How a Ukrainian scientist created the European-style wines that made the Finger Lakes famous
This is the first of a two-part series on wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.
Four generations strong, the Frank family has been leaders of grape growing and winemaking throughout the Finger Lakes. Our estate vineyards on Keuka Lake represent the oldest Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines in the Eastern United States. We are known for producing highly acclaimed traditional method sparkling wines, crisp and aromatic white wines, and rich red wines.
Uniquely located on the southwestern slopes of Keuka Lake, it was here in 1958 that Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first vinifera vines and ignited the Vinifera Revolution. This movement would forever change the course of winemaking in the Finger Lakes.
An educational and intimate tableside tasting by one of our Wine Educators. Wine selections are grouped into educational themes that tell the story of our winery. Cheese and charcuterie are available a la carte to accompany your tasting.
Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
Eugenia’s Garden offers casual enjoyment of our wines in our outdoor setting. Guests have the option to order wines by the glass, flights, or by the bottle at our convenient walk-up bar. Cheese and charcuterie as well as seasonally focused, garden-style provisions are available. Eugenia’s Garden is open to all guests, no reservations are required.
Duration: Your Choice
Voted Best Winery Tour in 2022. The 1886 Food & Wine Experience caters to those with a deeper interest in the Dr. Frank winemaking and viticultural program. Visits are available by reservation only and include an in-depth viticultural or cellar experience, followed by a seated educational wine flight paired with creative, small foods.
Duration: 2 hours
Dr. Konstantin Frank immigrated to America at the age of fifty-two years old with empty pockets and no knowledge of English, with the hope of creating a brighter future for his family. He proved to the world that high-quality wines could be made in New York. His techniques and innovations began a revolution in the Finger Lakes that would forever influence the region.
For over sixty years, we have been producing highly acclaimed traditional method sparkling wines, crisp and aromatic white wines, and rich red wines.
Our newly released mini-documentary “Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence” sets the stage to tell the intriguing story of Dr. Konstantin Frank’s successes, challenges, and determination of a family humbly beginning a new life in America.
The story continues through the generations highlighting notable achievements over the following 40 years including the beginnings of traditional method sparkling wines, the purchase and planting of a new Seneca Lake vineyard by Frederick Frank, and the joining of his daughter Meaghan Frank into the family business.
Read what others are saying about Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and the Finger Lakes.
This is the first of a two-part series on wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.
New York wine is often overlooked for the bounty of bottles coming out of the West Coast.
In recent years, however, as a compounding result of consumer preferences, climate change, education about the region, and some industry giants establishing roots on the East Coast, New York wine’s scene is more popular than ever.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is thrilled to unveil its latest creation, the Dr. Konstantin Frank 2023 Dry Rosé of Saperavi (SRP, $24.99). This exceptional rosé, available exclusively from the winery, marks the family’s inaugural venture into crafting a rosé from the storied Saperavi grape.
More and more wine enthusiasts are seeking out Rieslings from New York’s Finger Lakes AVA, and discovering the delights of these cool-climate wines.
For a grape that is planted in so many countries worldwide, few wine lovers rank Riesling as among their favorite varietals, instead naming whites like Chardonnay, even Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc ahead of it. Once appreciated for the very qualities that distinguished Riesling—its sweetness, richness and acid—today the sale of sweet wines (usually for dessert), even French Sauternes, has decreased in favor of what many perceive as more sophisticated dry varietals.
The preferred grape for amateur vintners was one that wasn’t particularly popular with the professionals: alicante bouschet, described in one 1883 wine guide as lacking “elegance, force and delicacy.” It’s what’s known as a teinturier variety, meaning that, unlike most red grapes, its pulp as well as its skin are deeply colored, resulting in wines so dark that they’re almost black.
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