Nebraska is a rural state where farming and agriculture are a huge part of the economy. Nebraska’s nickname is “The Cornhusker State,” as it is one of the top corn-producing regions in the entire world.
There are some great bars and restaurants in some of Nebraska’s major cities, and there are also just under 30 wineries currently producing wine locally.
Wine tasting in Nebraska offers plenty of variety, and there are enough options here for everyone to enjoy.
Where to Go for Wine Tasting in Nebraska
Omaha
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, with a population of just under a half million people. There are numerous wine bars and restaurants that serve wine scattered throughout the city, with many more sprouting up year after year.
Wine enthusiasts have taken Omaha by storm over the past decade, and the region seems to be developing a healthy taste for good wine. There is plenty of variety when it comes to wine tasting in Omaha, from upscale restaurants to casual wine bars and cafes.
Corkscrew Wine & Cheese has two locations in the Omaha area, and each serves a top-notch menu of small plates and entrees. They offer private guided wine tastings with their knowledgeable staff and can accommodate almost any group size.
The entire space is also available for rent, which is a popular option for weddings, anniversaries, and business functions. They also offer a “Wedge” program that costs around $30 per month and includes a bottle of wine with a cheese pairing and a well-thought-out monthly gift.
Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge offer incredible variety, serving 39 wines by the glass as well as 162 bottled selections. They are located in the Capitol District, and they serve a full menu along with charcuterie and cheese boards that are hand selected to pair with the wine.
Nosh also offers a wine club that is increasing in popularity among Omaha locals. It included two hand-selected bottles of wine per month, as well as a monthly tasting where eight different wines are sampled and explained by an extremely knowledgeable sommelier.
Barroco Wine Bar is a cozy wine bar that makes wine enthusiasts feel like they have been transported from Omaha to an Italian or French wine bar. They serve a small menu of “Light Bites,” and their wine list features selections that can not be found anywhere else in the area.
Barroco serves 26 different wines by the glass, as well as 120 different bottle choices. Their wine list is well thought out and features selections from all over Europe that showcase nearly every different aspect of old-world winemaking.
Lincoln
Lincoln is the Capital city of the state of Nebraska and is the second largest city in the state. The city is home to world-famous investor Warren Buffett and is also home to the NCAA College Baseball World Series every year.
While it may be better known as the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich in the food and beverage world, Lincoln is also home to an up-and-coming wine scene, with plenty of wine bars and even more restaurants with respectable wine lists.
Carmela’s Bistro is one of the most popular wine bars in the entire state of Nebraska and offers an extremely large selection of wine from all over the world. The backdrop of the bar is filled with a fantastic selection of wine bottles, and there are bottles stored all throughout the space.
They serve a large menu of upscale options and are open for both lunch and dinner service. They also serve an incredible meat and cheese board, and the staff is extremely helpful when it comes to food and wine pairings. Carmela’s Bistro is one of the best date night spots in Lincoln.
Bin 105 is a specialty wine and food shop that has been in business for over a decade. The owner decided to open a wine shop after being disappointed and frustrated with the lack of quality wine options in the Lincoln, Nebraska area.
While the wine scene in Lincoln has grown significantly since Bin 105’s opening in 2010, it remains one of the best places to find high-quality and artisanal wines in the area. The staff is very friendly and helpful in navigating their massive wine selection.
Art and Soul is a wine bar with a full menu that is one of the best places for wine tasting in the city of Lincoln. It is beautifully decorated, and the friendly staff help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The wine flights at Art and Soul offer a great variety of different selections, and they have happy hour specials on weekdays. They also offer discounted wine flights on the third Thursday of every month.
Grand Island
Grand Island, Nebraska is a medium-sized city with a rich history. The area was first inhabited by French fur trappers years before the United States was formed. Today, Grand Island is best known for hosting the Nebraska State Fair, and there are some great options for wine tasting.
Tommy Gunz Bistro is a casual-style restaurant with a solid selection of different wine choices. They also sell bottles of wine to be enjoyed at home, and they also host a wine club. They serve American staples like burgers and steaks, and they also have champagne for brunch service!
40 North Tap and Grille is one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in the Grand Island area, and they offer a great selection of wine along with their extremely popular craft cocktails. They source ingredients locally whenever possible, and the wine pairs fantastic with their food.
J Alfred Prufrock’s is a cozy lounge-style cocktail bar with a large assortment of drinks. They offer a solid variety of different styles of wine, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. This is one of the best-kept secrets in Grand Island and makes for a great wine-tasting spot after work.
Nebraska Wineries
While there are not any officially designated American Viticultural Areas in the state of Nebraska, the state is home to nearly 30 operational wineries. The wineries in Nebraska are mostly family-run businesses, and they are all extremely accommodating and friendly.
Cellar 426 Winery is located in the city of Ashland, and they produce all kinds of different award-winning wines. They offer wine flights as well as custom wine tastings, and they often host live music concerts in their beautiful outdoor event space.
Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewing have been in operation since 2001, and they have racked up over 300 awards in international wine competitions since then. Their beautiful winery hosts events every weekend, and the entire space is available for private rentals.
Capitol View Winery & Vineyards offers “Grape to Glass” wine tours that encompasses everything from the growing of grapes in the vineyard, to the fermentation equipment and bottling process. The tour also includes a look at the University of Nebraska’s research tunnel!
Slattery Vintage Estates is a unique winey with a very cool location. The winery is located on beautiful grounds that are home to a tasting room, as well as a large “glamping” area for upscale camping. This makes it possible to stay the night and drink wine under the stars!
Mac’s Creek Winery and Vineyards market themselves as “Nebraska’s Most Sustainable Winery,” and they place a large emphasis on sustainable and ethical winemaking techniques. They produce award-winning wines, and a visit to the winery is extremely educational.
Conclusion
While Nebraska may be known as “The Cornhusker State,” there are plenty of wine grapes being produced and consumed statewide.
From upscale wine bars in the larger cities to wine tasting under the stars at rural wineries, there are plenty of wine tasting options in Nebraska for everyone!
