By Doug Rich

Nebraska is best known for winning football teams and for growing corn, but it is slowly building a reputation for wine production

Like many states in the Midwest, Nebraska was home to many vineyards prior to prohibition and it is just now beginning to see vineyard and wine production making a comeback. Before prohibition there were 48,000 grape vines growing Nebraska.

At the heart of the renewed interest in wine production is the James Arthur Vineyards near Raymond, Neb. located just a few miles north of Lincoln. Jim Ballard, his wife, Barbara, and her father, James Arthur Jeffers, put in their first grapes 12 years ago and opened the winery eight years ago.

It takes about four years before the vines grow big enough clusters to produce wine. Today they have 20 varieties of grapes, 16,000 vines on 22 acres.

It was an idea that literally grew and grew. At first they were just going to put a few vines in the ground to see what would happen. Prior to planting their first grapes they did some research to see if they had the right soils and which grape varieties could be grown in Nebraska.

It turns out that the soil around Raymond was very good for grape production. James Arthur Vineyards was the second and largest winery to begin operation in Nebraska at that time.

"Everything that goes into our wine comes from Nebraska," says Laura Suellwold, tasting room manager at James Arthur Vineyards. That includes honey for the mead wine they make in the spring and raspberries for their raspberry and apple wine.

Suellwold says people in the Midwest prefer sweet wines as opposed to the dry wines preferred in California. Every region of the country produces different wines depending on the varieties of grapes that can be grown in that area.

Nebraska soils and weather are best for grapes that produce sweet and semi-sweet wines. "Even wineries in Iowa that are just four hours away from us grow different types of grapes," she says.

The most popular wine at James Arthur Vineyard is their Edelweiss semi-sweet white wine. Another popular wineis Edyn's Blush, a wonderful combination of Edelweiss, LaCrosse, and Concord grapes. Nebraska Red is one their most popular red wines. This is made from a blend of St. Croix and Foch grapes.

St. Croix is another popular red wine made at James Arthur Vineyard. According to their wine list this is a full bodied red wine.

For those that are new to the world of wines, James Arthur Vineyards offers food and wine pairing classes and wine tasting. Jim Ballard explains how to taste wine, what to look for in a wine, and how to match wine to your favorite meal.

There are activities at the winery all through the year that provide fun and an opportunity to learn about Nebraska wines. A Wine and Massage night, A Taste of Wine & Broadway, and live music every Saturday in June and July.

One of the biggest events at the vineyard is the annual Renaissance Festival held in May. Learn more about the vineyard and their activities by going to their website at www.jamesarthurvineyards.com. The wine industry is growing in Nebraska. By 2006 it is estimated there will be 12 wineries in the state.

I don't know which wine goes best with football or corn, but I bet they can tell you at James Arthur Vineyards. Stop by and sample some of their award winning wines, they are just around the corner.

Doug Rich can be reached by phone at 785-749-5304 or by e-mail at Richhpj@aol.com.

Date: 4/19/05