Nebraska may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about wine and cheese, but it actually boasts some fantastic destinations for enthusiasts. From vineyards to creameries, there are plenty of places to indulge in all things cheese and wine. Here are some of the top destinations to add to your list when exploring Nebraska.
James Arthur Vineyards
Located just outside of Lincoln, James Arthur Vineyards is the perfect destination for wine lovers. The vineyard has been producing high-quality wines since 1996 and has won many awards, including a gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their delicious wines, as well as take tours of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process. During the summer months, the vineyard hosts live music and other events, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Cellar 426 Winery
Cellar 426 Winery is located in Ashland, just a short drive from Omaha. It is a small, family-owned winery that prides itself on producing estate-grown, handcrafted wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their many varieties of wine, including red blends, white blends, and dessert wines. The winery also hosts events throughout the year, such as wine and cheese pairings and live music on the outdoor patio.
Glacial Till Vineyard and Winery
Glacial Till Vineyard and Winery is located in Palmyra, about an hour south of Lincoln. The winery has been open since 2006 and produces a variety of wines, including dry and sweet whites, reds, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their wines, as well as take tours of the vineyards and winery. The winery also has a farm-to-table restaurant where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal paired with their favorite wine.
Branched Oak Farm
If you’re a cheese lover, you won’t want to miss Branched Oak Farm. Located just outside of Raymond, Branched Oak Farm produces some of the best artisanal cheeses in Nebraska. They use milk from their own herd of cows to make a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, and queso blanco. Visitors can stop by their farm store to purchase their cheese and other local products, or even sign up for a cheesemaking class to learn how to make their own delicious cheese.
Shadowbrook Farms
Shadowbrook Farms is located in Lincoln and specializes in goat cheese. They use fresh, raw milk from their own herd of goats to make a variety of cheeses, including feta, chevre, and brie. Visitors can purchase their cheese at local farmers’ markets or even schedule a visit to their farm to see the goats and get a behind-the-scenes look at the cheesemaking process.
Tulip Tree Creamery
Tulip Tree Creamery is located in Zionsville, just a short drive from Omaha. The creamery produces a variety of artisanal cheeses, including their award-winning Trillium cheese. Visitors can stop by their shop in Zionsville to sample their cheese and purchase their products, or even schedule a private tasting or tour of their creamery.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine lover, a cheese lover, or both, Nebraska has plenty of options to please your palate. From vineyards to creameries, there are plenty of destinations to explore. So, the next time you’re in Nebraska, be sure to add these top destinations to your itinerary.