November 21, 2024 — A first for the university, this graduate-level program launched in September 2024 aims to prepare students with specialized knowledge, strategic skills, and industry connections to succeed in today’s global wine industry. The first cohort is quickly approaching the end of their first semester looking ahead to their immersion into wine business courses this February.
Situated in the Willamette Valley and led by the Director of the Center for Wine Education, Maria Ponzi, Linfield’s MS in Wine Business Leadership provides students with access to invaluable trade expertise. This year-long program, thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of the wine industry, combines foundational business principles with specialized wine and hospitality courses, equipping students with real-world skills to advance their careers in the wine profession.
Students will benefit from a line-up of specialized courses taught by prominent figures in the local wine business, including:
Wine Law & Compliance – Jesse Lyon, Partner, Davis, Wright, Tremaine LLP
Wine Business & Finance – Joe Orlando, ASA & Vice President, Exit Strategies
Strategic Wine Production – Bill Sweat, Co-Owner & Founder, Winderlea Vineyard
Wine Sales – Rebecca Oliver, Business Development Manager, Knudsen Vineyards
Wine Marketing & Hospitality – Kitri Culbertson, Owner, Scarlett Communications
The program fosters a collaborative cohort environment while delivering business acumen and industry-focused insights through seasoned wine professionals.
Midway through her first semester, Stacey Prescott reflects on the program’s unique benefits, stating, “Being part of a cohort is one of my favorite aspects. We go through core business courses together, each of us bringing diverse experiences to the table.” She adds, “I’ve greatly appreciated the tools we’ve learned for developing ourselves into our ideal selves, as well as how to leverage technology, like AI and social media.”
Linfield’s Center for Wine Education, founded with an endowment from Ken and Grace Evenstad, is distinctive as the only wine program offered in a private liberal arts setting within the School of Business.
In addition to the MS degree, Linfield offers a Graduate Certificate in Wine Business Leadership for those who complete four of the five in-person courses, allowing individuals to deepen their expertise without committing to a full degree program.