April 22, 2026 (McMinnville, OR) — In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where rolling vineyards are part of the landscape and daily life, Linfield University’s Center for Wine Education has integrated the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines directly into its wine curriculum.
Now, when students take course WINE 214: Sensory Evaluation, in addition to learning how to taste wine, the WSET program creates structured tastings with the fundamentals of grape varieties, wine regions, winemaking decisions and style into the course. Students who complete the course will earn the WSET Level 2 certification and pin – but more importantly, they leave knowing how to navigate the world of wine with confidence. Along the way, students also explore food and wine pairing as a practical skill they can use in the industry or at their own table. Through a gift fund, The Center for Wine Education is able to cover student’s additional lab fees for this formal education.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), founded more than 50 years ago, is widely considered the benchmark for wine education, with a presence in more than 70 countries. Bringing that framework into the curriculum gives students a shared language with the global wine industry, while still grounding their education in the place they’re learning – one of the world’s most dynamic wine regions.
The Wine Studies major, housed within the School of Business, blends wine marketing, hospitality and sales with viticulture and vinification, hands-on industry exposure and a respected certification. Graduates are prepared for roles across winery operations, sales, marketing, hospitality and distribution, with skills that extend well beyond the wine industry.
About Linfield University Center for Wine Education
Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Center for Wine Education at Linfield University offers academic programs and industry-connected experiences that prepare students for careers in the global wine industry.
