go.chemeketa.edu/ag

The Northwest section of Oregon wine country is celebrated for its cool-climate grape varieties, including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and especially, Pinot Noir. Though winemaking in Oregon can be traced back to before statehood, the industry has really come into its own over the past 50 years. Presently, there are approximately 14,000 wine-related jobs at Oregon’s 1,000+ vineyards and 725 wineries, and the industry is growing at a double-digit rate. The need for workers with the specific training and skill set required for successful employment in this field is only expected to grow.

Students in the Winemaking program take classes in chemistry, biology, and viticulture, along with instruction and hands-on training in the basic knowledge and technical skills of wine production.

Students also participate in a wine related internship where they have the opportunity to work at a worksite to gain specific skills and strengthen their professional network. For more information about this program, contact Megan Jensen at 503.584.7254.

Program Outcomes

Students completing this degree should be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

1. Evaluate wine grape maturity and make harvest decisions for quality wine production, including sensory and chemical analysis of juice, and must and chemical adjustments.
2. Perform wine grape processing, fermentation management, and wine processing practices, including operating and maintaining winery equipment from primary processing through bottling.
3. Use chemical and sensory quality control analysis techniques and appropriate winery processing practices for the chemical, microbial, and physical stability of wines.
4. Research and develop a winery facility, including winery design, layout, operational systems, process calculations, and equipment selection.
5. Comply with government regulations for wine production, including licensing, operating a winery premise, recordkeeping, regulatory compliance, and health and safety programs.

You may earn an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing the required 90 credit hours with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.