Although Nebraska is known more for its voluminous commercial corn production than its wines, Nebraska actually had a flourishing wine and grape growing industry in the late 19th century, but much of that industry was devastated by such uncontrollable factors as prohibition, the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl disaster.
However, since the mid – 1980s the industry has made a glorious rebound starting with the Cuthills Vineyard in Pierce, which opened for business in the 1990s as Nebraska’s first in-State commercial winery, the forerunner of thirteen such wineries currently in operation in Nebraska.
The wineries have had much success with a number of grape varieties that have proven adaptable to Nebraska’s climate, such as La Crosse, Eidelweiss, Marechal, Foch, Saint Croix and Vignoles, each of which has proven to make a quality wine.
A visit to Cuthills Vineyard can be a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Set in Nebraskan rolling hills, the winery is located at 54663 – 853rd Road and is open during the winter months from Friday to Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. The winery is closed Monday through Thursday, Super Bowl Sunday and all major holidays. Summer hours are in effect from May to December on Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm and on Sunday 1pm to 6pm. The Cuthills Vineyard is closed Monday and Tuesday, and all major holidays.
Located less than a half hour from Norfolk, approximately two-and-a-half hours from Omaha, and just three miles west of Pierce, Nebraska, the fifteen-and-one-half acres of growing area at Cuthills Vineyard features more than fifty varieties of grapes, most of which were planted in the mid-1980s.
The Vineyard focuses on wines that pair well with foods. Ranging from dry to sweet, samples of these high-quality wines are available for tasting by visitors. Although the winery functions are, of course, primarily centered on the growing of grapes and production of wine, the picturesque facilities can be rented for special occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, meetings, fund-raisers, Christmas parties, etc.
A beautiful place to visit, the winery main building is in a remodeled 1920’s era former barn. Over 4,000 square feet of production area has recently been added, including an impressive cave-like barrel room lit extensively with chandelier candelabra. The Cuthills Vineyard encourages visitors to sign up for their informative newsletter which will include upcoming special events such as wine tasting festivals, entertainments, etc. A brochure featuring the Winery’s products and prices are available and handy for those out of the area visitors that may wish to order some wines in the future.
So – if you enjoy the taste of good quality wines and want to spend a relaxing afternoon learning about the process of making wine, the Cuthills Vineyard is a good place to start.
CUTHILLS VINEYARDS – PIERCE, NEBRASKA
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