HAMMONDSPORT, N.Y. (WENY) -- Every year, the Monteith Trophy is presented to those that have made significant contributions to the American wine industry. In 2023, Frederick Frank was recognized as one of the most influential winemakers in the country, receiving the award for his achievements in the wine business.  

“It is a great testament to our family's wine tradition and the pioneering work my grandfather, Dr. Konstantin Frank, did in introducing the vitis vinifera, or European wine grapes to New York,” said Frederick Frank, President of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.  

Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first recipient of the Monteith Trophy, followed by his son, Willy Frank, who won it roughly two decades later. On May 19th, 2023, Frederick Frank became the third generation in the family to bring home the award.  

“It’s sort of like the Stanley Cup within the wine business,” Frank said. “It is a great honor to be part of that wonderful group.”  

The Monteith Trophy is presented annually by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. ASWA Board Member Steve DiFrancesco says Frederick won the award in 2023 because of his consistency, impact on the industry, and support of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  

As Frederick's daughter, Meaghan, has worked alongside him over the last decade, Steve feels she'll keep the family legacy going and continue to follow in her family's footsteps.  

“I expect Meaghan, the great-granddaughter of Konstantin, to be a recipient at some point because she's done great things too, and we're very excited for the future of the wine business,” DiFrancesco said. “She'll be part of it, without a doubt.”  

Meaghan says her father has sacrificed a lot to get the winery to where it is now. She is thrilled to see her father be recognized for the hard work he's put into the family business.  

“It's nice to see him be appreciated and feel that reward,” Meaghan said, adding, “I have learned so much from him, and it’s an honor to have been able to have worked with him over the last decade.”  

People can see the trophy on display at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in Hammondsport over the next year.