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Like neighboring states Minnesota and Iowa, early settlers to Nebraska brought cuttings of their favorite fruit trees, vines and other crops with them.

Wild grapes also grew naturally in abundance along river valleys where they were traditionally collected for making jams, jellies, and wine.

By the end of the 19th century some 5,000 Nebraska acres were devoted to growing the grape. With Prohibition, a lid was put over the wine industry which only began to fully recover in the 1980's.

Check out today's vibrant wine scene in Nebraska with info on wine tastings, tours and events in Nebraska Wine Country. (Above, Mac's Creek Vineyard near Lexington, Nebraska.)

University of Nebraska Viticulture Program - The complete picture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with an extensive history of Nebraska winemaking, winery directory, related links and industry resources.

Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association - The state organization provides a calendar of events, winery and tasting room information and other wine related information. Download and print out the State Map Brochure (PDF file) for a handy take along guide to all of the wineries and wine tasting rooms in Nebraska.

Vintage Nebraska - The best part of this site is the events calendar, although there are many wineries listed with events still in the planning stage. The history section contains one PDF powerpoint slide presentation-brochure so if your computer chokes on PDF - don't go there. Otherwise, it is worth browsing through if only for the great images.

Cuthills Vineyards - The oldest Nebraska winery in Pierce, Nebraska with information on their wines from dry to sweet, with details on arranging vineyard weddings and events, and background history on the winery.

James Arthur Vineyards - Boasting the state's largest winery with info on their award winners, details on wine tastings, tours festivals and events, hours of operation, map and directions

Vines & Wines of Nebraska - From the July/August 2003 issue of Nebraska Life comes an engaging story of the modern wine industry in the region. Interviews with leading wine makers tell the tale of struggling against experts and bankers who said wine couldn't grow in that climate. The experts and bankers are now drinking the wines at local festivals and enjoying the fact that they were wrong. Nebraska wineries can and do produce first class wines.

also see -> Nebraska Lakes & Beaches | Nebraska Tourist Attractions