Our Staff 

Carl Fribolin, Owner

Carl is no stranger to agriculture. He founded Seedway, a seed-growing and distribution business in Hall, NY in 1963. In the beginning, they serviced farmers in New York state, as well as throughout New England. As business increased, Carl eventually operated six seed production farms to meet the growing needs of his customers. Although he sold Seedway to Agway Inc. of Syracuse in 1987, he is still active in the buisness.

Carl purchased White Springs Farms in 1973 and used the deep sandy soil to produce seeds for his company.

In 2003, Carl wanted to address a problem with soil erosion caused by the sloping nature of the farmland. This lead to the planting of 13 acres of grapes and White Springs Winery was born.  Currently, there are 40 acres of vineyard made up of predominately vinifera grapes used in the wines produced by White Springs Winery. 

Derek Wilber, President and Winemaker

Derek grew up on a fruit farm in Penn Yan, New York and has been in the wine business for

more than 25 years. He has created wines for Widmer Wine Cellars, Hunt Country, Anthony Road Wine Company and Swedish Hill and Goose Watch Wineries.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to White Springs Winery which will assist in all aspects of the business.  Derek and his wife, Donna, live in Penn Yan with their three sons.

Andrew Wilber, Cellar Master

Andrew is a native of Penn Yan, New York and has worked in the wine industry for more than 25 years.  Andrew lives in Geneva with his wife, Heidi, and son, Liam.

Patti Costello, Business Manager                                                                                                                                                                                               

Patti handles all business matters of White Springs Winery, as well as various wine tasting events and works closely with the wholesale side of the business.  She joined the winery in July 2007 after being the Office Manager for Finger Lakes Premium Wines.  Priior to that, Patti was handled various tasting room and gift shop efforts for Anthony Road Wine Company.  Patti and her husband, John, live in Geneva and have 4 sons.

Jan Van Allan, Tasting Room Manager

Jan handles the day-to-day operations of the tasting room and retail shop.  Additionally, she is responsible for many of the marketing efforts for the winery.  Jan came to White Springs from Ventosa Vineyards in July of 2007, where she held a similar position.  Previously, she had been the Tasting Room Manager for the Finger Lakes Champagne House and the Off-Premise Sales Manager for Swedish Hill and Goose Watch Wineries.  Before moving back home to Geneva in 1999, Jan was Development Director for the Pacific Research Insititute in San Francisco and Director of Marketing for the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas.  Jan resides in Geneva with her daughter, Madalyn.