A student-made sparkling wine from Finger Lakes Community College has captured top honors at the 2025 New York Wine Classic, earning the Best in Class award in the pétillant naturel category.
The award-winning wine, a 2023 vintage labeled “Fresca Leyenda,” was created by students at the FLCC Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva. The label design was also the work of an FLCC graphic design student. Pétillant naturel, or pét-nat, is a naturally sparkling wine that uses wild yeast and is bottled before fermentation finishes.
The New York Wine Classic, hosted by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, judges wines on a 100-point scale. FLCC also took home silver medals for its 2023 Blaufränkisch, Regent Rosé, and Vino Blanco White Blend.
The competition also spotlighted the success of FLCC alumni across New York’s wine industry. Jim Acquilano ’23, owner of Acquilano Wine Cellars, earned four gold medals. Alumni from the college’s viticulture and wine technology program now hold key positions at top wineries including Dr. Konstantin Frank, Ravines, Fox Run, Glenora, Anthony Road, and more—many of which also earned gold and platinum honors.
Student-produced wines are available online and at retailers like Bottleland Wine and Spirits in Geneva.
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