The Wine Road - Nebraska
Nebraska seems an unlikely place to find wine, and indeed we didn't.
There are only a few wineries here, and they seem to mostly be open on the weekends, which of course is not when we were there.
We did get to stop by Mac's Creek Vineyard & Winery in Lexington, NE. We wandered the grounds, took a hand full of pictures, and even met the proprietor. What we didn't get to do was to taste any wine. We were a few minutes after closing and they had an event going on.
They were nice as could be, but our timing was wrong, as it would turn out to be for the rest of Nebraska as well.
Mac's Creek offers wines made from actual grapes, while most of the rest of Nebraska seems to use other fruits and berries. Mac's is well prepared for visitors, with ample parking, and a spacious and bright tasting room.
They are not exactly on the beaten path, in the western half of the state, but if you are passing by on I-80, make a point of stopping in.
Our travel plans took us next to the Lincoln area, and we found 3 wineries in close proximity. All of which are only open on the weekends, so I have no detais about them.
Next stop is Iowa and the Amana Colonies area, where I promise a more complete report.
There are only a few wineries here, and they seem to mostly be open on the weekends, which of course is not when we were there.
We did get to stop by Mac's Creek Vineyard & Winery in Lexington, NE. We wandered the grounds, took a hand full of pictures, and even met the proprietor. What we didn't get to do was to taste any wine. We were a few minutes after closing and they had an event going on.
They were nice as could be, but our timing was wrong, as it would turn out to be for the rest of Nebraska as well.
Mac's Creek offers wines made from actual grapes, while most of the rest of Nebraska seems to use other fruits and berries. Mac's is well prepared for visitors, with ample parking, and a spacious and bright tasting room.
They are not exactly on the beaten path, in the western half of the state, but if you are passing by on I-80, make a point of stopping in.
Our travel plans took us next to the Lincoln area, and we found 3 wineries in close proximity. All of which are only open on the weekends, so I have no detais about them.
Next stop is Iowa and the Amana Colonies area, where I promise a more complete report.
posted by Wineguy at 6:34 AM
8 Comments:
Dr. Reiss--A friend just happened to forward me your comments about your recent wine trip through Nebraska. I appreciate your comments on Mac's Creek, which is a wonderful winery and a good representation of what Nebraska has to offer. It's too bad you didn't have more time and/or opportunities to visit some of our other vineyards. What I think you would have found were very friendly and enthusiastic folks who are truly pioneers as Nebraska tries to create a new and exciting wine industry for our state. As to your trip through Lincoln, I was disappointed you didn't get a chance to stop by our winery..James Arthur Vineyards.. which is open 7 days a week and only about 7 miles north of Lincoln off of the interstate. It is Nebraska's largest and we would have been more than delighted to show you around our 18 acres of vineyards and 8000 case production area. We would have even ventured into the tasting room to sample some of our finest. So, please accept this as an invitation to stop in not only to James Arthur Vineyards but any one of the 12 wines now in operation. Thanks.
It is always good to hear from people that are out there on the front lines.
I admit it, I timed my visit poorly.
I was planning on visiting you, and I am certainly sorry I missed you, but I didn't think that seeing one winery would be enough to write about. No doubt I missed a wonderful opportunity.
Should I get back that way I will make a point of stopping in, not only with you, but with as many Nebraska wineries as I can. At this point I can't say I have really toured Nebraska, and that is a shame.
Tsk, Tsk...
I must agree with Mr. Ballard. In making an attempt to visit the wineries in Nebraska, you overlooked an obvious gem-- The James Arthur Vineyard, only seven miles north of Lincoln (that's roughly SEVEN minutes drive time in Nebraska).
JAV is an exceptional winery with beautiful landscaping, friendly, attentive staff and some wonderful wines. From dry reds to dessert wines and mead, a tasting tour is sure to please any palate.
My husband and I fell in love with the winery so much that we were married there in 2003. We make it a point to visit on our anniversary, upon which we are always welcomed (with "Happy Anniversary") by the staff, as well as a wonderful offering of the season's varietals.
Do yourself an indulgent favor... Return to Nebraska and spend a relaxed summer afternoon at James Artur Vineyards. You'll be glad you did!
Nebraska now boasts 14 wineries, their websites can be accessed via the www.nebraskawines.com website. This is the official website of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association.
I would like to make a corrections to your statement as to "Mac's Creek offering wines made from actual grapes, while most of the rest of Nebraska seems to use other fruits and berries." We own a winery in Western Nebraska "The Last Chance Winery" and most all of our wines are made from grapes grown here in the wonderful state of Nebraska. As for majority of the of the wineries in the state I can confidently say they also are huge grape users in there production of wines.
We too are open 7 days a week and would extend an open invitation to visit our Winery.
There is a new website available to tell the story of grapes and wines in Nebraska. It is www.vintagenebraska.org .
Stephen,
We hope you make another trip to Nebraska in 2006. I think you will be pleased. Consider this a personal invitation to Meyer Vineyards which is unlike anything in the Midwest. Our goal is to make premier wine and our customers tell us we are suceeding. Our commitment to the industry starts with our 20 acres of premium grapes which are processed under the supervision of an enologist. Our wines are tailored around the characteristics of our grapes. Our 18,000 sq. ft. facility was designed to provide a truly unique experience for our guests. It is representational of the process of growing the grapes and transforming them into fine wine. Please let us know when you will be in the area again. We would love to give you a personal tour.
Thanks.
Kelly Meyer
Wow - You missed out on some great wineries in great locations and .....open 7 days a week. I don't even know of any Nebraska winery that is only open on the weekends. Soaring Wings in Springfield - 7 days a week. Cuthills Vineyards, May - Dec open Wednesday - Sunday. James Arthur 7 days a week. Lovers Leap, 7 days per week. Oh, by the way, most wines are made from grapes not other fruit. To better enjoy your wine visit in Nebraska, consider a new travel agent. Come back and enjoy some great wines.
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