LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Frank
Vinifera Wine Cellars

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the achievements of individuals, organizations, and businesses
which contribute substantially to the economic health and vitality of
the communities of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars of
Hammondsport, New York; and
WHEREAS, As Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars observes its 50th Anniver-
sary this year, it celebrates an historic milestone for the winery and
the Finger Lakes wine industry; and
WHEREAS, Fifty years ago Dr. Konstantin Frank pioneered the introduc-
tion of the European vitis vinifera to the Finger Lakes, forever chang-
ing the course of winemaking in the Finger Lakes and the Northeastern
United States; and
WHEREAS, Prior to Dr. Konstantin Frank's introduction of vitis vinif-
era to the region, the only grape varietals planted in the area were
native vitis labrusca and French hybrids; it was thought that European
vitis vinifera could not survive the harsh winters of the area; Dr.
Konstantin Frank, however, believed from his years in the Ukraine that
the lack of proper rootstock, not the cold climate, was the reason for
the failure of Vitis Vinifera vines to thrive in the region; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Dr. Konstantin Frank founded Vinifera Wine Cellar;
the winery quickly earned a reputation for spectacular Rieslings and its
original planting of vines formed the backbone of the Finger Lakes'
world-class still and sparkling wines; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Frank's vision, knowledge and determination are credited
with elevating the Finger Lakes wine industry to a level which commands
world attention; and
WHEREAS, Today, Dr. Konstantin Frank's legacy lives on as the Finger
Lakes wine industry continually grows and expands; with more than 200
wineries in the Finger Lakes now producing world-class wines, the region
has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most prestigious
winemaking regions in the world; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars continues to be New York's
most award-winning winery since 1962; the winery won an impressive 51
Gold Medals in 2011 and was also given a Four Star Rating by HUGH
JOHNSON'S POCKET WINE BOOK 2012; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Frank's wines have been featured at the White House, on
the "Today Show," in the NEW YORK TIMES and in other esteemed publica-
tions and on a multitude of prestigious tables; and
WHEREAS, Riesling, the winery's flagship varietal, continues to lead
the way; the winery's 2010 Dry Riesling scored a 94 Point Rating from
the Los Angeles International Wine Competition as well as a 90 Point
Rating from the Beverage Testing Institute; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Frank's Semi-Dry Riesling scored 93 Point Ratings from
both the Beverage Testing Institute and the Los Angeles International
Wine Competition and WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINE recently recognized the
Frank family as one of the "Great Families in Wine" and also gave
Chateau Frank's 2006 Blanc de Blancs a 90 Point Rating; and
WHEREAS, A 50th Anniversary celebration is planned for Sunday, July 1,
2012 at Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, located on Keuka Lake a few
miles north of Hammondsport, and its Tasting Room is open year round;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge such
outstanding enterprises as Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars and individ-
uals such as its President, Frederick Frank, who are an example and
inspiration to their colleagues, friends, and family; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars of
Hammondsport, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frederick Frank, President of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine
Cellars, Hammondsport, New York.