance and harmony to the table for those who love Lao and other Southeast Asian dishes.
Her favorite wines? Primitivo or Barbera — depending on the day.
When she’s not at the vineyard or helping patients, Suzi loves spending time outdoors, gardening, hiking, and soaking in the beauty of nature.
Steve Leveque
Wine Consultant
Steve Leveque was born and raised in Napa Valley and has spent his career making wines that truly reflect the land they come from. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the wine industry — HALL, Chalk Hill, Opus One, and Robert Mondavi — and has been a consultant for wineries in the Sierra Foothills for the past five years.
He says the region’s diverse landscapes, well-drained soils and cooler nighttime temperatures provide the right backdrop for producing top-flight California wines that are uniquely expressive.
With a strong background in both winemaking and viticulture, Steve works closely with vineyard teams to grow high-quality grapes using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. He thrives on working with smaller producers who share his passion to take risks and relentlessly pursue wines of the highest quality.
He spent 10 years as a winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery, where he refined his craft and collaborated with top experts like Michel Rolland. Later, as executive vice president and winemaker at Chalk Hill Estate, he created award-winning wines from Bordeaux and Rhône varietals and Chardonnay.
Steve’s wines have received top recognition, including multiple 100-point scores from leading wine critics and the #2 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2011. His success is built on years of experience, a love of collaboration, and a deep passion for excellence in every bottle.
Rich Owings
Wine Maker | Vineyard Project Manager
Born and raised in the vibrant San Jose Bay area, Rich moved to California’s beautiful Sierra foothills in 2001 for its slower pace and natural beauty. His journey into winemaking is unconventional, but rooted in a lifelong passion for plants, animals, and the outdoors.
Through the years, he’s raised a variety of unique and exotic animals and cultivated an extensive collection of cacti and succulents — always fascinated by nature’s diversity and resilience.
“Descend with conviction.”
Or simply, “Because we said we would.”
His 27-year career in the electrical construction industry, included work in the field and project management. Numerous winery electrical projects provided him behind-the-scenes insight into wine processing and deepened his appreciation for the craft.
His other work experiences as a bicycle mechanic and boutique restaurant cook, will serve him at Four Ponds, where he does a little of everything. Among his most memorable experiences as a cook was when he participated in the 2010 Hall’s Winery Cabernet Cook-off in Napa.
“I did it just for fun, and for the love of good food and wine,” he says.
When it comes to wine, he’s drawn to bold, full-bodied reds like Barbera, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but he also enjoys a crisp, aromatic white such as Viognier or Gewürztraminer — especially those that hint at sweetness yet finish dry and clean.
When Rich isn’t toiling in the vineyards, meeting with contractors or studying viticulture, he still enjoys cycling, a lifelong passion since his late teens. He also likes to go fly-fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, or backpacking — anything that allows him to explore and reconnect with nature.
Vonne Keobouala
Business Development/Operations
Vonne’s American journey began when she arrived in the United States as a young child in 1980, having fled war-torn Laos with her family. She grew up in the Central Valley area of Visalia, California.
As refugees, Vonne’s parents placed a great deal of importance on education, working hard and making the most of the opportunities given to them in America. There was no question that Vonne and her siblings would attend college. After earning her degree in health administration at Fresno State University (where she met Suzi) and building a career in the corporate world of human resources, she ultimately returned to her true passion — hospitality and the food and beverage industry.
"Work is fun when you enjoy what you do."
Driven by a desire to bring Southeast Asian cuisine to mainstream diners, Vonne spent years creating warm, inviting dining experiences that reflect her roots and love for her culture. She recalls feeling ashamed of Lao food when she was coming of age in the 80’s and 90’s. With more widespread acceptance of ethnic food in general, now she’s extremely proud to be Lao and to share the flavors of her native cuisine.
“I’m proud of our food. It’s good,” she says. “We’ve come a long way.”
In addition to opening and developing several family-owned restaurants, Vonne has consulted on numerous food and beverage start-ups, guiding them through business setup, concept design, launching, and day-to-day operations.
She brings this same spirit of creativity, hospitality, and hands-on experience to Four Ponds Estate Winery. Vonne says she enjoys working with Suzi and Rich.
“It doesn’t feel like work. We laugh a lot,” she says.
Outside of work, Vonne enjoys gardening, traveling, and embracing the simple joys of life.