Education and Wine: The Best of Both Worlds

Linfield's 3+2 Wine Studies Program

Linfield University’s first 3+2 wine studies program student, Emma Anderson '20, has traveled all over the world while simultaneously earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The best part? She did all of it while exploring the world of wine.

From Silverton, Oregon, Anderson attended Chemeketa Community College, where she earned her associate degree in business. With an interest in wine, she knew Linfield, located in the heart of Oregon wine country, was the perfect place to continue her education.

“When I looked at Linfield originally, they were only offering a minor in wine studies,” Emma said. “But then I got the call that it was becoming a major, and it was like the stars just aligned for me.”

What is the 3+2 Program?

The 3+2 wine studies program at Linfield is a unique opportunity for students passionate about wine. In this program, participants spend three years at Linfield, then in their senior year, they go abroad to complete both their bachelor's and the first year of their master's degree at a partnering university. This accelerated program allows students to achieve a master's in wine studies while gaining practical experience in the wine industry.

Emma decided to go abroad in 2019 as part of the 3+2 program. “My favorite part of this program was definitely just being able to travel,” Emma said. “I love adventures and I’m a very independent person.”

Experiential learning opportunities

The 3+2 program provides students like Emma with the chance to study in four different locations. Emma was able to study in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, before completing her thesis back in Oregon.

“I came into this program because I didn’t know what part of the wine industry I wanted to be in. I love the business side. I love the farming side. I love the winemaking and manual labor side. Like, I love every aspect of it,” Emma said. “The program really clarified that I liked every piece of the wine industry.”

The program not only confirmed her interest in every part of the wine world, but it also prepared her for a successful career post-graduation.

Starting a career in wine

Although COVID-19 cut her trip short, Emma still gained valuable experience abroad that has fueled her success in the wine industry.

Emma is now back in the Willamette Valley, working at Nicolas-Jay Winery in Newberg, Oregon. In her role, she interacts with every aspect of the wine industry.

“I always knew I’d be back,” Emma said. “I only liked the dark, deep red wines, but then coming back and tasting from the land of Pinot, just really solidified the fact I wanted to stay and focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”