Wine in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to a thriving beer, wine, and spirits industry.
From craft breweries to award-winning wineries and distilleries, there’s something for everyone in the state. We’ll explore why visitors should check out Nebraska’s beer, wine, and spirits industry, as well as provide some tips on how to find the best places to visit.
Wineries and vineyards in Nebraska
Nebraska offers plenty of opportunities for wine lovers. The state's wineries produce everything from dry reds and whites to sweet dessert wines such as ice wine—a specialty of the region made from grapes harvested after they have been frozen on the vine. Visitors can sample different types of wines at tasting rooms throughout the state or take part in special events such as grape stomping festivals or barrel tastings at local wineries.
To find the beginning of the wine and grape industry in Nebraska, you need to travel back in time as far back as the late 19th century. At some point, there were thousands of acres growing grapes throughout southeastern counties alongside the Missouri River. The production of wine stopped during the Prohibition years, starting once more in 1933 when it was legalized again. Unhappily, a devastating storm wiped out the vineyards still working in 1940.
Despite the harsh repercussions of Prohibition and a devastating storm, Nebraska's wine industry persevered. In 1986 with the passage of the Farm Wineries Act, production increased significatively, allowing for significant expansion in acreage cultivated by vineyards over the following years. By the 1990s nearly the same acreage as the previous high was being used for viticulture in southeastern counties along the Missouri River.
Nebraska's climate is not the easiest one to grow grapes. Varieties cultivated have historically been limited to French-American hybrids and American varieties like Edelweiss, La Crosse, Frontenac & St. Croix which are capable of adapting to the state’s long hot summers and cold winters with their wide seasonal variations in precipitation & humidity. Petite Pearl is an exciting new red wine grape that appears better suited than most other varietals.
Distilleries in Nebraska
No exploration of Nebraska's alcoholic beverages would be complete without mentioning its distilleries. The state is home to many award-winning distilleries producing all sorts of delicious spirits including vodka, whiskey, gin, rum and more. Visitors can enjoy tastings at various distilleries throughout the region or attend special events like whiskey dinners or cocktail classes at some locations. Plus, if you're feeling creative there are plenty of recipes online that incorporate locally distilled spirits into drinks or food items!
Breweries in Nebraska
In addition to wineries and distilleries, Nebraska is home to a variety of craft breweries where visitors can sample everything from light lagers to dark ales. The brewers in the state are known for their unique brewing techniques that combine traditional styles with modern flavors. Whether you’re looking for a crisp pilsner or an intensely hoppy IPA, you can find it in Nebraska.
If you want to experience the best of what the state has to offer when it comes to craft beers, make sure you check out some of the most popular breweries in the area. Many of these breweries also offer tours so you can learn more about how they make their beer and get an up-close look at their brewing process. You can easily find the top breweries near you by searching online or asking locals for recommendations.
A great destination for beer, wine and spirits
Nebraska is a great destination for beer, wine, and spirits enthusiasts. With its wide selection of craft beers, award-winning wineries, and distilleries producing unique spirits, there's something to suit every taste in the state. Visitors can explore locally produced brews and wines at many breweries and tasting rooms throughout Nebraska. Craft beers, wines, and spirits can be sampled at distilleries around the state or enjoyed through special events such as whiskey dinners.
Visitors looking to explore Nebraska’s beer, wine, and spirits industry should plan and do their research. There are many popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the state that offer a variety of different tasting experiences for visitors. It’s best to plan out your trip in advance so you can make sure you’re visiting the best places. Many breweries and wineries offer tours or special events so it’s important to find out what each location has to offer beforehand.
Don’t forget to check out the local bars and pubs in Nebraska. These are great places to try new beers, wines, and spirits from across the globe as well as locally brewed offerings. With so much variety available in the state you can be sure to find something that you’ll love.