Jill Clark

Instructor Bio
Jill Perillo Clark is an alumna of Central Washington University, where she earned both her B.A. and M.S. degrees. She brings more than two decades of experience in the Washington wine industry, including roles in wine sales, retail, and distribution. Her professional background includes work with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Haggen Food & Pharmacy, and Kroger/QFC, as well as contributions to regional wine media, events, and non-profit organizations. Jill has also worked as a writer, publishing articles focused on food, wine, and tourism for Washington Tasting Room magazine, Mid-Columbian, and Inland NW. 

Since joining CWU in 2017, Professor Clark has played a key role in expanding the Wine Studies program. As Program Director, she led the development of nine new courses and implemented major curricular revisions. These included the creation of a Wine Industry Management Major, a corresponding minor, and two certificate programs in Tasting Room Management and Winery Event Design.

Professor Clark’s current research focuses on branding and marketing strategies used by small to mid-sized wineries in the Pacific Northwest. Her work focuses on strengthening the regional wine industry through targeted, place-based research and academic collaboration.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, cooking, walking, and spending time with her family, including her husband of over 20 years and their two daughters. She is also an avid supporter of local food and wine events, live music, and travel.

Courses Taught at CWU
WINE 201 Wine Service and Food Pairing
WINE 301 Wine Distribution Management
WINE 302 Major Wine Regions
WINE 304 Wine Marketing and Branding
WINE 315 Survey of Washington Wines
WINE 332 Social Media Theory and Practice for Wineries
WINE 403 Advanced Topics in Wine Marketing
WINE 406 Professional Wine Analysis
WINE 404 Wine Law and Legal Compliance
WINE 489 Capstone
WINE 492 Field Experience
WINE 493 Practicum
WINE 496 Independent Study
UNIV 101