July 24, 2026 (McMinnville, OR) — Acorn to Oak Wine Experience is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany Morris as its new hospitality, tasting room and wine club manager. Opened in September 2023, Acorn to Oak is Linfield University‘s tasting room and learning lab in downtown McMinnville. The program provides students with hands-on, real-world learning by managing every aspect of a working wine experience — from guest service and storytelling to operations and industry partnerships.
Morris brings more than a decade of experience in wine hospitality and direct-to-consumer engagement. Originally from the United Kingdom, Morris discovered her love of working in wine in 2011, after relocating to Southern California. Her career led her steadily up the West Coast before she settled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley in 2019. Since then, she has immersed herself in the region’s wine community. Most recently, she has held roles at Firesteed Cellars, Lady Hill Winery and The Four Graces.
At Acorn to Oak, Morris will lead the day-to-day operations while mentoring Linfield students. She says her approach centers on hospitality, customer service and creating welcoming, educational experiences for guests of all backgrounds.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the team at Acorn to Oak,” Morris said. “As someone who deeply loves the Oregon wine industry, my mission has always been to make wine welcoming, accessible and fun for everyone. I can’t wait to dive in and collaborate not only with the fantastic Linfield University team and our exceptional winery partners, but also with the students, who bring such unique energy and amazing talent to this space. Wonderful things are ahead, and I can’t wait to see you there!”
Outside of wine, Morris enjoys spending time with family and close friends and seeking out live music.
Johnson opens Satyr Fire tasting room in Dayton
Morris succeeds Paul Johnson, Acorn to Oak’s inaugural manager, whose leadership helped shape the program from its earliest days.
“We are grateful for the fortune that brought us together,” said Acorn to Oak leadership in a recent email. “As we launched Acorn to Oak — an entirely new concept in the world of wine education — we found in Paul Johnson a leader whose vision and dedication forever shaped the Oak & Vine Society at Linfield University. We hope you will join us in bidding Paul a fond farewell from his role at Linfield.”
Johnson reflected on his departure, calling the experience “bittersweet.”
“I’m honored to have performed my role as Manager of Acorn to Oak and the Oak & Vine Society for the past three years,” Johnson said. “It has been wonderful to work with and empower the Linfield students and to develop this program alongside the Linfield Wine Studies team. The bonds formed with our guests and partnering wineries — and the time spent here — will be a highlight of my career.”
Johnson recently opened the first tasting room for his winery, Satyr Fire, in his hometown of Dayton, Oregon. Located in the new Merchant Blocks on Ferry Street, the tasting room opened June 5. Satyr Fire continues its longstanding relationship with Linfield as an Oak & Vine Supporting Winery.
Summer events scheduled at Acorn to Oak
With Morris at the helm, Acorn to Oak looks forward to building on its strong foundation while continuing to deliver meaningful educational and hospitality experiences rooted in Oregon wine.
Already this summer, Acorn to Oak has started a series of new summer offerings, including:
- Mimosa Flights from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through Sunday.
- Acorn to Oak After Hours: Northwest Uncorked, biweekly from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays. This pop-up series features a rotating selection of winery partners.
- Wine cocktails have been added to the menu.
- For a limited time, tabletop s’mores are available to purchase.
Reservations are not required but can be made online at acorntooakwine.com.
About Linfield University
Linfield University is an independent, nonprofit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon, as well an eCampus for online learning. Since 1858, Linfield has connected traditional liberal arts experience with practical education in more than 50 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield also offers interdisciplinary master’s degrees in business, nursing and sports sciences. For six years running, U.S. News & World Report has named Linfield one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility. Forty-two percent of Linfield undergraduates are first-generation college students, and 42% are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.