The Finger Lakes Community College Viticulture and Wine Center will welcome visitors for tastings and tours on Saturday, April 12, offering the public a chance to sample wines made by students and learn about the college’s hands-on winemaking program.
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the center, located at 100 Empire Drive in Geneva. A tasting flight of five wines costs $10, and bottles will be available for purchase at $15. All proceeds support the college’s viticulture and wine technology program.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet current student winemakers and learn how the wines are produced under faculty supervision at the on-site commercial winery.
FLCC launched its two-year viticulture and wine technology degree in 2009, becoming the first East Coast school to do so. The program was created in response to demand from family-run wineries seeking formal training for the next generation of winemakers and vineyardists.
Earlier this year, the college expanded its reach by introducing a hybrid online certificate program. The new offering allows students across the East Coast to gain access to FLCC’s training while remaining in their home regions. The certificate can be completed in one year and requires both online coursework and verified hands-on experience through a sponsoring winery or vineyard.
Student-made wines from the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center are also sold at Ryan’s Wine and Spirits in Canandaigua and Pedulla’s Wine and Liquor in Geneva. Each vintage features a custom label designed by a student in the college’s graphic design program.
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