Finger Lakes Community College viticulture students have selected Astrae Via, a wine label designed by Alexis Ecker, a second-year graphic design student, for their upcoming wine production. The label, unveiled during a gallery-style reception on Dec. 9, draws inspiration from sacred geometry and celestial navigation, symbolizing the students’ journey through winemaking.
Ecker, from Eden in Erie County, incorporated hand-drawn elements in her design, including stars, a compass entwined with the flower of life, and six flower petals representing the interconnectedness of the viticulture students. The name Astrae Via translates to “the way of the stars” in Latin.
“I am beyond excited and grateful to be a part of this whole process and to have this opportunity,” Ecker said of the experience.
The annual competition, held at the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva, featured 17 graphic design students who presented their concepts to the viticulture students. After asking questions and reviewing each design, the viticulture students cast their votes for their preferred label.
Ecker’s design will be featured on bottles of wine produced by the viticulture students throughout the winter and spring semesters. She will collaborate with her instructor, Margaret Pence, and the viticulture students to ensure the label complies with legal requirements for alcoholic beverages.
In addition to having her design selected, Ecker will receive a $500 scholarship and an internship opportunity with Niagara Label. She plans to graduate in spring 2025 and pursue a career in graphic design or visual communications, continuing a family tradition as her father, Greg Ecker, is an FLCC alumnus from the Class of 1988.
FLCC-made wines featuring the Astrae Via label will be bottled in spring 2025 and will be available for purchase at Ryan’s Wine and Spirits in Canandaigua and Pedulla’s Wine and Liquor in Geneva.
The wine label competition is part of FLCC’s broader initiative to give students real-world experience. Graphic design students also participate in projects like creating the Spring Arts Festival poster and designing apparel for the CMAC summer concert series.
For more information on the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center or to order wine, visit flcc.edu/viticulture-center. Details about the viticulture and graphic design programs can be found at flcc.edu.
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