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Wine Studies Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some common questions about our Wine Studies program.

  • Wine Studies General Information

    All in-person classes take place at Chemeketa’s Eola campus at the Northwest WineStudies Center in West Salem, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem 97304.

    Almost all classes are 100% face-to-face, except for one 100% online class and a couple of hybrid classes.

    Classes take place Monday through Thursday (with the addition of a Saturday class during fall term for Wine) Classes are generally held during the day (morning or afternoon start times) with a handful of evening courses throughout the year.  

Wine Studies FAQ

  • How do I apply for the Wine Studies program?

    WINE STUDIES GENERAL PROGRAM FAQs:

    • All in-person classes take place at Chemeketa’s Eola campus at the Northwest WineStudies Center in West Salem, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem 97304.
    • Almost all classes are 100% face-to-face, except for one 100% online class and a couple of hybrid classes.
    • Classes take place Monday through Thursday (with the addition of a Saturday class during fall term for Wine) Classes are generally held during the day (morning or afternoon start times) with a handful of evening courses throughout the year.  

    1. Term Schedule and Dates

    2.  Apply for Admission to Chemeketa

    Admissions process: https://www.chemeketa.edu/admission/register-for-classes/

    • Register as a new student if you have never attended college and are seeking a certificate or degree
    • Register as a returning student if you have attended Chemeketa more than two years ago (if you have attended less than two years ago, you are already “admitted” to Chemeketa)
    • Register as a transfer student if you have transcripts from another college and are seeking a certificate or degree (even if you already have a degree of any sort from another institution)
    • Register as a non-degree seeking student if you are just taking a few Wine Studies classes and do not intend to complete a certificate or degree.

    How to enroll: https://www.chemeketa.edu/admission/enroll/

    3.  Apply for Financial Aid

    Contact the Financial Aid Department to file a FAFSA and apply for general scholarships: https://www.chemeketa.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/

    Learn about wine-specific scholarships and the Job Corps programhere: https://www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/program-finder/wine-studies/wine-studies-faqs/

     

    4.  Have Any Previous College Transcripts Evaluated

    Enrollment Services transcript evaluation: https://www.chemeketa.edu/students/student-services/enrollment-services/transcript-evaluation/

    5.  Take the College Placement Test

    Complete the placement assessment by clicking this link: Placement Assessment Form

    Chemeketa uses the placement assessment to determine your current skill level in reading, writing and math before you register for classes. Depending on your test results, you may be required to take developmental courses to prepare for college credit classes. Those classes may include:

    • Vineyard Management entry requirements: CA121A Keyboarding A; MTH060 Introductory Algebra; SSP112 Effective Learning OR RD090 College Textbook Reading; WR090 Fundamentals of Writing
    • Winemaking entry requirements: CA121A Keyboarding A; MTH070 Elementary Algebra; SSP112 Effective Learning OR RD115 Academic Thinking and Reading; WR115 Introduction to Composition

    6.  Register for Classes

    Once admitted to Chemeketa, you can sign up for Wine Studies classes. There is no additional application required to enroll in the Wine Studies program. You may also take classes without completing a certificate or degree. You can sign up for any classes as long as you have met any prerequisites for the course. Wine Studies prerequisites for each degree can be found at the top of the attached program pathway PDFs.

    You will be assigned a my.chemeketa.edu student email address. This address will be used for all student/college communications. You can have this email address forwarded to your personal email address if you prefer.

    Register for classes during your assigned registration period: https://www.chemeketa.edu/admission/register-for-classes/

    7.  Wine Studies Program Advisors

    Once you have been admitted to Chemeketa and any previous transcripts have been evaluated, you can connect with a Wine Studies advisor to plan your class schedule:

  • Degree and certificate program pathways

    You can view, download and print a PDF of each program pathway here:

    These guides are an excellent way to learn about prerequisites and to map out your progress through the program. Contact Wine Studies for questions about the pathways. 

  • 2023-24 Wine Studies Course List

    Courses are subject to change. Please check Class Search for updated information.

    Summer Term: June 26-Aug. 18, 2023

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 116 Summer Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-4:20 pm/Lab 4:30-6:20 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  

    Fall Term: Sept. 11-Nov. 25, 2023

    (Wine Studies classes start two weeks early in fall only)

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 101 General Viticulture MONDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 134 Wines of the Pacific NW MONDAY Lecture 6-8:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 122 Intro to Winemaking TUESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 244 Wine Production WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-6:50 pm/Lab 7-7:50 pm
    SATURDAY Lab 9-1:50 pm
    Johnny Brose
    VMW 117 Fall Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-3:50 pm/Lab 4-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation THURSDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 222 Science of Winemaking ONLINE Scott Dwyer
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  
    VMW 290 Wine Studies Capstone TUESDAY 3-4:50 + two hours online (HYBRID)
    Five week course from 10/23-11/25/24
    Bryan Berenguer

    Winter Term: Jan. 8-March 22, 2024

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 224 Chemical Analysis of Must and Wine MONDAY Lecture 1-2:50 pm/Lab 3-4:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 261 Vine Physiology MONDAY Lecture 2-4:50 pm + 1 hour online (HYBRID) Johnny Brose
    VMW 132 Wines of the World MONDAY Lecture 5:30-8:20 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 122 Intro to Winemaking  ** TUESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 101 General Viticulture ** TUESDAY  Lecture 12-2:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 245 Wine Clarification and Stabilization WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm/Lab 6-7:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 114 Winter Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 9-11:50 am/Lab 12-1:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation ** THURSDAY Lecture 4-6:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 233 Sensory Evaluation of Wine Components THURSDAY Lecture 6-8:50 pm Don Crank
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  

    Spring Term: April 1-June 14, 2024

    VMW 254 Winery Process Planning & Design MONDAY ONLINE + 4 field trips (HYBRID) Johnny Brose
    VMW 263 Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture TUESDAY Lecture 4-6:50 pm + 1 hour online (HYBRID) Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 225 Wine and Food Microbiology TUESDAY Lecture 12-3:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 260 Nutrition and Irrigation Management WEDNESDAY Lecture 2-4:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 246 Wine Aging, Filtration and Bottling WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm/Lab 6-7:50 pm  
    VMW 262 Vineyard Pest Management WEDNESDAY Lecture 5:30-8:50 pm + 2 Saturday field trips Ashley Lindsay
    VMW 115 Spring Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-3:50 pm/Lab 4-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation **YAMHILL VALLEY CAMPUS THURSDAY Lecture 5-8 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 232 Sensory Evaluation of Wine Varietals THURSDAY Lecture 6:30-9:20 pm Patrick McElligott
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  
    Class Day & Time Instructor

    ** Class may be cancelled if enrollment is low

  • 2023-24 Wine Studies Course List

    Courses are subject to change. Please check Class Search for updated information.

    Summer Term 2024 - June 24-August 31, 2024

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 116 Summer Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-4:20 pm/Lab 4:30-6:20 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  

    Fall Term 2024: September 16-November 30, 2024

    NOTE: Wine Studies classes start TWO WEEKS EARLY in fall only

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 101 General Viticulture MONDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 134 Wines of the Pacific NW MONDAY Lecture 6-8:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 122 Intro to Winemaking TUESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 290 Wine Studies Capstone TUESDAY 3-4:50 + two hours online (HYBRID)
    Five week course from 10/23-11/25/24
    Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 244 Wine Production WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-6:50 pm/Lab 7-7:50 pm
    SATURDAY Lab 9-1:50 pm
    Johnny Brose
    VMW 117 Fall Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-3:50 pm/Lab 4-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation THURSDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 103 Vineyard Tractor and UTV Operation SATURDAY  Four in-person Saturdays + online Ashley Lindsay
    VMW 222 Science of Winemaking ONLINE Scott Dwyer
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  

    Winter Term: January 6-March 22, 2025

    **NOTE: Winemaking class schedule may change – updates will be posted by May 2024)

    Class Day & Time Instructor
    VMW 224 Chemical Analysis of Must and Wine ** MONDAY Lecture 1-2:50 pm/Lab 3-4:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 261 Vine Physiology ** MONDAY Lecture 2-4:50 pm + 1 hour online (HYBRID) Johnny Brose
    VMW 132 Wines of the World MONDAY Lecture 5:30-8:20 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 122 Intro to Winemaking  ** TUESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 101 General Viticulture TUESDAY  Lecture 12-2:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 245 Wine Clarification and Stabilization ** WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm/Lab 6-7:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 114 Winter Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 9-11:50 am/Lab 12-1:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation ** THURSDAY Lecture 4-6:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 233 Sensory Evaluation of Wine Components THURSDAY Lecture 6-8:50 pm Don Crank
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  

    Spring Term: March 31-June 14, 2025

    **NOTE: Winemaking class schedule may change – updates will be posted by May 2024)

    VMW 254 Winery Process Planning & Design ** MONDAY ONLINE + 4 field trips (HYBRID) Johnny Brose
    VMW 263 Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture TUESDAY Lecture 4-6:50 pm + 1 hour online (HYBRID) Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 225 Wine and Food Microbiology ** TUESDAY Lecture 12-3:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 260 Nutrition and Irrigation Management WEDNESDAY Lecture 2-4:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 246 Wine Aging, Filtration and Bottling ** WEDNESDAY Lecture 3-5:50 pm/Lab 6-7:50 pm Johnny Brose
    VMW 262 Vineyard Pest Management WEDNESDAY Lecture 5:30-8:50 pm + 2 Saturday field trips Ashley Lindsay
    VMW 115 Spring Vineyard Practices THURSDAY Lecture 1-3:50 pm/Lab 4-5:50 pm Bryan Berenguer
    VMW 131 Wine Appreciation ** THURSDAY Lecture 5-8 pm - Yamhill Valley Campus, McMinnville Johnny Brose
    VMW 232 Sensory Evaluation of Wine Varietals THURSDAY Lecture 6:30-9:20 pm Patrick McElligott
    VMW 280 Wine Studies Internship OFFSITE, INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL REQUIRED  
    Class Day & Time Instructor

    ** Class may be cancelled if enrollment is low

  • Will my previous college credits count toward the degree?

    Previously earned college credit can count toward non program-specific classes. Transcripts should first be sent to the college and evaluated by enrollment services. The transcript evaluation request form can be found here. For further questions regarding transcripts please contact Enrollment Services.

  • What is the cost of the program?

    Cost will vary from student to student based on their in-state status, previously earned credits, financial aid, etc. The current per credit hour rate can be found here along with other resources to help determine the cost of attending Chemeketa. In addition to base tuition, many courses carry associated student fees to provide materials and support specific to the course. These fees will vary based on the content of the course.

    Approximate Wine Studies Program Costs (tuition and fees for the 2022-23 academic year)*

    Vineyard Operations Certificate: $5,733

    Vineyard Management Degree: $13,663

    Winemaking Degree: $14,190

    Wine Hospitality Operations Certificate - Varies depending on elective choices - up to $6,786

    *Please note, program costs are estimates only

  • Will my on-the-job experience count toward the degree(s)?

    In certain cases students can be given permission to forego specific courses based on industry recognized certifications or trainings. In each of these cases, the total number of credits required for the degree remains the same, therefore the student must replace these courses with other courses of greater than or equivalent credit hours that have been approved by their advisor.

  • Where can I apply for scholarships and financial aid?

    For questions regarding financial aid please contact the Financial Aid department.

    WINE-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH THE CHEMEKETA FOUNDATION

    All Wine Studies scholarships are run through the Chemeketa Foundation. Applications for Foundation scholarships are available January 1st and applications will be accepted through the end of February every year. Chemeketa Scholarship Website: https://www.chemeketa.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/. Wine-specific scholarships available through the Foundation:

    • AL MACDONALD/LIVE WINE STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship supports part-time, first-generation college students ineligible for federal financial aid entering the Wine Studies program at Chemeketa. The scholarship is named after retired, former Wine Studies faculty member, Al MacDonald, for his commitment to the program and the wine industry.
    • BETTY O’BRIEN WINE MARKETING SCHOLARSHIP: Willamette Valley Vineyards established this scholarship in honor of Betty's substantial contributions to the wine industry.
    • JACKSON FAMILY WINES SCHOLARSHIP: Established by Jackson Family Wines to support students enrolled part or full-time in the Wine Studies Programs carrying a 3.0 GPA.

    ERATH MATCHING VITICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

    Erath Scholarship: The Chemeketa Community College Erath Matching Viticulture Scholarship is available for employees of Oregon winery/vineyards. The Erath Family Foundation (EFF) established this scholarship to increase the number of personnel in leadership roles who have a fundamental education in viticulture along with a working command of the English language. Through a generous donation by EFF, wineries can support and encourage their employees to attend Chemeketa Community College and receive up to $2,000 per academic year in matching funds. Download the application in Spanish or English here or contact the Wine Studies Program Coordinator at 503-584-7254.

    OREGON WINE BROTHERHOOD SCHOLARSHIPS

    The OWB is an organization of 150 individuals, both within and independent of the wine industry, dedicated to promoting and supporting the wines of Oregon and Washington through education, scholarships, ceremony and brotherhood. A major objective of the Oregon Wine Brotherhood is to award scholarships to students enrolled in a full-time Enology or Viticulture program. Also considered are applicants in the hospitality or culinary arts programs, if there is an emphasis on wine.  The scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and students are eligible to reapply for a continuing scholarship for up to a total of 4 years if they are enrolled in a qualified college program.  The amount awarded is determined by the scholarship committee and is based on the cost of attendance at each college or university.

    Visit the website at www.oregonwinebrotherhood.org and click on “Scholarship Program” to learn more or to apply. Applications are due March 1.

    DALLAS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

    The Stuart Olson Memorial Culinary and Viticulture Scholarship is for students who are a current or past graduate of Dallas High School, or a resident of Dallas (or a Dallas resident who has recently moved to attend school); committed to enroll in a post-secondary degree program of study in culinary or viticulture programs; demonstrated aptitude, skill and dedication to be successful in the culinary arts or viticulture program of study. Applications are due July 31.

    To apply: https://dallascommunityfoundation.com/scholarships/

    SYLVIA HENRY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

    Scholarships are awarded to students in pursuit of post-secondary education in enology, viticulture or other hospitality or wine-related programs, with preference given to graduating high school seniors in Douglas County. Preference also given to career pursuits related to wine making. Must enroll at least half-time. Financial need is a consideration. Applications are accepted November 1-March 1 for the upcoming academic year.

    To apply: Complete the Office of Student Access and Completion application at www.oregonstudentaid.gov

    JOB CORPS SCHOLARS

    Begin your journey to career success by attending Chemeketa tuition-free through the Job Corps Scholars program. Job Corps Scholars is a program funded by the US Department of Labor designed to empower low income and at-risk youth and prepare them for employment by pursuing post-secondary education. The Chemeketa Job Corps Scholars program pays for the tuition and fees of students pursuing career technical education and academic programs designed to be completed in one year or less (for Wine Studies, this would be the Vineyard Operations certificate and the Wine Hospitality Operations certificate.) Students will apply for financial aid to cover non-tuition costs.

    Qualifications: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, refugee, asylee or parolee, or other person authorized to work in the U.S.; Ages 16-24; Qualify as low income; Show a need for basic skills development or need further education or training to become employable; Be willing to participate in group activities and follow all student conduct policies at Chemeketa.

    To apply: https://www.chemeketa.edu/students/student-services/academic-support/job-corps-scholars/

  • When is it best to start the program?

    Typically it is recommended to start the program in the fall term, however it is possible to start taking classes in the program during any term provided the required prerequisites have been completed. The only classes that have a specific starting term is the Vineyard Practices series, which starts winter term.

    Please note: All Fall term classes for the Wine Studies program begin two weeks prior to the regular start date for the rest of the college.

  • Can I complete this degree while maintaining full-time employment?

    Many students are able to complete a Wine Studies degree while maintaining full time employment, though this is not a guarantee. Many of our classes are scheduled in the afternoons and evening for larger blocks of time to accommodate working students.

  • Are any Wine Studies classes offered online?

    Currently we only offer one 100% online Wine Studies class, the Science of Winemaking. Our program is committed to hands-on practical education and this difficult to accomplish with online education. The majority of Wine Studies classes are offered at the Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola. For Fall 2021, all classes will be in person and on campus unless noted otherwise. 

    Contact winestudies@chemeketa.edu if you have questions about course offerings.

  • Can I take classes without being a degree-seeking student?

    Yes, non-degree seeking students are able to take courses provided they have the necessary prerequisites. If the prerequisites have not been met, it is at the program’s discretion to allow students to audit courses.

  • Do you offer any short courses or workshops?

    Yes, each year we offer industry workshops with open enrollment to anyone. Our schedule of workshops is updated as they are scheduled and can be found on the Wine Studies program website main page under the current term classes link. However, workshops and non-credit trainings have been paused due to COVID regulations. The website will be updated when those offerings resume. 

  • Where Can I Find More Student Resources?

    Visit Chemeketa's Student Resources website for links to college and community resources designed to help students with a variety of issues, including:

    • Textbooks & Supplies
    • Immigration
    • Community Engagement
    • Financial
    • Childcare & Parenting
    • Mental & Emotional Health
    • Employment
    • Internet & Utilities
    • Health & Safety
    • Housing
    • Food
  • Can I audit courses and/or get a tuition waiver?

    Auditing Courses

    Anyone can sign up to audit VMW courses. Auditing a course allows the student to take a class without receiving a grade or credit for a course. Auditing a course still requires full payment of tuition and fees. You must be an admitted student in order to audit a class.

    • Grades and credits are not granted at any time for audited courses
    • Audited courses will not satisfy graduation, veteran’s benefit, or financial aid requirements
    • Auditing students participate in the course to the degree that they and the instructor agree upon

    To audit a class, complete the Audit Form and email to winestudies@chemeketa.edu for departmental signature approval.

    65+ Tuition Waiver

    Chemeketa provides a 65+ tuition waiver and allows However, tuition waivers do not apply to CTE courses, only general education courses. Eligibility requirements:

    • Must be 65 years or older AND a Oregon resident as of the start of the term
    • As of second week of the course, the instructor & department must verify space is available in the course
    • Lower-division 100 or 200 level collegiate credit courses qualify for the waiver - CTE (including Wine Studies classes) do NOT qualify.
    • Course prerequisites must be satisfied prior to enrollment
    • The tuition waiver can be used to cover a maximum cost of 8 credits per term
    • The student is responsible for paying all course fees
    • Forms are accepted no earlier than the second week of the term and no later than the fourth week
    • Do NOT enroll in the course online via My Chemeketa, that will disqualify you from receiving the waiver

    Read more about the 65+ waiver process here