discovering and promoting premium wines of regional distinction

The Wines of New York

The Finger Lakes Region of New York

Nestled among the rolling hills of upstate New York are a series of extraordinary lakes. From the air it looks as if God’s hand itself cut long and deep grooves into the earth, filling them with crystal clear water. Some of these lakes stretch over 30 miles long, but at times are less than a mile in width. The depths of these lakes range from 400 to over 600 feet—and herein lies the magic. Due to the amazing and unique depth of each of these lakes, they rarely freeze in the very cold New York winters. This phenomenon regulates the microclimate around each lake, where the best vineyards are planted on steep slopes. This is Riesling paradise, resembling the steep and majestic Vineland of the Mosel. No other area on this side of the Atlantic shares these beneficial characteristics for growing Riesling, and no other grape-growing area on the planet can replicate such regional personality as these select lakes in New York. We tasted many great Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Cabernet Francs from the Finger Lakes and were very impressed. We hope to bring additional great wines from this region into the state in the months to come. The first winery we selected is not only one of the largest and the oldest but is consistently recognized as the best.

DR. KONSTANTIN FRANK WINERY
A Ukranian-born professor of plant science, Konstantin Frank first came to America in 1951. With little knowledge of English, but with a degree in viticulture and winemaking from Russia, he set out to test his theories of Vitis Vinifera in the Finger Lakes region of New York. He planted the Finger Lakes first vinifera vines in the late 50s with his Pinot Noir and founded the Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars in 1962. He was a pioneer, not only in eastern grape growing, but in vinifera planting in the United States. He was the first Finger Lakes winery to produce truly world-class wines.

To this day, Vinifera Wine Cellars is regarded as a pillar of the area's fine wine industry. Kontantin’s son Willy took over the operation in 1985 adding a quality focus on Sparkling Wine at Chateau Frank, and now Willy’s son Frederick runs both operations.

 

home
about us
portfolio
philosophy
wine club &
events

pos links
contact us

Explore and Enjoy the Journey!
email: info@vinturewines.com
toll free: 1.877.920.WINE
fax: 317.216.1837