LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Chateau
Frank on July 5, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; 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 30th Anniversary of Chateau Frank to be celebrated with a
celebration on Sunday, July 5, 2015, on the grounds of the historic
Chateau Frank in Hammondsport, New York; and
WHEREAS, Chateau Frank, the sparkling wine affiliate of Dr. Frank
Vinifera Wine Cellars, was founded by Willy Frank, a New York wine
pioneer with a dream of producing Methode Champenoise sparkling wine
from Vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes Region; and
WHEREAS, Willy Frank purchased a beautiful, historic stone home in
1982, complete with a cellar ideal for sparkling wine production; he set
out to make Methode Champenoise sparkling wine using the three tradi-
tional champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Chateau Frank released its first vintage, and since
then, has become one of the most prestigious sparkling wine brands in
New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Chateau Frank property has a long history of winemaking
in the Finger Lakes; it was built by Philip Argus, a German immigrant,
in 1886, and was home to the Western New York Wine Company prior to
prohibition; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its distinguished history, Chateau Frank
has recently been placed on the National Registry of Historic Places;
signage commemorating its historical status will be placed on the road
in front of Chateau Frank; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Chateau Frank has been a vital part of
the New York Wine Revolution, using traditional methods and classic
grapes to produce outstanding sparkling wine; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and
State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
remarkable success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Chateau Frank; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chateau Frank, Hammondsport, New York.