Training opportunities
There are several educational institutions that focus on training students for the Oregon grape and wine industry, including Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College, Umpqua Community College, Linfield University and Walla Walla Community College.
These educational opportunities are suited to students of all ages and career goals and are generating students who are currently working throughout Oregon and beyond. Details of each training/degree opportunity are found below.
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science: Horticulture major (Viticulture & Enology option)
Years to complete: 4
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in science and agricultural aspects of growing and producing grapes. Students typically enjoy learning about life sciences (biology, plant science, horticulture, biochemistry, etc.), working outdoors and being "hands-on."
Career path: Vineyard production: vineyard manager, viticulturist, vineyard consultant, production manager.
Bachelor of Science: Food Science & Technology major (Enology & Viticulture option)
Years to complete: 4
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in the science and food production process of making wine. Students should enjoy learning about sciences (chemistry, microbiology and life sciences), working physically and being "hands-on."
Career path: Wine production: winemaker, enologist, winery consultant, production manager.
Post-baccalaureate degree
Years to complete: 1–3
Ideal for: Those who already have a BS or BA degree and want to work in the grape/wine industry. Students enroll in one of the two degree programs above. If the prior degree is in an area of science/agriculture, the time to complete is at the lower end of the range.
Career path: As listed above for select degree program area of focus.
Chemeketa Community College — Wine Studies Program
Vineyard Operations Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those who are looking to establish their career working in vineyards and producing grapes. This program is especially helpful for those planning to establish their own vineyards but who do not desire a full degree.
Career path: Vineyard technician positions, basics for establishing your own vineyard.
Wine Hospitality & Operations Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those interested in winery sales and customer service. Students should enjoy working with people/public and must be interested in aspects of marketing, event coordination and business.
Career path: Winery tasting room management, winery event coordination and tourism.
Associate of Applied Science: Vineyard Management
Years to complete: 2
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in vineyard production of wine grapes. Students typically enjoy learning about life sciences, working outdoors and with their hands. Students who complete this degree may transition into the BS degree programs at OSU.
Career path: Vineyard technician and vineyard management positions.
Associate of Applied Science: Winemaking
Years to complete: 2
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in the process of making wine. Students should enjoy learning about sciences (chemistry, microbiology and life sciences) and working with their hands. Students who complete this degree may transition into the BS degree programs at OSU.
Career path: Cellar positions, winemaker and winery management position.
Umpqua Community College — Southern Oregon Wine Institute
Viticulture Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those who are looking to establish their career working in vineyards and producing grapes. This program is especially helpful for those planning to establish their own vineyards.
Career path: Vineyard technician positions, basics for establishing your own vineyard.
Associate of Applied Science Degree: Viticulture and Enology
Years to complete: 2
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in vineyard production of wine grapes. Students typically enjoy learning about life sciences, working outdoors and with their hands. Students who complete this degree may transition into the BS degree programs at OSU.
Career path: Vineyard technician and vineyard management positions.
Wine Marketing Assistant Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in wine sales and distribution. Students should enjoy learning about all aspects of grape and wine production but have specific interest in learning marketing and business. Students should enjoy working with people/public.
Career path: Winery tasting room and sales/marketing positions, winery event coordination and tourism.
Linfield University — Evenstad Center for Wine Education
BS/BA: Wine Studies (major or minor)
Years to complete: 4
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in business, sales, marketing, communication or hospitality aspects of the wine industry. The degree is ideal for students interested in a broad liberal arts approach to studying wine that exposes them to numerous career opportunities in the wine sector.
Career path: Winery positions that relate to product marketing, sales, customer service and positions in wine business service (accounting, etc.).
Walla Walla Community College
Viticulture Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those who are looking to establish their career working in vineyards and producing grapes. This program is especially helpful for those planning to establish their own vineyards but who do not desire a full degree.
Career path: Vineyard technician positions, basics for establishing your own vineyard.
Fermentation Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in the process of making wine. Students should enjoy learning about the science of winemaking and working with their hands. Students must complete the Viticulture Certificate before completing this certificate.
Career path: Cellar positions, basics for making one's own wine.
Cellar Master — Short Certificate
Years to complete: 1
Ideal for: Those in the local/regional wine industry who are seeking formal credit-based training for their current staff. This also provides training to those who want to expand their skills in the operational systems within a winery, including electrical, mechanical and water management systems.
Career path: Technical positions in the winery, cellar operations and facilities maintenance.
Associates in Applied Sciences Degree in Enology and Viticulture
Years to complete: 2
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in vineyard and winery production. Students typically enjoy learning about life sciences, working outdoors and with their hands. Students who complete this degree may transition into the BS degree programs at OSU or other institutions.
Career path: Vineyard technician, vineyard management positions, cellar/winery positions
Associates in Arts and Science — Transfer
Years to complete: 2
Ideal for: Those who are interested in working in vineyard and winery production. Students typically enjoy learning about life sciences, working outdoors and with their hands. Students who complete this degree will transition into the BS degree programs at Washington State University.
