Linfield University’s School of Business is raising a glass to its inaugural graduates of the Master of Science in business: wine business leadership — a pioneering program designed to prepare professionals for the demands of today’s global wine industry.
The first graduating cohort of five recently returned from Barcelona, Spain, where they completed their capstone project with a local wine business. Tasked with solving a real-world challenge, students applied the leadership, strategy and market insight they developed over the yearlong program in an immersive international setting.
Launched in fall 2024, the M.S. in business: wine business leadership is the first graduate-level wine degree offered at Linfield University. It is led by Maria Ponzi, director of the Center for Wine Education, whose leadership and industry expertise helped shape the program’s strategic focus. The curriculum blends business acumen with industry relevance. Courses in the program include Wine Law and Compliance, Strategic Wine Production, Wine Business and Finance, Wine Sales and Wine Marketing and Hospitality.
Students also benefit from direct access to Oregon’s acclaimed wine industry and a powerhouse roster of guest lecturers.
“This program gave me a full-circle understanding of the wine industry. I now understand the full journey — how strategic decisions in the vineyard impact everything from sales to the final experience in the customer’s glass.” said graduate Leanne Babcock.
Fellow student Azia Salbego added, “We gained a deep understanding of distribution channels and how to sell most effectively.”
The M.S. in business: wine business leadership is part of Linfield’s distinctive Center for Wine Education — the only program of its kind based at a private liberal arts university in the United States. For professionals not ready to pursue a full master’s degree, Linfield also offers a graduate-level certificate in wine business leadership.
Applications are now open for the M.S. in business and certificate programs. To learn more, visit www.linfield.edu/wine
