Jerry Smith’s entry to our old-vine writing competition is about an acre of 53-year-old Riesling named after Eugenia Frank.

A good way to start your vineyard touring is at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery on the western banks. This is where the Finger Lakes went through a “vinifera revolution” as they call it. In 1957 that Dr. Frank, a Ph.D. in plant sciences, planted the European varieties (Vitis vinifera) against nearly everyone’s advice.

Established in 1962 and fourth-generation family owned, Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines features over 40 bottles, including chardonnay riesling, pinot gris, brut rosé, and grüner veltliner, with new varietals planted over the years by generations of the Frank family.

As one of the most historic vineyards in the eastern United States, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery offers a perfect date destination for couples. For its romantic setting and high-quality wines that allow couples to connect and relax, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has earned our Editor’s Choice Award.

In just a few decades, riesling has become the unofficial grape of New York’s Finger Lakes region. Since 1957, local winemaker Dr. Konstantin Frank (and the subsequent four generations of the Frank family) have been working wonders with the fruit at their winery on Keuka Lake.

Folklore has it that Dr. Konstantin Frank brought Saperavi vines to the Finger Lakes when he immigrated from Europe. Fred Frank, President of Konstantin Frank Winery and grandson of Dr. Frank, explains, “Konstantin first introduced this variety to the Finger Lakes in his original plantings back in 1958. His first wines were produced in 1962.”

This Finger Lakes producer is credited with bringing Riesling to the region and turns out several examples of the grape including this brisk, easy-drinking lime and pear-inflected example.

One cannot talk about FLX sparklers without mentioning Dr. Frank. In 1985, Konstantin’s son Willy produced the first vinifera sparkler in the region. Meaghan Frank, Konstantin’s great granddaughter and the winery’s VP and general manager, continues the tradition.