The Center for Wine Education at Linfield University

Congratulations to Maria Ponzi on being recognized as one of SIP Magazine’s 2026 SIPFluencers. 🍷✨

As Director of the Center for Wine Education and Endowed Chair of Wine Studies at Linfield University, Maria has helped advance wine education, strengthen industry connections, and inspire the next generation of wine professionals. Her leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on our students, our programs, and the broader Oregon wine community. 🎓🍇

As Maria prepares to conclude her time at the Center later this month, we are grateful for all she has contributed and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. 🥂

Sip Magazine 2026:

“In Oregon wine country, few names carry the weight and warmth of Ponzi, one of the Willamette Valley’s pioneering families. Raised surrounded by some of the state’s first vineyards, Maria Ponzi grew up immersed in the family business — from helping plant its original vines to eventually managing production and sales. Together with her sister, she transformed Ponzi Vineyards into one of the nation’s premier wineries, cementing the Willamette Valley as a destination wine region. In 2021, the sisters sold the estate to the prestigious French house Société Jacques Bollinger, closing a remarkable family chapter.

Today, Ponzi is shaping the future of the industry and cultivating the next generation of wine leaders. As director of the Center for Wine Education and endowed chair of Wine Studies at Linfield University, she leads the university’s innovative Masters of Science program in wine business leadership.

The curriculum blends real-world rigor with classroom learning, covering wine law, strategic production, finance, sales and hospitality, and even takes students abroad for immersive capstone experiences. Through a recent partnership with the nonprofit Unidos Bridging Community, she is also creating pathways for young adults in Yamhill County to access educational and workforce opportunities in the local wine industry.” —Kerry Newberry, Sip Magazine 2026 Annual Edition

🍇Sip your way through the Rhône Valley — no passport required.

Join our Rhone Ranger friends in McMinnville, OR on Saturday, June 13, 2026 for an afternoon of Rhône wine tasting featuring 24+ wineries from Oregon, Washington, and California.

From Viognier and Roussanne to Grenache Noir and Syrah, there’s a Rhône varietal for every palate!

✨ Use promo code SUMMER for discounted tickets!

📍 Evergreen Events | McMinnville, OR
🕐 1–4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: rhonerangers.org

Come discover your new favorite wine (and maybe your new favorite winery too). 🍷

🍷Advance your wine knowledge from anywhere with Linfield University’s online WSET courses – designed for wine professionals, enthusiasts and career changers alike.

WSET Level 1 & Level 2 Award in Wines
Flexible online learning or in-person, Level 3 in-person.
Industry-recognized certification.

Explore upcoming courses at the link in our bio.

Meet Sauvignon Blanc! WINE112 students rolled up their sleeves to bottle and taste their own Sauvignon Blanc this week – experiencing the science, sensory evaluation, and hands-on process behind the bottle.

At Linfield University Center for Wine Education, wine education goes beyond the classroom.

Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, Cream, and PX… Sherry was the star at our Sensory Evaluation class! 🍷 Students explored the aging methods, oxidation, and flavor profiles that make Spain’s iconic fortified wines some of the most fascinating in the wine world 🍇✨ Learning is immersive and hands-on in our wine classes – bring your curiosity! Learn more about wine studies through the link in our bio.

Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, Cream & Pedro Ximénez… Sherry was the star of Sensory Evaluation! 🍷 Students explored the aging methods, oxidation, and flavor profiles that make Spain’s iconic fortified wines some of the most fascinating in the wine world 🍇✨ Learning is immersive and hands-on in our wine studies program, bring your curiosity! Learn more through the link in our bio.