September 4, 2025 (McMinnville, OR) — Generous support from the wine community has provided $47,950 in scholarships to Linfield University Wine Studies students for the 2025–26 school year, investing in Oregon’s future wine leaders.
“With the shifting environment for financial support towards the cost of tuition, these generous gifts from our wine partners enable our wine students to complete this remarkable program at Linfield University,” said Maria Ponzi, Director of the Center for Wine Education. “I’m humbled by the number and level of contributions from the local wine community.”
Scholarships awarded this year include the Domaine Serene Endowed Scholarship, The Stoller Wine Group Scholarship, The Maria Stuart Memorial Scholarship, The Lisa Shara Hall Journalism Scholarship and The Oak & Vine Society Scholarship, which is supported by several local wineries.
“Having the Linfield Wine Studies program amidst all of the wonderful wineries we have in the Willamette Valley is an incredible opportunity. By contributing to growing future wine industry leaders locally, we will strengthen our talent and future leadership,” said Rusty Field, CEO and president of Domaine Serene.
Linfield Wine Studies students build careers in Oregon and beyond, taking on roles in winemaking, marketing, operations, tourism, events and more. The Center for Wine Education offers an undergraduate major and minor, a Master of Science in Wine Business Leadership, graduate certificate program and 5-year dual-degree abroad opportunities. Students also gain hands-on experience through direct ties to the Willamette Valley wine industry, guest lectures from industry leaders and public events such as the Wildcat Wine Chats series.
To learn more about Linfield University’s Wine Studies programs and scholarship opportunities, visit www.linfield.edu/wine