Salem, OR – The Willamette Valley’s renowned wine country is getting a fresh educational boost. Chemeketa Community College, a cornerstone of the Salem‑Keizer area, has opened a dedicated wine studies program at its on‑site teaching winery, Chemeketa Cellars. The 8‑acre vineyard, located just a ten‑minute drive west of downtown Salem, completed its harvest of the season last week, providing the first batch of grapes for students to work with.
Hands‑on learning in a real vineyard
The new program is designed to give students practical experience in every stage of winemaking, from vineyard management and grape selection to fermentation, bottling, and tasting. “Our goal is to prepare the next generation of winemakers, vineyard managers, and wine business professionals,” said Dr. Laura Jensen, director of the Chemeketa Wine Studies program. “By working directly in the vineyard and the cellar, students gain skills that can’t be taught from a textbook alone.”
Community benefits and industry ties
Beyond student education, Chemeketa Cellars serves as a public tasting room, inviting local residents and visitors to sample wines produced on‑site. The program also partners with regional wineries and agricultural businesses, creating internship opportunities and fostering a pipeline of skilled workers for Oregon’s thriving wine industry.
Curriculum and enrollment
The curriculum includes courses in viticulture, enology, wine marketing, and hospitality management. Classes are offered both on campus and online, allowing flexibility for working adults and high‑school graduates seeking a career path in the wine sector. Enrollment for the inaugural semester is now open, with scholarships available for students who demonstrate financial need or a commitment to serving the local community.
Supporting traditional families and local economies
By providing a career‑focused education that aligns with the region’s economic strengths, the program supports traditional families seeking stable, well‑paid employment. It also contributes to the local economy by attracting wine enthusiasts to the tasting room, generating tourism dollars, and reinforcing Oregon’s reputation as a premier wine‑producing state.
Looking ahead
College officials anticipate that the wine studies program will expand its offerings in the coming years, potentially adding certifications in sustainable viticulture and advanced wine business management. “We are committed to nurturing talent that will keep Oregon’s vineyards thriving for generations,” Dr. Jensen added.
For more information about the program, upcoming classes, or to schedule a tasting at Chemeketa Cellars, visit Chemeketa Community College’s wine studies page.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
