Finger Lakes Community College has earned Best in Class honors in the 2025 New York Wine Classic for its 2023 pétillant naturel—a naturally sparkling wine crafted by viticulture students and bottled under the Fresca Leyenda label, which was designed by a student in FLCC’s graphic design program.
Pétillant naturel, or pét-nat, is a French term for naturally sparkling wine. This style uses wild yeast found on grape skins and is bottled before fermentation is complete, giving it natural bubbles.
The New York Wine Classic is an annual statewide competition sponsored by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. Wines are judged on a 100-point scale, with categories for bronze, silver, gold, and platinum medals. Winners were announced at a virtual event on July 17.
In addition to the top award, FLCC earned silver medals for its 2023 Blaufränkisch, Regent Rosé, and Vino Blanco White Blend wines. These wines, made by students at the college’s Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva, are available for purchase online and at local retailers, including Bottleland Wine and Spirits on William Street in Geneva.
Alumni Make Their Mark
FLCC alumni also had a strong showing in this year’s competition, contributing to major wins at some of the region’s most respected wineries:
- Jim Acquilano ’23 of Acquilano Wine Cellars earned four gold medals.
- Brien Gardner ’16, vineyard manager at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, helped the winery earn Best Overall Riesling and Best Medium Sweet Riesling for its 2023 Reserve Riesling, plus several additional golds.
- John Monnier ’17, associate winemaker at Ravines Wine Cellars, contributed to a platinum win for Best Cabernet Franc and multiple gold medals.
- Angie Lawler ’22 of Fox Run Vineyards, Tito Chavez ’20 of Anthony Road Wine Company, Emily Doi ’20 of Glenora Wine Cellars, and Nathan Moore ’19 of Inspire Moore Winery were also part of gold-winning teams.
- Other standout alumni include Jesse Alexander ’18 of Lamoreaux Landing, Rob Deignan ’12 and Nick Brydels ’24 of Keuka Spring Vineyards, Matthew Butts ’22 of Poplar Wine Co., Wes Andrews ’20 of Atwater Vineyards, and Kelly Johnson ’23 of Knapp Winery.
For information about the FLCC viticulture and wine technology degree and certificate programs, visit flcc.edu/viticulture.
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