Perfecting Pinot: The Art of Wine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Brian – Class of 2021 | St Augustine, FL

This was an excellent program. Learned a lot about winemaking and the Oregon wine industry and tasted some very good quality wine.

— Review left December 3, 2025

Ann | Minneapolis, MN

This trip was thoughtfully organized, and well led by an enthusiastic guide, and a very knowledgeable driver. A most enjoyable trip and group of wine enthusiasts.

— Review left November 13, 2025

Susan – Class of 2006 | Ashland, OR

This trip will enhance your knowledge and appreciation for the Pinot grape and its family. It is the patron (saint) grape of Oregon. Go to become informed, and you will be delighted with the tastings.

— Review left November 10, 2025

Susan – Class of 2018 | Saratoga Springs, NY

Nice, but too many wineries in one day. Still, we enjoyed it!

— Review left August 2, 2025

Charles – Class of 2005 | Poulsbo, WA

Earn an “honorary PhD” in Pinot Noir wine by attending this program in a lovely part of the country. It was a great 5 days.

— Review left May 27, 2024

Liz – Class of 2023 | Trumbull, CT

This program gave great insights into wine making and especially into wines from Willamette Valley wines. In addition, to wines, we learned about olives, a twist on organic farming and a demonstration on how Falcons, birds of prey, are used. Overall, a highly recommended program!

— Review left May 25, 2024

Bruce – Class of 2018 | Goldendale, WA

With the exception of a mediocre hotel, the trip was a grand experience of food and especially wine. We learned about the evolution of winemaking in Oregon from its origins to the present day. All of the speakers were very good, but Dr. Jeff Peterson, a retired Linfield University professor, was simply wonderful. Linda Wanless, our tour guide, was especially helpful. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn about Oregon wines and experience five days of organized eating and drinking. Eat, drink, and be merry is the mantra of this program.

— Review left November 13, 2023

Harton – Class of 2019 | Pittsburgh, PA

I would definitely recommend this trip for those who want to learn about wine and Oregon wine in particular. Our group consisted of those who had very little wine experience and those who were very knowledgeable. I believe all enjoyed the trip and learned no matter what their experience level was.

— Review left June 3, 2023

Suzanne – Class of 2022 | Dearborn, MI

Perfecting Pinot is an informative program about not only the winemaking history and process in the Williamette Valley but the unique environmental factors from falconry to the holistic farming processes. What's not to like - learning about wine while tasting along the way?!

— Review left November 14, 2022

Wade – Class of 2022 | Austin, TX

Great program to learn about wines and wine production in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

— Review left June 11, 2022

Genelle – Class of 2022 | Coquille, OR

As lifetime Oregonians we developed a new appreciation for our beautiful state and the wine we make. We traversed back roads and visited small towns we had never seen before. The Oregon Wine industry adds so much to our economy and the cultural vibe of Oregon. We highly recommend “Perfecting Pinot” for your next Roads Scholar adventure.

— Review left May 8, 2022

Amy – Class of 2014 | Chester, MD

We were on the first trip for this program so there was room for improvement with planning, some meals, lectures and group leader. Changes made before the program started did not go well and did not add much to the program. The lectures were too in depth at times and not planned well….a scholarly lecture at night in a fairly barren random classroom after serious wine tasting during the day and a 30 minute bus ride was hard to pay attention to! Another talk that was suppose to be held as part of a winery walk was held inside because daylight savings hadn’t been accounted for and it was dark outside! That being said, the wineries chosen were fabulous, the hotel really excellent, the farm visit and falconers wonderful and the olive oil tour really well done! Road Scholar was very receptive to suggestions for improvement so I think future trips will be better!

— Review left December 1, 2021

Beverly – Class of 2014 | Rogersville, MO

Great trip and a great group leader. Learned many things and of course tasted a lot of interesting wines. For a "first time" trip this was pretty well planned and delightful. A great introduction to Oregon wine country and Pinot Noir. Would recommend for anyone interest in either. Cheers!

— Review left November 16, 2021

Suzanne – Class of 2018 | Rochester, NY

Thoroughly enjoyable program. We saw so much, The presenters are passionate about what they do, and was a delight to learn from them. Great wines and food, and variety of experiences. Will recommend this trip to friends.

— Review left November 14, 2021