The remarkable story of a refugee from Soviet Ukraine who found his way to upstate New York—and changed the American wine industry.

Dr. Konstantin Frank forever changed the palate of American wine. Forced from his home in Soviet Ukraine during World War II, he was astounded by the terroir when he arrived in the Finger Lakes region, an agricultural scientist from a foreign land desperately looking for work. Against popular notions, he believed that the vinifera grapes that produced some of Europe’s and California’s finest wines would prosper in this part of New York State, but was met with skepticism and resistance.

He proved his detractors wrong, and because he shared his knowledge freely with others, Konstantin’s innovativeness has allowed the region to produce some of the world’s finest Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varietals. Four generations of Franks have continued his legacy, and their winery has won record numbers of prestigious awards every year. This book tells the inspiring story.

Includes photographs