WHAT BEGAN AS A DREAM
Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States. Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge, and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention.
THE VINIFERA REVOLUTION
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is the pioneer of the Eastern United States vinifera movement. Situated on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake, it was here in 1957 that Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first vinifera vines in the Eastern United States and ignited the “Vinifera Revolution”. This movement would forever change the course of winemaking in New York. Four generations strong, the Frank family are leaders of grape growing and winemaking throughout the Finger Lakes.
Dr. Konstantin Frank earned his Ph.D. in Viticulture from Odessa, Ukraine in 1930 and became a leading expert in his field throughout Eastern Europe. Having survived two World Wars and the Russian Revolution, Dr. Frank immigrated to New York in 1951. At the age of 52 years old with empty pockets and no knowledge of English, he hoped to create a brighter future for his family.
He fell in love with a special property in the Finger Lakes for its exceptional characteristics – poor soils and steep slopes. With decades of knowledge and experience, Dr. Frank successfully planted the first European grape varieties in the Eastern United States in 1958.
In 1962, merely a decade after arriving in America, Dr. Frank founded Vinifera Wine Cellars. The winery quickly earned a reputation for spectacular Rieslings, and its original planting of vines formed the backbone of New York’s world-class wines and champagnes.
OLD VINES MAKE GREAT WINE
Dr. Konstantin Frank fell in love with a special property on Keuka Lake for its exceptional characteristics – shale-based soils and steep slopes. With decades of knowledge and experience, he successfully planted the first European grape varieties in our home vineyard in 1958. Many of these Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines are still in production to this day and they represent some of the oldest vines in America.
PRODUCING LEGENDARY WINES
Our philosophy is to maintain the legacy built by our founder by continuously producing the highest quality wines from our vinifera vines. Varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and most recently, Gruner Veltliner are prized and beloved at our winery. Our pioneering spirit pushes us to build upon our traditional foundation, constantly innovating our methods.
