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Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wine travel - Nebraska's Blossoming Wine Country
Nebraska is well known for its agriculture, supplying an abundance of food crops from the bountiful farms dotting the landscape. As a bonus for wine lovers, grapes are among the crops thriving here, particularly in the eastern part of the state. The confluence of the Platte and Missouri Rivers creates lush valleys and an ideal environment for a burgeoning amount of Nebraska wineries just waiting for your visit.
Let's take a closer look at the Nebraska wine industry, and observe Omaha and beyond.
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Nebraska Wine
Wine travel - Nebraska's Blossoming Wine Country
Nebraska, much like other midwestern states, has a long tradition of grape growing and wine making. Just before Prohibition, over 5000 acres of grapes proliferated the Nebraska countryside. Since the mid 80's, Nebraska's wine commerce has taken flight and now wineries are springing up in all regions of the state.
And while most citizen join together Nebraska's terrain with miles of flat cornfields, that image is misleading at best. It's engaging to note that Nebraska of course has any separate microclimates. This is especially true in the state's eastern portion, home to Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska's two largest cities.
Nebraska now boasts over 25 wineries, and roughly all rely on Nebraska grown fruit and grapes to originate wines that are rapidly becoming known and respected by wine consumers and the wine press alike. We discussed the Nebraska wine commerce with Carey Potter, administrative Director of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association, who shared some promising news about the industry. Plans are taking shape to officially prescribe one or more Nebraska wine trails, with cooperation and sustain from the Nebraska branch of trip and Tourism.
People often ask us, "How can wine from one midwestern state be much separate than another?". The write back is simple - the soil. separate climatic and geophysical conditions yield separate flavors to the grape, and it's a engaging discovery to perceive the end result.
All told, we visited five wineries in the Metro Region of Nebraska, encompassing Omaha, nestled along the Missouri River, and Lincoln, Nebraska's capital city less than an hour away.
Come along with us as we learn more about Omaha, Lincoln, and Nebraska wine.
Discovering Omaha
It's about as favorable as it gets to reach Omaha. settled directly in the middle of the country, you'll find Omaha off Interstate 80 driving east/west, or Interstate 29 north/south.
And once you're here, you'll perceive why so many citizen speak fondly of Omaha. The downtown is covenant and easy to navigate, with numerous choices for dining and entertainment. History is renowned here, even as the city evolves and goes high tech. Most of all, smiles are genuine and the midwestern hospitality is alive and well.
We arrived mid morning, eager to take in some Omaha sights before an afternoon of wine tasting.
The focal point of downtown Omaha is the Old market District, a revered historic area with former brick streets filled with shops and restaurants. We were planning for evening meal in the Old Market, so we set off for Lauritzen Gardens, on Omaha's south side and near the Henry Dourly Zoo and Rosenblatt Stadium, home to the College Baseball World Series.
Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's former botanical gardens, is a 100 acre oasis of tranquility, ideal for a minuscule practice on foot. roam surrounded by the rose gardens, Victorian garden, arboretum, or the floral display hall. After lunch at Johnny's Cafe and Steakhouse, a astonishing history laden Omaha tradition since 1922, it was time to observe Omaha's ongoing association with the Missouri River on the River City Star.
On The Missouri River
On this one hour Missouri River cruise, you'll glide along Omaha's riverfront parks, together with the Lewis and Clark Landing. This 23 acre park site is one of Omaha's conference spots, featuring a boardwalk on top of the river wall, marina, and nightly live music in season. You'll also pass the Heartland of America Park and Fountain, the Omaha skyline, and downtown Council Bluffs Iowa just over the river.
Omaha Area Wineries
With the great part of an afternoon ahead of us, we hit the road to observe two Omaha area wineries.
Driving south from Omaha, the metro area evolves into a rich river valley, with broad farms beckoning along the way. It's easy to see why agriculture prospers here, as the Missouri River and fertile soil join to provide a bountiful harvest.
Just 15 minutes south of Omaha in the midst of this lush valley, you'll find Soaring Wings Vineyards. Since 2003, the Shaw family has been operating this 11 acre winery and vineyard on land that was a previous Native American settlement. Numerous artifacts have been found on site, and farming has been the former chase since the 1800's.
The tasting room and face veranda here are an ideal way to while away a few hours on a sunny afternoon. From either inside or outdoors, you'll take in a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. You can buy Soaring Wings wine by the glass, partnered with Nebraska made cheese, sausage, and other delicacies. Local art adorns the walls, and Soaring Wings hosts live music acts on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Stepping up to the tasting bar, we were delighted to see so many varied styles to sample. Soaring Wings wines have won roughly 150 medals in international competitions, so chances are anything you select will please your palate. Our beloved was a slightly dry red, the special sustain St. Croix. Made with grapes that thrive in eastern Nebraska's river valley, this wine is rich and satisfying, with a dark fruit bouquet.
For all you riesling fans, go for Winter White, Soaring Wings' most beloved wine. This wine offers a touch of sweetness, balanced nicely with the crisp characteristics of a good riesling. For a slightly sweeter red, there's Mystic Red, of course bursting with fruit.
Further south, about 50 minutes from Omaha in Nebraska City, sits Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard. This beloved destination has a long history, dating back to 1925.
Set on 90 acres of fertile Missouri River valley farmland, Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard is dedicated to agricultural education, agritourism, and historic preservation. Their on site study facility hosts programs and classes from the University of Nebraska, and there are numerous events for the general collective throughout the year. Kimmel is also a former partner for the Arbor Day Foundation.
On our visit, we toured the vineyard and learned which grapes thrive in this projection of Nebraska. You'll find vines of LaCrosse, Concord, Chambourcin, and Vignoles. Elsewhere along a special two mile trail that meanders straight through the site, you'll encounter cider pressing demonstrations, as well as fruit and vegetable harvesting. Stop and enjoy the view at one of the many benches or picnic tables.
You can of course spend the great part of a day at Kimmel Orchard, capped off with a stop at the Apple Barn for some wine tasting. For white wine fans, try the LaCrosse, a semi sweet gem with aromas of melon and pear. Or have some fun with the Apple Wine, produced from cider apples grown right here.
Saving the best for last, we shifted into red wine mode with Kimmel Orchard's DeChaunac. This French hybrid grape produces a dry red wine that's bold, rich, and full bodied. Equally satisfying was the Chambourcin, one of our personal favorites. This wine offers a fine balance of dark fruit flavors with a engaging spicy kick.
Omaha At Night
With happy hour and evening meal in our sights, we headed back to downtown Omaha, destination Old market District.
As the very heart of Omaha, The Old market offers unique shops, local restaurants to suit any taste and budget, plus adequate arts and entertainment to keep you busy for hours. The four block area features renovated warehouses, old fashioned lighting, and authentic brick streets. Rich in history yet contemporary and contemporary, The Old market is Omaha at its best.
While at The Old Market, stop to shop at everything Them, a colorful gallery featuring prints, jewelry, and historic memorabilia. Or, pop in for a cold one at Barry O's Old market Tavern. For a world class wine list, there's M's Pub, an Old market staple for over 30 years.
Omaha has long been known as a haven for great steaks, and with that in mind, we stopped at the Upstream Brewing company for drinks and dinner. Housed in a renovated firehouse, Upstream's name is derived from the former Native American meaning of the word "Omaha", meaning upstream or against the current.
The beer here is exceptional. We started with a row of tasters, a 4 oz. Sample of everything. An easy quaffer is Gold Coast Blonde, while the American Wheat is a top notch hefeweizen, and the Firehouse Esb is a malty delight. For something a bit more edgy, try the fresh and hoppy India Pale Ale, or my favorite, the thick and creamy Blackstone Stout, named after a landmark Omaha hotel of yore.
After dinner, you can observe other nightlife options in The Old Market, or take a carriage tour around the area. Away from downtown, there are numerous nightlife, entertainment, and eating options on Dodge Street, Omaha's former east/west thoroughfare.
On To Lincoln
After a morning filled with more Omaha area sightseeing, we hopped on Interstate 80 westbound for the short drive to Lincoln. Back in the late 1990's, we paid our first visit to Lincoln, Nebraska's capitol city that's less than an hour from Omaha. You won't need a mileage marker or your Gps to let you know you're close to Lincoln ... Just watch the horizon and you'll see the Nebraska State Capitol construction rise into view.
Lincoln is a hardy, engaging town, home of not only state government but also the University of Nebraska. Football rules here, and there's a engaging ambiance on campus and downtown. With an overnight stay planned, we had ample time to observe the community.
Surrounding the Lincoln area are three of Nebraska's most well known wineries. We were able to visit one on our first afternoon, and the remaining two the next day. But first, a minuscule sightseeing was in order. Let's observe Lincoln ...
A View From Above And The Haymarket
Our first stop in Lincoln was the Art Deco style State Capitol building, one of the most unique and popular ,favorite in the U.S. Built from 1922 to 1932 at a cost of million, the building's majestic four hundred foot domed tower and low spreading base consist of face and interior artwork representing the natural, collective and political amelioration of Nebraska. Be sure to visit the 14th floor observation deck for a nice view of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside.
It's less than a mile over downtown to one of Lincoln's premier attractions, the historic Haymarket area. Named after the former market square established in the late 1800's, this downtown Lincoln destination is a shopping and dining magnet. One of our beloved shops here is From Nebraska, a gift shop featuring all types of locally made products, together with Nebraska wines. In fact, there's even a tasting bar here, so you can do as we did and sample wines from wineries all over the state.
A Lincoln first-rate And Prime Country
Afternoon plans called for a winery visit face the city limits, so a quick lunch was in order. We learned of a small locally owned fast food chain called Runza Restaurants from the Lincoln custom and Visitors Bureau, and were able to locate a Runza field on the way to the winery.
There's a suspect why Runza Restaurants are coined "A Lincoln first-rate For Over 50 Years". You've got to try the former Runza Sandwich. It's fresh dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rolled together, and baked ... It's sort of a cross in the middle of a wrap and a burrito. And of course do not miss Runza's onion rings - they're duplicate battered, perfectly crunchy, and oh so delicious!
It's delightfully easy to get around in Lincoln, and a very short drive brought us to Prime Country Winery, a few miles southwest of Lincoln in the town of Denton.
Prime Country is a true taste of Nebraska, as every wine is made with grapes grown on site. The vineyard features DeChaunac, LaCrosse, Concord, Edelweiss, and St. Vincent grapes, among others, with the end product being used in stand alone wines or blended varietals.
We felt the blush wines starred here, particularly the Denton Blush, a medium dry wine made with an equal mix of red and white grapes. mental of a wine to pair with steak, we tasted and bought Nebraska Red, an assertive off dry red made from Dechaunac grapes.
Prime Country offers upward of a dozen wines, fluctuating from white to red and dry to sweet. They'll welcome your visit, year around.
The first winery of the next day, Deer Springs Winery, is settled in a quiet country setting northeast of Lincoln. We were looking forward to visiting here because much like Prime Country Winery, most of the wines at Deer Springs are made from grapes grown on site. A family run operation, Deer Creek's tasting room is housed in a beautifully restored late 1800's farmstead home. There's an outdoor landscaped area to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine or picnic, and varied events are held in the spring and summer months.
Deer Springs offers a full line of reds and whites, so there are abundance of choices. But we particularly recommend two white wines, the Brianna and the Firefly White. Both wines are semi dry with a tinge of sweetness, but the most impressive characteristic of both are the tropical fruit flavors. Prairie Sunrise was another winner, a bit drier, roughly in the chardonnay style.
Our beloved Deer Springs red wine was a toss up in the middle of Prairie Sunset and Autumn Woods (love those names!). Prairie Sunset is a blend of St. Vincent and St. Croix grapes, deep violet in color, with flavors of dark ripe plums. Autumn Woods checks in a tad drier, with smoky and spicy characteristics that had us mental of a pairing with steaks or barbecue. any bottles were added to our blossoming Nebraska wine collection!
Our final winery on this trip was Nebraska's largest and one of the most well known, James Arthur Vineyards, open since 1997 in the town of Raymond and only 15 minutes from Lincoln.
Situated in the hilly countryside adjacent to a 20 acre vineyard, James Arthur Vineyards offers abundance of seating on their large convered porch or under the shade of three gazebos. Enjoy a bottle of wine outside, paired with one of any snacking baskets filled with specialty foods direct from local Nebraska purveyors.
We enjoyed one of the most engaging wines we tasted on our Nebraska trip this particular afternoon. It's Snowy Egret, a white wine made from a grape called Geisenheim. Slightly sweet, with an unmistakeable grapefruit aroma and tang, it's a very unique style and very drinkable. Best of all, proceeds for every bottle sold are donated to the Lincoln Children's Zoo.
Just as engaging was San Realto, a red wine roughly in the Sangria style. The winery staff calls San Realto a red wine for citizen who don't like dry reds. It's made with DeChaunac grapes with a small amount of Concord grapes added for sweetness. And then there's Gamebird White, slightly oakey and complex, made with St. Pepin grapes grown in the James Arthur Vineyard.
James Arthur Vineyards will ship their wines (depending where you live), so jump in, order some, and try a real taste of Nebraska.
Reflections on Nebraska
Discovering wine is a lot of fun, and Nebraska wine was a great discovery for us. Before this trip, we'd never tasted a Nebraska wine. Winemakers here are proud of their craft, and we were particularly impressed with their desire to use local grapes in their winemaking process. And with shipping regulations moderately easing, it's more favorable than ever to try Nebraska wine.
At some point, we plan to come back and observe the rest of Nebraska's wineries. There are any in western Nebraska, and a few more in the planning stages. The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers association is engaging ahead with promotional ideas to help market and sustain the state's wine industry, which will of course heighten the profile of Nebraska wines.
If your trip plans take you straight through the midwest on Interstate 80, be sure to stop over in both Omaha and Lincoln. We truly enjoyed the great food, local attractions, and most of all the genuine Midwestern hospitality.
Wine travel - Nebraska's Blossoming Wine Country
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