Finger Lakes Community College has released a new student-crafted sparkling wine, now available for purchase both online and at select retailers in the region.
The wine—a pét-nat, short for pétillant naturel—was developed by second-year students in FLCC’s Viticulture and Wine Technology program. It’s part of the 2024 Astrae Via collection, which also includes a Polaris red, Polaris white, and riesling.
The naturally sparkling pét-nat is made using wild yeast found on the grapes and is bottled before fermentation finishes, creating natural bubbles. “Traditionally sparkling wine is more of a dessert wine, but the pét-nat can go well with anything,” said Gerald “Jerry” Decker of Farmington. “You can drink it on its own, with a meal, or even after a meal. It was a very versatile wine that we made.”
Decker worked on the project alongside fellow student winemakers Amanda Mott of Palmyra, Samuel Rocha of Naples, Makayla Ryder of Canandaigua, Rachel Wolfanger of Geneva, and Matthew Saunds of Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County.
The wines are available for purchase through the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center, a fully licensed commercial winery. Bottleland Wine and Spirits in Geneva carries the Polaris red and pét-nat, while other vintages can be found at Ryan’s Wine and Spirits in Canandaigua and Pedulla’s Wine and Liquor in Geneva.
The student winemakers also collaborated with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Finger Lakes Grape Program, managing the Finger Lakes Teaching and Demonstration Vineyard at Anthony Road Wine Company, which supports education in grape growing and winemaking.
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