Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and the Eastern American Vinifera Revolution   

On Friday, March 11^th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time at the Hilton Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Wine Society we will host a pandemically-postponed wine tasting event featuring the wines of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Keuka Lake, Finger Lakes, NY. Originally scheduled for March 2020, we have carried this event on our books for what will be two full years! But, finally, the PWS is delighted to announce that we have been able to maintain the quoted prices from two years ago, in spite of rising costs. Seating has been filling up rapidly and we urge that reservations be made soon to assure a spot!

By way of some background, Dr. Konstantin Frank and his family immigrated to the United States in 1951 from Ukraine, bringing with him decades of knowledge and experience growing vinifera grapes. He arrived in the Finger Lakes to take a position with the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in 1952. When he questioned the scientists why vinifera grapes were not being gown, he was informed of the long-held North American belief at that time that it was just too cold to grow vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes. But, Dr. Frank knew differently, having grown thousands of acres of vinifera grapes in the very cold climate of The Ukraine.

In 1958, Dr. Frank purchased 188 acres on the western shore of Lake Keuka for $6,000. It was here that he successfully planted the first vinifera vines in the Eastern United States. Many of those Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines are still in production today and represent some of the oldest vines in America.

Meaghan Frank, Dr. Frank’s great-granddaughter, will join us on Friday, March 11^th via Zoom to introduce the event and share the history of her fascinating great-grandfather, her family, and their winery.

Mark Veraguth, Dr. Frank Winery Head Winemaker, has selected 9 wines for us to taste. He will be joining us in person for this event to guide us through the tasting of each wine and share his insights into their creation. The list of wines Mark has chosen for us is sure to please and includes:

Brut 2018 – Our “warm up wine” for the evening. Sophisticated and elegant, the aromas jump out of the glass expressing baked red apple, ginger, lemon curd, wildflowers, apricot, and biscuit notes. Bright lemon-driven acidity and very fine mousse leave a creamy mouthfeel with exquisite length. Perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Pair with oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, fried foods, egg dishes, sushi, popcorn, or seafood dishes.

Gruner Veltliner 2020 – Lime and green apple are held in sleek suspension by a stony minerality. With touches of pepper on the finish, it’s full in the mouth and quite powerful. It succeeds as it is very expressive while maintaining its focus and precision. Pair with Asparagus (Grilled), Cheese (Blue, Rich or Stinky), Pork (Grilled, Fried), Scallops (Sauteed), Sushi, Thai Cuisine.

Rkatsiteli 2021 – Elegant, aromatic, and tropical with apricot, passion fruit, pineapple, and honeydew with undertones of ginger, white pepper, and a touch of grassiness. A great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers. Pair with Olives, Goat Cheeses, Sushi, Seafood, Salads (Citrus, Vinaigrette), Grilled White Meats, BBQ.

Dry Rosé 2021 – This vibrant pink rosé is energetic with fresh strawberries, passion fruit, hibiscus, orange and plums. The freshness from the Blaufränkisch is matched with a deep texture and red fruits from the Merlot and Cabernets, producing a wine that can stand up to fattier dishes. Pair with Charcuterie, White Fish (Grilled), Pork (Grilled), Salads, Shrimp (Grilled), Sausage (Grilled), Grillable foods like Hamburgers and Hotdogs.

Dry Riesling 2020 – Ripe and tropical, harmonizing fresh lime juice, fresh citrus and petrol stoniness from the Keuka vineyards with cantaloupe and tangerine from the Seneca vineyards. Behind the zingy freshness are a rich body and a discreet creaminess which form a well-balanced union ideal for long-term aging. Pair with Soft Cheeses, Chicken, White Fish, Salad (Green Fruits, Seafood), Green Vegetable Dishes, Sushi.

Semi-dry Riesling 2020 – Delicate at first then tropically ripe, brimming with apricot, nectarine and a touch of pineapple. Lemon citrus and acacia blossom balance the sweetness effortlessly. Pair with Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Thai, and Asian cuisines. Pairs well with Spicy and Aromatic Ingredients like Pepper, Ginger, Curry, Sesame, and Soy. Spicy BBQ and Wings.

Blaufrankish 2019 – Leading with fresh plums and blueberries with vivid violet scents, the wine evolves from its bright and fruity core to a spicy richness on the palate. Smoked Sausage, Spaetzle, Tomato-based sauces, Hard Cheeses, Lighter Meats like Veal, Pork, and Lamb.

Cabernet Franc 2019 – Juicy and generous, spiced black cherry aromas are lifted with earthiness and cedar. Powerful and elegant simultaneously, the dark currants and plum flavors are firm with polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Pan-Seared Duck Breast, Grilled Lamb, Seared Filet Mignon, Steak Frites, Eggplant Dishes, Bell Peppers, StrongFlavored Cheeses, Roasted Vegetables.

Saperavi 2019 – Vibrant violet in color with pronounced notes of plum, black cherry, earth, cedar, and smoke. Full-bodied with polished tannins. Juicy acidity lifts the flavors on the long finish.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required by all attendees to confirm event reservations. All CDC and PA Department of Health social distancing precautions as well as the Harrisburg Hilton’s safety precautions and policies will be followed. Seating will be limited to 4 people per table. If you wish to reserve a table for 4, you may do so in the notes section of your online reservation or by emailing asst-treasurer@pawinesociety.org.

This event takes place at the Hilton Harrisburg at 1 N. Second Street, Harrisburg, PA on Friday, March 11^th at 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Indoor parking is available and preferred at the Walnut Street Parking Garage at a heavily discounted price for all event attendees by having the hotel front desk personnel stamp your parking ticket.

Online reservations may be purchased at pawinesocciety.org. Pricing is as follows:

Members: $55                         Patrons: $50                         Nonmembers: $65