Corn and beef are two of the major food products grown in Nebraska, but some Nebraskans have taken up a different kind of agriculture that many people overlook when thinking about the broad spectrum Nebraska farming - wine production.
In 1985, the Nebraska State Unicameral passed the Nebraska Farm Wineries Act, making the tax on a gallon of wine produced in Nebraska cheaper than the tax on wine imported from other areas. The act also cited that a minimum of 75 percent of the wine in each bottle of must come from Nebraska-grown produce to qualify for the tax break.
This legislation caused a boost in the number of grapes grown in the state. Virtually all of the wineries and vineyards in the state sell bottles of wine made completely from grapes grown in Nebraska.
Growing grapes and making wine has become a lucrative business for some Nebraskans. Many vineyards sell their wines at the shops in their own wineries and through vendors or other wineries across the state.
Barb Ballard of James Arthur Vineyards, located in Raymond, Nebraska, said because of legal regulations, James Arthur is only able to ship their wines out of state if someone from Nebraska orders the wine as a gift. Travelers from outside of the state that are passing through or visiting for another vacation reason can visit the vineyard and purchase wine.
For Nebraska wine producers, offering gathering space can be another lucrative practice. Many vineyards also offer spaces for office parties, wedding ceremonies and dinners, as well as holiday parties and meetings for clubs.
Although some Nebraskans make a living from wine sales, the business isn't all money from the start - a good crop can take up to four years to produce. The year that the grapevines are planted, very few bunches of grapes actually grow.
Seth MacFarland of Mac's Creek Vineyards in Lexington waited two to three years before opening the winery attached to his vineyard. Mac's Creek grows seven different types, or cultivars, of grapes, some of which - such as Edelweiss - can only be found in the Midwest
But why plant a vineyard instead of a more traditional Nebraska crop? McFarland said the land his family owned wasn't really conducive for other types of vegetation. McFarland also wanted to give something back to central Nebraska, in addition to creating jobs for people in Nebraska and creating a product that the people of Nebraska can enjoy.
"Anyone can grow grapes in California," McFarland said. "But it's a heck of a lot harder, and you've got to know what you're doing to grow grapes in Nebraska."
