08/10/2023
Story and photos by Lauren Chamberlain
My family and I wanted to spend a few hours outside in the gorgeous weather this past Sunday. Naturally, we thought what better place to do so than at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. We did not want to do another educational wine tasting, so the staff directed us to Eugenia’s Garden. This does not require a reservation and walk-in guests are welcome. Upon walking out the winery door, it is a wonderful option for enjoying some phenomenal wine.
As soon as you walk in you can order at the glass building. You have the option to try a flight, a glass, share a bottle, or eat some food. My mom tried the Vinifera Revolution flight and my dad and I ordered a bottle of their Semi-Dry Riesling 2022.
A visit to Dr. Frank’s isn’t complete without enjoying some of their food, so we ordered the Warm Peach Ricotta Flatbread. It was so delicious I was almost sorry that I had to share with my family! This savory fruity flatbread paired with my wine was delicious, filling and refreshing.
As we sat and chatted, I wanted to learn about the meaning and significance of “Eugenia’s Garden.” As it turns out, it is named after, and in tribute to, the original first-generation owners, Eugenia and Konstantin Frank. Eugenia was known for her garden. Her family remembers it as her happy place. She tended flowers for the winery as well as grew and cooked vegetables for her guests. The 4th generation owner, Meaghan Frank, along with other owners and siblings, wanted to create this space to keep her memory alive. They all have fond childhood memories of playing in the garden and helping their grandmother pick flowers and vegetables.
It is a very casual environment that overlooks the lake and their personal gardens. I am a lover of all things plants and I really enjoyed this area and do plan on returning. It is open from Memorial Day to October for visitors to enjoy. The garden is truly the center point and it bordered with a traditional white fence which encloses zucchini plants, eggplants, different tomato varieties and so much more. Everywhere I looked I saw beautifully vibrant potted flowers like geraniums, petunias, hydrangea trees and so much more. The landscaping and seating options were exquisite. As the sun was blazing, we chose a picnic table slightly shaded by the towering trees for some relief.
I encourage everyone to take a trip to explore and enjoy Eugenia’s Garden at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. You will not be disappointed.
Lauren Chamberlain, originally from Irondequoit, NY, is double majoring in Writing & Communication Arts and Visual Communications Design at Keuka College. She will graduate in 2024. Lauren is a long time lover of reading and writing. At Keuka College she has created two publications including Who is Penn Yan? Volume 8 and the school’s literary magazine, Crooked Lake Collections.
