| Nebraska is well known for its agriculture, | | | | prints, jewelry, and historic memorabilia. Or, pop in |
| supplying an abundance of food crops from the | | | | for a cold one at Barry O's Old Market Tavern. |
| bountiful farms dotting the landscape. As a bonus | | | | For a world class wine list, there's M's Pub, an Old |
| for wine lovers, grapes are among the crops | | | | Market staple for over 30 years. |
| thriving here, particularly in the eastern portion of | | | | Omaha has long been known as a haven for |
| the state. The confluence of the Platte and | | | | great steaks, and with that in mind, we stopped |
| Missouri Rivers creates lush valleys and an ideal | | | | at the Upstream Brewing Company for drinks and |
| environment for a burgeoning number of | | | | dinner. Housed in a renovated firehouse, |
| Nebraska wineries just waiting for your visit. | | | | Upstream's name is derived from the original |
| Let's take a closer look at the Nebraska wine | | | | Native American meaning of the word "Omaha", |
| industry, and explore Omaha and beyond. | | | | meaning upstream or against the current. |
| Nebraska Wine | | | | The beer here is exceptional. We started with a |
| Nebraska, much like other midwestern states, has | | | | row of tasters, a 4 oz. sample of everything. An |
| a long tradition of grape growing and wine making. | | | | easy quaffer is Gold Coast Blonde, while the |
| Just before Prohibition, over 5000 acres of grapes | | | | American Wheat is a top notch hefeweizen, and |
| proliferated the Nebraska countryside. Since the | | | | the Firehouse ESB is a malty delight. For |
| mid 80's, Nebraska's wine industry has taken flight | | | | something a bit more edgy, try the fresh and |
| and now wineries are springing up in all regions of | | | | hoppy India Pale Ale, or my favorite, the thick |
| the state. | | | | and creamy Blackstone Stout, named after a |
| And while most people associate Nebraska's | | | | landmark Omaha hotel of yore. |
| terrain with miles of flat cornfields, that image is | | | | After dinner, you can explore other nightlife |
| misleading at best. It's interesting to note that | | | | options in The Old Market, or take a carriage tour |
| Nebraska actually has several different | | | | around the area. Away from downtown, there |
| microclimates. This is especially true in the state's | | | | are numerous nightlife, entertainment, and eating |
| eastern portion, home to Omaha and Lincoln, | | | | options on Dodge Street, Omaha's primary east |
| Nebraska's two largest cities. | | | | west thoroughfare. |
| Nebraska now boasts over 25 wineries, and | | | | On To Lincoln |
| almost all rely on Nebraska grown fruit and grapes | | | | After a morning filled with more Omaha area |
| to create wines that are rapidly becoming known | | | | sightseeing, we hopped on Interstate 80 |
| and respected by wine consumers and the wine | | | | westbound for the short drive to Lincoln. Back in |
| press alike. We discussed the Nebraska wine | | | | the late 1990's, we paid our first visit to Lincoln, |
| industry with Carey Potter, Executive Director of | | | | Nebraska's capitol city that's less than an hour |
| the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers | | | | from Omaha. You won't need a mileage marker |
| Association, who shared some promising news | | | | or your GPS to let you know you're close to |
| about the industry. Plans are taking shape to | | | | Lincoln ... just watch the horizon and you'll see the |
| officially designate one or more Nebraska wine | | | | Nebraska State Capitol building rise into view. |
| trails, with cooperation and support from the | | | | Lincoln is a hardy, spirited town, home of not only |
| Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism. | | | | state government but also the University of |
| People often ask us, "How can wine from one | | | | Nebraska. Football rules here, and there's a lively |
| midwestern state be much different than | | | | ambiance on campus and downtown. With an |
| another?". The answer is simple - the soil. | | | | overnight stay planned, we had ample time to |
| Different climatic and geophysical conditions yield | | | | explore the community. |
| different flavors to the grape, and it's a | | | | Surrounding the Lincoln area are three of |
| fascinating discovery to experience the end result. | | | | Nebraska's most well known wineries. We were |
| All told, we visited five wineries in the Metro | | | | able to visit one on our first afternoon, and the |
| Region of Nebraska, encompassing Omaha, | | | | remaining two the next day. But first, a little |
| nestled along the Missouri River, and Lincoln, | | | | sightseeing was in order. Let's explore Lincoln ... |
| Nebraska's capital city less than an hour away. | | | | A View From Above And The Haymarket |
| Come along with us as we learn more about | | | | Our first stop in Lincoln was the Art Deco style |
| Omaha, Lincoln, and Nebraska wine. | | | | State Capitol building, one of the most unique and |
| Discovering Omaha | | | | stylish in the U.S. Built from 1922 to 1932 at a |
| It's about as convenient as it gets to reach | | | | cost of $10 million, the building's majestic four |
| Omaha. Located directly in the middle of the | | | | hundred foot domed tower and low spreading |
| country, you'll find Omaha off Interstate 80 | | | | base contain exterior and interior artwork |
| driving east/west, or Interstate 29 north/south. | | | | representing the natural, social and political |
| And once you're here, you'll realize why so many | | | | development of Nebraska. Be sure to visit the |
| people speak fondly of Omaha. The downtown is | | | | 14th floor observation deck for a nice view of |
| compact and easy to navigate, with numerous | | | | Lincoln and the surrounding countryside. |
| choices for dining and entertainment. History is | | | | It's less than a mile across downtown to one of |
| celebrated here, even as the city evolves and | | | | Lincoln's premier attractions, the historic |
| goes high tech. Most of all, smiles are genuine and | | | | Haymarket area. Named after the original market |
| the midwestern hospitality is alive and well. | | | | square established in the late 1800's, this |
| We arrived mid morning, eager to take in some | | | | downtown Lincoln destination is a shopping and |
| Omaha sights before an afternoon of wine | | | | dining magnet. One of our favorite shops here is |
| tasting. | | | | From Nebraska, a gift shop featuring all types of |
| The focal point of downtown Omaha is the Old | | | | locally made products, including Nebraska wines. In |
| Market District, a revered historic area with | | | | fact, there's even a tasting bar here, so you can |
| original brick streets filled with shops and | | | | do as we did and sample wines from wineries all |
| restaurants. We were planning for dinner in the | | | | across the state. |
| Old Market, so we set off for Lauritzen Gardens, | | | | A Lincoln Classic And Prime Country |
| on Omaha's south side and near the Henry Dourly | | | | Afternoon plans called for a winery visit outside |
| Zoo and Rosenblatt Stadium, home to the College | | | | the city limits, so a quick lunch was in order. We |
| Baseball World Series. | | | | learned of a small locally owned fast food chain |
| Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's primary botanical | | | | called Runza Restaurants from the Lincoln |
| gardens, is a 100 acre oasis of tranquility, ideal for | | | | Convention and Visitors Bureau, and were able to |
| a little exercise on foot. Wander amongst the | | | | locate a Runza branch on the way to the winery. |
| rose gardens, Victorian garden, arboretum, or the | | | | There's a reason why Runza Restaurants are |
| floral display hall. After lunch at Johnny's Cafe and | | | | coined "A Lincoln Classic For Over 50 Years". |
| Steakhouse, a wonderful history laden Omaha | | | | You've got to try the Original Runza Sandwich. It's |
| tradition since 1922, it was time to explore | | | | fresh dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, |
| Omaha's ongoing relationship with the Missouri | | | | rolled together, and baked ... it's sort of a cross |
| River on the River City Star. | | | | between a wrap and a burrito. And absolutely do |
| On The Missouri River | | | | not miss Runza's onion rings - they're double |
| On this one hour Missouri River cruise, you'll glide | | | | battered, perfectly crunchy, and oh so delicious! |
| along Omaha's riverfront parks, including the Lewis | | | | It's delightfully easy to get around in Lincoln, and a |
| and Clark Landing. This 23 acre park site is one of | | | | very short drive brought us to Prime Country |
| Omaha's gathering spots, featuring a boardwalk | | | | Winery, a few miles southwest of Lincoln in the |
| on top of the river wall, marina, and nightly live | | | | town of Denton. |
| music in season. You'll also pass the Heartland of | | | | Prime Country is a true taste of Nebraska, as |
| America Park and Fountain, the Omaha skyline, | | | | every wine is made with grapes grown on site. |
| and downtown Council Bluffs Iowa just across the | | | | The vineyard features DeChaunac, LaCrosse, |
| river. | | | | Concord, Edelweiss, and St. Vincent grapes, |
| Omaha Area Wineries | | | | among others, with the end product being used in |
| With the better part of an afternoon ahead of us, | | | | stand alone wines or blended varietals. |
| we hit the road to explore two Omaha area | | | | We felt the blush wines starred here, particularly |
| wineries. | | | | the Denton Blush, a medium dry wine made with |
| Driving south from Omaha, the metro area | | | | an equal mix of red and white grapes. Thinking of |
| evolves into a rich river valley, with expansive | | | | a wine to pair with steak, we tasted and bought |
| farms beckoning along the way. It's easy to see | | | | Nebraska Red, an assertive off dry red made |
| why agriculture prospers here, as the Missouri | | | | from Dechaunac grapes. |
| River and fertile soil combine to provide a bountiful | | | | Prime Country offers upward of a dozen wines, |
| harvest. | | | | ranging from white to red and dry to sweet. |
| Just 15 minutes south of Omaha in the midst of | | | | They'll welcome your visit, year around. |
| this lush valley, you'll find Soaring Wings Vineyards. | | | | The first winery of the next day, Deer Springs |
| Since 2003, the Shaw family has been operating | | | | Winery, is located in a quiet country setting |
| this 11 acre winery and vineyard on land that was | | | | northeast of Lincoln. We were looking forward to |
| a former Native American settlement. Numerous | | | | visiting here because much like Prime Country |
| artifacts have been found on site, and farming | | | | Winery, most of the wines at Deer Springs are |
| has been the primary pursuit since the 1800's. | | | | made from grapes grown on site. A family run |
| The tasting room and outside veranda here are | | | | operation, Deer Creek's tasting room is housed in |
| an ideal way to while away a few hours on a | | | | a beautifully restored late 1800's farmstead home. |
| sunny afternoon. From either inside or outdoors, | | | | There's an outdoor landscaped area to sit and |
| you'll take in a panoramic view of the surrounding | | | | enjoy a bottle of wine or picnic, and various |
| valley. You can buy Soaring Wings wine by the | | | | events are held in the spring and summer months. |
| glass, partnered with Nebraska made cheese, | | | | Deer Springs offers a full line of reds and whites, |
| sausage, and other delicacies. Local art adorns the | | | | so there are plenty of choices. But we particularly |
| walls, and Soaring Wings hosts live music acts on | | | | recommend two white wines, the Brianna and the |
| Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. | | | | Firefly White. Both wines are semi dry with a |
| Stepping up to the tasting bar, we were delighted | | | | tinge of sweetness, but the most impressive |
| to see so many varied styles to sample. Soaring | | | | characteristic of both are the tropical fruit flavors. |
| Wings wines have won almost 150 medals in | | | | Prairie Sunrise was another winner, a bit drier, |
| international competitions, so chances are anything | | | | almost in the chardonnay style. |
| you select will please your palate. Our favorite | | | | Our favorite Deer Springs red wine was a toss up |
| was a slightly dry red, the Special Reserve St. | | | | between Prairie Sunset and Autumn Woods (love |
| Croix. Made with grapes that thrive in eastern | | | | those names!). Prairie Sunset is a blend of St. |
| Nebraska's river valley, this wine is rich and | | | | Vincent and St. Croix grapes, deep violet in color, |
| satisfying, with a dark fruit bouquet. | | | | with flavors of dark ripe plums. Autumn Woods |
| For all you riesling fans, go for Winter White, | | | | checks in a tad drier, with smoky and spicy |
| Soaring Wings' most popular wine. This wine | | | | characteristics that had us thinking of a pairing |
| offers a touch of sweetness, balanced nicely with | | | | with steaks or barbecue. Several bottles were |
| the crisp characteristics of a good riesling. For a | | | | added to our blossoming Nebraska wine collection! |
| slightly sweeter red, there's Mystic Red, absolutely | | | | Our final winery on this trip was Nebraska's |
| bursting with fruit. | | | | largest and one of the most well known, James |
| Further south, about 50 minutes from Omaha in | | | | Arthur Vineyards, open since 1997 in the town of |
| Nebraska City, sits Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard. | | | | Raymond and only 15 minutes from Lincoln. |
| This popular destination has a long history, dating | | | | Situated in the hilly countryside adjacent to a 20 |
| back to 1925. | | | | acre vineyard, James Arthur Vineyards offers |
| Set on 90 acres of fertile Missouri River valley | | | | plenty of seating on their large convered porch or |
| farmland, Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard is | | | | under the shade of three gazebos. Enjoy a bottle |
| dedicated to agricultural education, agritourism, and | | | | of wine outside, paired with one of several |
| historic preservation. Their on site research facility | | | | snacking baskets filled with specialty foods direct |
| hosts programs and classes from the University | | | | from local Nebraska purveyors. |
| of Nebraska, and there are numerous events for | | | | We enjoyed one of the most interesting wines |
| the general public throughout the year. Kimmel is | | | | we tasted on our Nebraska trip this particular |
| also a primary partner for the Arbor Day | | | | afternoon. It's Snowy Egret, a white wine made |
| Foundation. | | | | from a grape called Geisenheim. Slightly sweet, |
| On our visit, we toured the vineyard and learned | | | | with an unmistakeable grapefruit aroma and tang, |
| which grapes thrive in this corner of Nebraska. | | | | it's a highly unique style and very drinkable. Best |
| You'll find vines of LaCrosse, Concord, | | | | of all, proceeds for every bottle sold are donated |
| Chambourcin, and Vignoles. Elsewhere along a | | | | to the Lincoln Children's Zoo. |
| special two mile trail that meanders through the | | | | Just as interesting was San Realto, a red wine |
| site, you'll encounter cider pressing | | | | almost in the Sangria style. The winery staff calls |
| demonstrations, as well as fruit and vegetable | | | | San Realto a red wine for people who don't like |
| harvesting. Stop and enjoy the view at one of | | | | dry reds. It's made with DeChaunac grapes with a |
| the many benches or picnic tables. | | | | small amount of Concord grapes added for |
| You can easily spend the better part of a day at | | | | sweetness. And then there's Gamebird White, |
| Kimmel Orchard, capped off with a stop at the | | | | slightly oakey and complex, made with St. Pepin |
| Apple Barn for some wine tasting. For white wine | | | | grapes grown in the James Arthur Vineyard. |
| fans, try the LaCrosse, a semi sweet gem with | | | | James Arthur Vineyards will ship their wines |
| aromas of melon and pear. Or have some fun | | | | (depending where you live), so jump in, order |
| with the Apple Wine, produced from cider apples | | | | some, and try a real taste of Nebraska. |
| grown right here. | | | | Reflections on Nebraska |
| Saving the best for last, we shifted into red wine | | | | Discovering wine is a lot of fun, and Nebraska |
| mode with Kimmel Orchard's DeChaunac. This | | | | wine was a great discovery for us. Before this |
| French hybrid grape produces a dry red wine | | | | trip, we'd never tasted a Nebraska wine. |
| that's bold, rich, and full bodied. Equally satisfying | | | | Winemakers here are proud of their craft, and |
| was the Chambourcin, one of our personal | | | | we were particularly impressed with their desire |
| favorites. This wine offers a fine balance of dark | | | | to use local grapes in their winemaking process. |
| fruit flavors with a lively spicy kick. | | | | And with shipping regulations gradually easing, it's |
| Omaha At Night | | | | more convenient than ever to try Nebraska wine. |
| With happy hour and dinner in our sights, we | | | | At some point, we plan to come back and |
| headed back to downtown Omaha, destination Old | | | | explore the rest of Nebraska's wineries. There are |
| Market District. | | | | several in western Nebraska, and a few more in |
| As the very heart of Omaha, The Old Market | | | | the planning stages. The Nebraska Winery and |
| offers unique shops, local restaurants to suit any | | | | Grape Growers Association is moving ahead with |
| taste and budget, plus enough arts and | | | | promotional ideas to help market and support the |
| entertainment to keep you busy for hours. The | | | | state's wine industry, which will undoubtedly |
| four block area features renovated warehouses, | | | | heighten the profile of Nebraska wines. |
| old fashioned lighting, and authentic brick streets. | | | | If your travel plans take you through the |
| Rich in history yet modern and contemporary, | | | | midwest on Interstate 80, be sure to stop over |
| The Old Market is Omaha at its best. | | | | in both Omaha and Lincoln. We truly enjoyed the |
| While at The Old Market, stop to shop at | | | | great food, local attractions, and most of all the |
| Everything Them, a colorful gallery featuring | | | | genuine Midwestern hospitality. |