8 Epic Wine Tours You Need To Take In Nebraska This Year

It seems many people are under the impression that you need a balmy Mediterranean climate to produce the best wine grapes. Those people must not have had the opportunity to taste Nebraska wines. Although our climate is temperamental and our growing season is shorter than in, say, Bordeaux, Nebraska soil produces some exceptional grapes.

Our grapes aren't the same as those grown in France, Italy, or even Napa Valley. The distinct taste of a wine comes from the soil, the air, the sun, and the water where the grapes are grown as well as the variety of grape. Nebraska wines reflect our state's unique growing conditions. They are quite literally unlike any other wines you'll ever taste.

The first commercial winery in Nebraska since Prohibition has been operating since 1994. In the intervening two decades, approximately 30 more have opened their doors to share the fruits of their vines. If you're curious to try these uniquely delicious libations (and why wouldn't you be?), these eight wine tours, organized by Nebraska Wine Tours, put Nebraska wines within easy reach.

1. Cornhusker Cruise

Kick off your cruise at Makovicka Winery, nestled in a bucolic setting just outside of Brainard. The patio is the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy a selection of wines, and chat with friends.The next stop is Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room in Seward. What better way is there to sample new wines than in this historic building surrounded by local art? More than 20 Nebraska artists display their work here.Your last stop on the Cornhusker Cruise is Junto Wine, located between Seward and Lincoln. This picturesque location rests on an old homestead site where the stone foundations of the old buildings can still be seen. What a perfect place to end your day.

2. Haymarket Creek Crossing

First up this time is James Arthur Vineyards, which recently won Best Wine Selection and Best Winery in the Lincoln's Choice Awards 2016. Located near Raymond, this is Nebraska's largest vineyard at a whopping 400 acres. Prime Country Winery, located in Denton, is your next stop. This family owned and operated winery started out as a hobby and grew into a high-quality winery. The chemical-free grapes are picked by hand here and aged until the wine has the absolute perfect flavor.You'll round out your day at Glacial Till Vineyard, Winery, and Event Facility, located 15 minutes outside of Lincoln. Take a tour to learn about the craft of winemaking while you sip on some of Nebraska's finest.

3. Homestead Hike

The first stop on the Homestead Hike tour is Cuthills Vineyards, Nebraska's oldest winery. Seven acres of vineyards produce more than 600 types of grapes ranging from experimental to traditional. The staff here will help you learn which wines pair well with food.

Wrap up this tour at Nissen Wine in Hartington. High quality and tender loving care for the plants are the focus here. The grapes are harvested by hand and each plant receives gentle help to reach its full growing potential. All of this attention results in superior wines.

4. Lewis & Clark Jaunt

The first stop on this tour is Big Cottonwood Vineyards and Winery. Despite its name, it is actually a small family-run operation in the Loess Hills near Tekamah. The owners aim to make food-friendly wines that everyone - not just the seasoned connoisseur - can enjoy.Your next stop will be Heartland Tasting Room in Blair. You'll have your pick of wines from all around the world, and even a nice selection of craft beers if you want to mix it up a little.You'll round out this tour at Master's Hand Chocolate Factory and Bakery in Tekamah. Pick up some hand-made chocolates to pair with your favorite red wine and get a nice hand-poured candle to remind you of your fantastic day.

5. Loup River Crawl

You'll start out this adventure at Lucky Lady Tasting Room in Aurora. Owners Jay and Jennifer Mack discovered their love of wines while traveling throughout Nebraska and into Missouri and Kansas. Your tour guide will introduce you to varieties from Nebraska, encouraging you to compare them to wines you may have tasted from different states and countries as you taste.The next stop on this tour is Moonlight Ridge Vineyard in Grand Island. This family owned business has an unbelievable tasting room with a 15-foot-tall stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and cathedral ceilings. It's the perfect setting in which to enjoy some delicious Nebraska-made wine.Next on the agenda is Prairie Creek Vineyards in Central City. They make incredible wines with the no-nonsense vibe Nebraskans are known for. The vineyard is nestled right in the middle of farmland, surrounded by thousands of acres of soybeans and corn. Their handpicked grapes make for wines that let the complexity of each varietal shine through.

6. Missouri River Trot

The Missouri River Trot takes you to some of the finest wineries in far eastern Nebraska. You'll start out at the verdant Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, where you'll sample a variety of reds and whites made from only the tastiest Nebraska fruits. These wines come to you courtesy of Nebraska's fertile soil and beautifully sunny days.Next, you'll journey to Slattery Vintage Estates, a picturesque Nehawka vineyard. They're serving 55 varieties of Nebraska wine, 14 non-Nebraska wines, and a selection of beers. The lovely grounds include a fountain, pond, and waterfall, an outdoor kitchen, and abundant wildlife among three acres of grapevines.The last stop on this tour takes you to Whiskey Run Creek in the tiny historic town of Brownville. Nearly all of the grapes used in the vineyard's wine come from the family's farm. The winery itself is located inside a restored historic barn. The building was relocated from an old farmstead to a parcel of land that was once home to one of the state's first breweries. The brewery's storage cave was renovated and put into use by the winery.

7. Platte River Dash

This tour will have you and your tour group dashing to three fantastic locations. First up is Cellar 426 in Ashland. With 2.5 acres of vineyards, Cellar 426 grows some of their own grapes and works with area vineyards for the remainder. Enjoy a variety of reds, whites, and specialty wines while you gaze out on the lush green grounds. You might even get to play with the owners' dog, Apollo. WunderRosa Winery in Roca is up next on your Platte River Dash tour. This community-driven winery opened in 2009 with four wines, and now they have 10 in their lineup. Let your tour guide walk you through each delicious variety.Finally, you will swing over to Glacial Till Tasting Room in Ashland. Your tour guide can give you an exclusive look at how the wines are made while you enjoy some award-winning libations in a breathtaking setting.

8. State Line Sprint

The State Line Sprint starts out at The Rose Colored Glass Wine Tasting Room in Stromsburg. Located in the historic Victor Anderson Building, this is the perfect place to get acquainted with some of the best wines Nebraska has to offer. Your tour group can sit by the fireplace and enjoy the view of downtown Stromsburg through actual rose colored glass window panes.Next up is Lucky Lady Tasting Room in Aurora, where you'll sample wines from many Nebraska wineries. Your tour guide can give you background information on the wines you're drinking and the wineries that made them so you can really connect with the experience.Your group will then head over to Lazy Horse Vineyard and Brewing in Ohiowa. You'll find 100% Nebraska produced wines in this tasting room, letting you truly appreciate the flavor of Nebraska. Bonus: they also make coal-fired pizza, so you can have a delicious meal to round out the day's journey.

Each tour begins and ends at a central location. The cost of the tour includes transportation, special winery access with a dedicated tour guide, and wine tastings. You pay one fee that covers everything except gratuities and any wine you want to purchase along the way. You only have to get to the meeting place and then find a safe way home afterward - after tasting all of those delicious wines, having a designated driver to get you home is a great idea. Your tour guide will have snacks available to purchase (and most of the wineries offer some food options as well), but you are welcome to bring along a cooler of food to keep you fueled up throughout the day.

While on a tour, your tour guide will offer up interesting information about each facility and their wines. Think of them as your wine sherpa for the day; they are there to guide you through the experience and even get you exclusive access that other visitors only wish they got. And if you don't feel like sharing your sherpa, private tours are also offered.

Tours run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May through October. Choose your favorite tour and then contact Nebraska Wine Tours to set up your adventure. Cheers!