April 9, 2025 (McMinnville, OR) — The Center for Wine Education at Linfield University is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program to two new locations: Salem, Oregon, and Walla Walla, Washington. These new teaching sites mark an exciting step forward in Linfield’s mission to cultivate a deeper understanding of the broader world of wine through engaging and accessible education.
Led by WSET Manager Trevor Hertrich, Linfield’s program offers internationally respected wine certifications designed to serve a broad audience – from passionate consumers to seasoned professionals. “These new locations allow us to reach enthusiastic and curious wine consumers in communities that haven’t had access to WSET courses – especially in the Walla Walla Valley and Tri-Cities,” Hertrich said. “We’re excited to bring this level of education to two dynamic wine regions.”
WSET certifications are widely regarded as the global standard in wine education. Based in London, UK, the program delivers comprehensive instruction through certified educators, covering essential topics such as wine production, regional styles, grape varieties, food and wine pairing, and professional tasting techniques. Linfield currently offers WSET Levels 1 through 3, both in-person and online. With this expansion, Levels 1 and 2will now be offered at the Salem and Walla Walla locations, providing new opportunities for students to grow their wine knowledge in a classroom setting.
In Walla Walla, courses will be led by Kaleigh Brook, a WSET Diploma holder, CMS Advanced Sommelier and owner of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Academy. Brook brings deep industry experience and a passion for wine education to this partnership. Linfield is also collaborating with Walla Walla Community College to offer these courses for academic credit, opening doors for students pursuing wine industry careers.
In Salem, Linfield has partnered with Chemeketa Community College’s Eola Campus. home to one of Oregon’s leading viticulture and enology programs. This collaboration not only expands WSET access in the Willamette Valley but also supports Chemeketa students by enhancing their curriculum and strengthening their professional preparation.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your wine knowledge, advance your career in the wine industry or take your first step into the world of wine, Linfield’s expanded WSET offerings bring expert-led education closer than ever before.
To explore upcoming course offerings and register, visit:
www.linfield.edu/wine/wset-courses/index.html
