New York State ranks third in U.S. wine production after California and Washington State. We have visited several of New York’s key wine regions and spent two blissful weeks in late 2020 in the Finger Lakes, which is home to 150 wineries. If you have not visited the Finger Lakes, this region has stunning landscape and many recreational activities. In addition to its abundance of mainly family-run wineries, there are many craft distilleries and breweries.
Dr Konstantin Frank Tasting Room
On Keuka Lake, you’ll find Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a pioneering winery in this region. Its founder, Dr. Konstantin Frank was an inventor with a Ph.D. in viticulture who came to the United States in 1951 from the Ukraine and took a job working Cornell University’s Geneva Experiment Station. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1957, he purchased 188 acres on Keuka Lake in 1958 and established Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in 1962.
Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first vintner to successfully plant vinifera vines in New York State, a significant development for wine production in the Eastern United States. In 1985, Dr. Konstantin Frank became the first winery in the eastern U.S. to release a traditional method sparkling wine made from classic Champagne grapes, setting a new quality standard for the region.
Still family-run, Dr. Konstantin Frank continues to be a benchmark for New York State and Finger Lakes wines. This region is well-known for its outstanding Rieslings, but you will also taste some exceptional Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Rkatsiteli, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Dr. Konstantin Frank alone produces 40 different wines. The tasting room experience takes you back in time to the winery’s founding and ends with a wine tasting overlooking the lake.
Winemaker Eric Bauman, Barbara Frank, Meaghan Frank and Fred Frank
This year marks Dr. Konstantin Frank’s 40th year producing sparkling wine. In the 1970s, Willy Frank, son of founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, dreamed of producing world-class methode champenoise sparkling wines and planted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier for this purpose. Today, Dr. Konstantin Frank produces a range of acclaimed classic method sparkling wines.
In 1980, Willy Frank and his wife Margrit purchased a historic 19th-century stone home and cellar, formerly the Western New York Wine Company, to house the project that became known as Chateau Frank, which is now part of the unified Dr. Konstantin Frank label and home to the winery’s acclaimed 1886 Tasting Experience.
This year also marks sparkling winemaker Eric Bauman’s 20th vintage with the winery. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, the winery has released a commemorative DKF Brut 2021 Cuvée 8, a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier from the 2021 vintage with a final dosage drawn from the winery’s inaugural 1985 Brut. Just 100 cases produce this special cuvée is available at the winery and online and is now available online and at the winery. (SRP $85).
The Connected Table toasts 40 years of sparkling wine with fourth generation family member, Meaghan Frank, who reflects on family and innovations on our podcast. Listen live 2 p.m. EST on W4CY.com or watch on YouTube. You can find all our podcasts on more than 65 channels including iHeart, Spotify and Amazon Audible. Watch on The Connected Table TV on YouTube. Read our blogs and listen to all shows streamed at www.theconnectedtable.com
Watch this episode of The Connected Table Live TV with Meaghan Frank
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery-New York’s First Family of Classic Sparkling Wine
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