BOONE, N.C. — A new family of wines developed by Appalachian State University students and faculty has an award-winning look, with labels designed and printed by students in the graphic communications management (GCM) program.

Labels for The Scholar wines, which include a merlot, rosé, sparkling white and Vidal blanc, were awarded second place in the virtual 2021 Phoenix Challenge — a college competition between graphic communications students across North America.

The Scholar wines were developed and created by faculty and students in App State’s A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentations Sciences (CFS) with the help of Ivory Tower Inc. — a private nonprofit that supports education and research in fermentation sciences and is directed by App State professor Dr. Brett Taubman. The wine is bottled and sold locally by Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

“Our students spent the year researching, preparing and problem-solving this project for our client, Appalachian’s fermentation sciences department,” said Kay Bishop, adviser to the student team and GCM faculty member.

Senior Amanda Gaspard, a communication, advertising major with a double minor in studio art and graphic communications management from Asheville, designed the logo for the label.

Students also submitted a booklet documenting the label-making process, formally presenting the project to a panel of industry judges during the virtual event held May 1.

Four other members compose the award-winning team:

• Madelyn Davis, a senior graphic communications management major from Richmond, Virginia.
• Megan Pritcher, a senior graphic communications management major from Wilson.
• Oliver Webb, a senior graphic communications management major from Raleigh.
• Jennifer Pantoja-Paredes, a senior graphic communications management major from Winston-Salem.

Team adviser and GMC practitioner-in-residence Tom Reeves led the student team to produce and print the wine labels, using the flexographic press in App State’s Katherine Harper Hall.

The students’ research included online surveys and in-person surveys at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery. Louis Conradie, wine specialist in the CFS department, was the internal client for the project and liaison between the students and Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

“Our research showed that wine consumers valued the design of the label, and when choosing a wine to purchase they preferred dark, rich colors and bright, vibrant colors, which we represented in the various label designs,” said Pritcher, the student team leader for the project.

The student team

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Graphic Communications Management — BS

Graphic Communications is a broad term for all of the industries involved in reproducing an image on paper or a variety of other media. Appalachian State University’s Thomas W. Reese Graphic Communications Management program develops technical skills that enable students to find their niche in the vast industry of graphic communications.

Learn more

About the Department of Art

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography and graphic communications management. Learn more at https://art.appstate.edu.

About the College of Fine and Applied Arts

Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.