In the Winemaking program, you will learn about fruit and wine chemistry, microbiology and sensory analysis. This will include hands-on training in our onsite commercial vineyard and winery.

You will learn how to–

• Check grape maturity and make harvest decisions
• Process grapes
• Manage fermentation
• Use and maintain winery equipment
• Perform quality control
• Build a winery facility
• Comply with government regulations

See Course Sequences for more information.

In the Vineyard Management program, you will learn chemistry, plant science and business management as it relates to farming. This will include hands-on training in our on-site commercial vineyard and winery.

You will learn how to–

• Evaluate a site for winegrape growing
• Track vineyard operations and prepare reports
• Project timing of vineyard operations
• Properly perform seasonal work including pruning, integrated pest management, canopy management, vineyard floor management and crop regulation
• Comply with government regulations
• Develop a vineyard business plan

See Course Sequences for more information.

The Vineyard Operations certificate teaches you the skills needed for employment as a vineyard technician or if you're interested in starting a vineyard.

You will learn how to–

• Evaluate a site for winegrape growing
• Track vineyard operations and prepare reports
• Properly perform seasonal vineyard work including pruning, disease and pest control, canopy management and crop regulation

See Course Sequences for more information.

The Wine Hospitality Operations certificate prepares you for supervisory positions in winery tasting rooms. Tasting rooms have emerged as a critical sales channel for local wineries seeking to maximize revenue and creating loyal customers.

This Independent Course of Study combines courses from both the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) department and the Wine Studies (VMW) department.

You will enjoy a unique opportunity to gain real-life experience in the tasting room and wine club at the Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola to support the sale of Chemeketa Cellars wines.

See Course Sequences for more information.

WINTER TERM 2023 - January 9-March 25, 2023
(HOLIDAYS: January 16, February 20 | NO CLASSES FOR WINE SYMPOSIUM: February 14-15,2023)

Classes are in person unless noted otherwise.

SPRING TERM 2023 - April 3-June 16, 2023
(NO CLASSES HELD ON CHEMEKETA IN-SERVICE: April 28 | HOLIDAY: May 29)

Classes are in person unless noted otherwise.

Chemeketa Cellars

Wine Studies at Chemeketa offers a hands-on continuing education and degree program focusing on all aspects of wine from grape to glass. Our own on-site, 8-acre vineyard and winery provide students an opportunity to learn the depth and breadth of vineyard management and winemaking, from the growing of the grape to harvesting, chemistry, production, and the selling of the wine. The Wine Studies program is located at the Northwest Wine Studies Center, which is a leading wine industry resource emphasizing strong alliances with the Northwest wine industry. It is also home to the winery and tasting room for Chemeketa Cellars. 

Chemeketa Cellars, in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, is where past, present and future winemakers gather to collaborate on wine growing and making methods. Using our vineyard’s world-class fruit to create award-winning wines, students and faculty exchange knowledge to craft bold new styles that fully express the terroir of our gathering place at Chemeketa Eola, on the bank of the Willamette River in West Salem, Oregon. 

Visit our website to learn more about Chemeketa's winery: www.chemeketacellars.com.

CURRENT CLASSES (visit the Chemeketa Cellars website for more information): 

Wine Appreciation: Wines of Italy
1/13/2023, 6-8 pm: Piedmont, Italy - Register here
2/10/2023, 6-8 pm: Tuscany, Italy - Register here
3/17/2023, 6-8 pm: Italy (Region TBA) - Register here
4/7/2023, 6-8 pm: Italy (Region TBA) - Register here
5/12/2023, 6-8 pm: Italy (Region TBA) - Register here

Paint and Sip Workshop - Vineyard Rows (Acrylics) with Patricia Young
Saturday, January 21, 2023, 2-5 PM

Paint and Sip Workshop - Watercolors with Elisa Mack
Saturday, February 11, 2023, 3-6 pm

Sprayer Calibration Workshop
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Details TBA

Charcuterie Workshop - Grazing Fields Charcuterie
Date TBA

Mother's Day Teacup Floral Arrangement + Wine
Friday, May 12, 2023, 6-8 pm

Summer Cut Flower Arrangement + Wine
Saturday, August 26, 2023, 1-3 pm

Holiday Wreath Workshop
Date TBA - December 2023

Check back for info on upcoming classes, including: 

Charcuterie Workshop
Photography 
Yoga + Wine with Mikki Trowbridge - Summer 2023
Wine Appreciation
Murder Mystery Dinner
Trivia Night