By Jim Ballard

Turn back the clock to the early 1900s, and you will find Nebraska was home to hundreds of acres of grapevines, dotting southeast Nebraska along the Missouri River. The practice and traditions of growing grapes was carried to the New World by immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Those grapes eventually were turned into delicious wines that emulated those created in the Old World tradition.

However, due to Prohibition, weather incidents and the increase of row crops in the area, the practice of cultivating grapes and creating fine wines soon started to falter. The art of grape growing and winemaking in the Midwest, especially in Nebraska, became obsolete.

Almost a century later, the Nebraska Farm Winery Act was put into effect by the state legislature and began a renaissance of Nebraska wineries that began in the mid-1990s. That opened the door for several entrepreneurial spirits to take their shot at the wine business. In fact, over the last 30 years, there has been an explosion of wineries across the state. Nebraska now claims 29 wineries practicing in the age-old art of winemaking, creating delicious wines distinctively Nebraska.

Our venture

As a member of LEAD 26, I experienced many quizzical looks while traveling across the state, the country and even the world sharing my experiences as a grape grower and winemaker coming from a state renowned for its corn and cattle.

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Our venture began in 1994, when I convinced my father-in-law, James Arthur Jeffers, to try some grapevines on his land as a hobby. He acquiesced, and soon, 100 vines were planted on the farm near Raymond, Neb., about 10 minutes north of Lincoln. Not long after, that “hobby” led to James Arthur Vineyards becoming a reality. The winery opened its doors in 1997, becoming the state’s second commercial winery. A pioneer in the Nebraska wine industry, James Arthur Vineyards still is the largest wine producer and now the oldest operating winery in the state.

Surrounded by almost 20 acres of vines, the winery also brings grapes in from other growers across the state, making their final product truly unique to Nebraska. In the 27 years JAV has been in operation, we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests to our tasting room. That includes folks from all 50 states and more than 60 countries,

With more than 400 acres of grapes dotting Nebraska’s landscape, vineyards and wineries have truly become part of the state’s agricultural scene. As a nontraditional, value-added specialty crop, the Nebraska wine industry plays an important role in rural economic development. In fact, an economic survey conducted by WineAmerica in 2022 shows that the Nebraska wine industry generated over $1.28 billion to the state’s economy.

Related:Switching from traditional crops to a vineyard

Dollars and cents

It also shows the industry directly/indirectly creates a number of well-paying jobs, with employees earning an average of $41,800 in annual wages and benefits. In addition, the Nebraska wine industry is a major magnet for tourists and tourism-driven expenses. Nebraska’s “wine country” generates 14,000 tourist visits and $4.75 million in annual tourism expenditures, benefiting local economies especially in rural communities.

As our industry established its roots in Nebraska, we soon discovered we not only could grow grapes here, but we also could make very good wine. Wineries across the state, including JAV, have built an impressive resume of award-winning wines. Over the years, there have been numerous “Best of Show” honors (many times competing against tens of thousands of wines from across the globe), as well as many “Best of Class” awards and “Double” gold medals.

From the earliest ancestors to our family today, Nebraska has been breaking stereotypes, bringing high-quality wines to enhance Nebraska’s culture and tradition. We look forward to many more years of growing our passion and bringing something truly special to Nebraska’s agriculture.

The industry is driven by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. The NWGGA conducts an annual conference and is instrumental in marketing and promotion of the industry.

The original settlers who brought their traditions of winemaking to our state would be proud of the passion and quality of today’s grape growers and winemakers.

Ballard is a graduate of LEAD Class 26.