Brief: Wine studies major created

Linfield approves a new interdisciplinary wine studies major on the heels of Grace and Ken Evenstad’s $6 million donation to the wine studies program.

Capitalizing on Linfield’s lush position in the middle of Oregon wine country and expanding on the wine studies minor, the creators of the major aim to teach students the business, culture, and environmental aspects of the wine business.

The wine studies major will “encourage understanding and critical analysis of the cultural, social and economic significance of wine in Oregon and around the world. Students who complete a major in Wine Studies will be better prepared for graduate studies in viticulture, enology or wine business,” reads the catalog description of the major.

Students must complete a minimum of 53 credits, 45 of which can only be used for the major and not to fulfill other requirements; a minor, second major, or an approved study abroad program; and the basic requirements for a BA or BS degree.

Classes in the wine studies program range from viticulture and the geography of wine to the business of wine and sustainability.