Dr Konstantin Frank Leads the Way to Finger Lakes Wines

Over 100 wineries have settled in the valleys of Finger Lakes Wine Country. There's no doubt that one stands out among all the fine wines. Dr. Konstantin Frank isn't just the name of a winery, it's the name of a man who changed the way winemaking is done in this region of upstate New York.

It was Konstantin Frank who began the "Vinifera Revolution" within the Finger Lakes when he brought in varietals of European grapes from his birth country of Germany. It was 1951 when he arrived in this area and no one was expecting to see these unusual grapes. When he founded Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, he not only became known for his Riesling, but he showed the region how to grow grapes like Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Rkatsitelli and Pinot Noir.

Dr. Frank's vineyards span over 100 acres on multiple sites. Their unique - and beautiful - location in Hammondsport, New York, overlooks Keuka Lake, where a warm fog can sometimes make you think you are leaving San Francisco and heading to the Napa Valley. His wines can make your mind wander that way too as they continue to win gold medals and glowing reviews from publications like The New York Times and Time Magazine.

The winery won over 40 gold medals in just the first half of 2010. The 2008 Riesling, Bunch Select Late Harvest alone received accolades in 17 competitions. Dr. Frank's Gewurztraminer Reserve became the only wine from the United States to ever win a gold medal at France's Gewurztraminer du Monde.

Konstantin's grandson Fred is now running the show and his wine principles are as strong as the elder. In fact, he has expanded new ventures. You can now find Dr. Konstantin Frank wines sold under two additional labels. Chateau Frank offers a selection of sparkling wines produced méthode champenoise, in the style of Champagne. Then there is also Salmon Run, a line of inexpensive wines that have won critical acclaim.

A new tasting room was opened at Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars in 2010 to replace the one destroyed by fire in 2009. It is built with breathtaking views of the lake you can enjoy while you taste. There's also a deck outside to enjoy during warmer weather. The tasting room is open seven days a week. Visit their website for additional information.

If you can't make it to Finger Lakes (where you can find 100 other top-notch wineries), you can join the Vinifera Wine Society to receive new and special wines, as well as discounts by mail.