There's A Wine Trail In Nebraska And It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed Of
By Delana Lefevers|Published September 27, 2016
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Nebraska has really come into its own in the past couple of decades as a wine-producing state. We have a number of vineyards and wineries producing some of the finest wines you could hope to find in this part of the country. They are located nearly exclusively in southeastern Nebraska where the growing conditions are just right. If you want to make a day (or weekend) of wine-tasting and sightseeing, the Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail – a product of the Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail Association – is right up your alley.
At present, eight wineries participate in the Winery Trail.
This map is arranged in a way that looked appealing to us; there is no right or wrong way to travel the trail. You can visit one, visit them all, or just visit the few that look the most intriguing. If you do the entire trail seen here, the total driving time is four hours, not accounting for the time you spend at each stop.
If you'd like to modify the route to change the order of your stops, click here for the customizable map.
Located in historic Brownville, this quaint winery operates out of a century-old barn and a turn-of-the-century underground cave. The wine is delicious and the setting couldn't be prettier.
SchillingBridge's Pawnee City location has the distinction of being the nation's first farm winery/microbrewery combination. Enrich your visit by taking a stroll down to the beautiful limestone Rock Island Railroad bridge.
Located just southeast of Lincoln, Glacial Till is six acres of lush, beautiful vines. Despite being so close to the city, a trip to the family-owned winery feels like a little escape.
The WunderRosa is a beloved Lincoln-area winery that's been producing quality Nebraska-grown wines since 2009. If a day visit to their lovely grounds isn't enough for you (or if you indulge in a few too many tastings), the WunderRoost Bed and Breakfast is just around the corner and offers wonderful accommodations for a relaxing weekend away.
The rolling green slope of this five-acre vineyard is a view to die for, and the wine you'll be sipping will make it even more memorable. Windcrest has been growing quality grapes since 1998 and producing their own wines - including cherry wine - since 2007.
Tucked happily into 400 acres of surrounding hills and prairies, James Arthur Vineyards offers spectacular views. The tasting room features a big stone fireplace for warming up during the cooler months and a covered porch with a nearby waterfall for warmer nights.
Believe it or not, this vineyard sits on the original homestead claimed by the owner's ancestors in 1874. The barn that serves as the tasting room was built in 1876 and has been restored to beautiful condition. With frequent live entertainment, Deer Springs is a fun and quick retreat from the busier Lincoln scene.
8. Soaring Wings Vineyard, 17111 South 138th Street, Springfield, NE
Just look at that building! It's no wonder that this is a very popular venue for weddings. Located just far enough away from the cities to feel like a remote getaway, Soaring Wings is also easily accessible. Every fall, you can look forward to the Harvest Festival - complete with grape stomping - and the Blues and Balloons Festival.
Nearly all of these vineyards offer live entertainment and/or food options of some kind, whether it’s a full menu or a small appetizer tray. The Southeast Nebraska Winery Trail Association also sponsors fun events at member wineries throughout the year.
The eight wineries on the wine trail only represent a small portion of the great wine our amazing state has to offer. To see even more Nebraska vineyards and wineries, head on over here. For more information on the wine trail, visit the Southeast Nebraska Wine Trail site.
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