Oregon Wine Industry

Built to Last: How Businesses Thrive Through Generations
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Linfield University, 900 SE Baker St, McMinnville, 97128, United States
Built to Last: How Businesses Thrive Through Generations

Marka and Thomas Hughes Lecture Series
March 19 | 4-6PM
Graf Auditorium, Linfield University

This public lecture explores what it takes for businesses to endure and adapt to change while remaining true to their core values.

A conversation with iconic company representatives examines how organizations remain relevant and resilient amid shifting markets and evolving consumer expectations.

Moderated by Wine Director Maria Ponzi, the discussion will explore the challenges legacy businesses face, and what it takes to build organizations designed not just to last, but to thrive across generations. Wine reception to follow.

Featured Panelists:

Kela Driggs, Sr. Brand Leader at Fifth-Generation Wente Vineyards
Scott Dylag, VP and GM of the Direct-to-Consumer Team at Pendleton Woolen Mills, established in 1909
Gary Mortensen, CEO of Stoller Wine Group, which follows a 200-year plan
Mia Ponzi-Hamacher, Sosta House and Winery Lane Collective, bringing a third-generation perspective to regional wine and hospitality

Wine reception to follow.
Public admission is $10 and free for Linfield students, faculty and staff.
Contact: wine@linfield.edu

Register via: https://www.linfield.edu/wine/news/events.html

Wine Business Executive Workshop
2026-03-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Linfield University, 900 SE Baker St, McMinnville, 97128, United States
Wine Business Executive Workshop
March 24, 2026 | 9AM-5 PM
Graf Hall, Linfield University

This second annual one-day intensive is designed to deliver immediate, real-world value for working wine professionals. Participants will gain practical strategies in wine sales and marketing, financial management, and business operations — ideal for those in management roles or preparing to step into leadership. Throughout the day, you’ll explore actionable tools and learn how to apply them right away. The agenda also allows ample time for meaningful discussion and focused networking with industry peers.

The program includes a light breakfast, lunch, and wine reception. Sessions will be led by accomplished wine industry professionals.

Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Owner, Full Cup Solutions

Rebecca Oliver, General Manager, Domaine St. Laurent

Joseph Orlando, ASA, Vice President of Valuation Services, Exit Strategies Group, Inc.

Bill Sweat, former Owner and Winegrower, Winderlea Vineyard and Winery

$350 per guest
$100 for Linfield students

Registration required: https://linfield.edu/wine/news/events.html
Registration deadline is March 20, 2026.
For more information contact: wine@linfield.edu

Vineyard Pest Management - Spring Term Course
2026-04-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304, United States
This course covers the identification and management of all major pests, diseases, and weeds found in vineyard systems. It develops students’ skills in pest monitoring and decision-making for effective vineyard management. The course also investigates integrated pest management strategies, including cultural, biological, chemical, and other control methods, and concludes with a review of relevant pest management regulations. View the full course description. Classes run Wednesdays, April 1-June 10, 2026.

Wine Appreciation - Spring Term Class
2026-04-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Chemeketa Community College – Yamhill Valley Campus, 288 NE Norton Lane, McMinnvile, OR, United States
This wine appreciation class is your gateway to mastering the art of wine. Spanning ten Thursday evenings, this course offers an adventure in every glass, featuring the opportunity to experience 100 wines for just $350. Throughout the class, students will explore grape varieties from regions as diverse as the rolling hills of Italy and the vibrant landscapes of California. They will learn about different wine types and styles, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling, and develop the sensory skills needed to distinguish and appreciate a wide range of wines. By the end, participants will have strengthened their sensory evaluation abilities and cultivated a connoisseur’s palate and nose. View the full course description. Classes run Thursdays, April 2-June 12, 2026, at the Yamhill Valley Campus of Chemeketa Community College in McMinnville.

Mother's Day Fondue Brunch
2026-05-10 11:30 - 13:30 | Helvetia Vineyards & Winery, 23269 NW Yungen Rd., Hillsboro, OR, 97124, United States
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the spirit of Helvetia’s Swiss founders, with an alpine cheese fondue brunch. A great way to relax on a spring day with time well spent together over food and wine.

OWA Annual Meeting
2026-05-20 13:30 - 17:30 | Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E Sheridan Street, Newberg, 97132, United States
We’re excited to invite you to join us for the OWA Annual Meeting on May 20 | 1:30–4:30 PM at the Chehalem Cultural Center—followed by a lively networking reception. All winery & vineyards—members and non-members—are welcome.
What to Expect
This year’s program brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and peers for timely updates and meaningful conversations shaping Oregon’s wine industry.

Organizational Updates & Policy InsightsGet the latest on OWA initiatives, along with key state and federal policy developments.
Governor Kotek’s Prosperity Council PanelJoin the conversation and share real-world challenges impacting business growth in Oregon.
Legislative Wine Caucus Leadership RoundtableHear directly from lawmakers on how the wine industry can engage with an evolving legislature.

After the Meeting
Stay for the reception and connect with fellow industry professionals.Explore exhibitor tables featuring our Service Members, showcasing products and services designed to support and grow your business.
A Collaborative Touch
We encourage each attendee to bring a bottle of wine to share—a perfect way to celebrate community and spark great conversations.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Leadership Styles & Brand Building Workshop
2026-05-20 14:00 - 17:30 | Stoller Family Estate
Join us for our inaugural workshop event! Learn the importance of leadership and understanding differences to better refine your own unique brand and how to use it.
The workshop will include a brand-building exercise where you will create your current authentic brand and develop individual plans on where and how you can use this important tool.
Stoller President & CEO Gary Mortensen will present his unique perspective on leadership and how he incorporates it into Stoller Wine Group’s 200-Year Vision. The session concludes with a wine reception for a greater connection with your peers.
Limited to 20 guests.

Chemeketa Wine Studies Program Annual Barrel Tasting
2026-05-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Chemeketa Eola NW Wine Studies Center, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW, Salem, OR, 97304, United States
Join us SATURDAY, May 30 from 1–4 PM as we celebrate our alumni and Chemeketa Community College’s Wine Studies program.
Student-led barrel tastings, interactive vineyard fun, behind-the-scenes winery tours, and the chance to bottle & label your own Pinot Noir with a donation to the Wine Studies scholarship fund!
PLUS:
BBQ & gourmet food pairings
Live music
Sparkling wine sabering & falconry demonstrations
Vineyard sheep
Over a dozen wineries pouring and selling (featuring student, alumni & faculty wines)
(Are you an alumnus of the program and would like to pour? Email winestudies@chemeketa.edu)

Vineyard Pest ID & Scouting - English
2026-06-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304, United States
This non-credit training gives you practical skills to prevent, spot, and manage pests and diseases in agricultural crops. You’ll learn how to identify and address common issues such as powdery mildew, botrytis, viruses, rust and blister mites, and mealybugs. The class will cover effective scouting techniques, pest and disease lifecycles, and when to scout, as well as how to gauge population or damage thresholds and decide when and what type of intervention is needed. English language instruction

Vineyard Crop Estimation Workshop - English
2026-07-17 08:00 - 12:00 | Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304, United States
This half-day workshop walks you through the essential calculations and techniques used for crop estimation in commercial vineyards. You’ll learn when to take lag-phase measurements, how to demonstrate proper sampling methods for accurate estimates, and how to perform the calculations needed to project your expected harvest yield. English language instruction.

Vineyard Crop Estimation Workshop - Spanish
2026-07-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Northwest Wine Studies Center at Chemeketa Eola, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304, United States
This half-day workshop walks you through the essential calculations and techniques used for crop estimation in commercial vineyards. You’ll learn when to take lag-phase measurements, how to demonstrate proper sampling methods for accurate estimates, and how to perform the calculations needed to project your expected harvest yield. Spanish language instruction.
