Spirited Tours: Visiting Nebraska’s newest wineries, breweries and distilleries

Nebraska visitors will be in high spirits, especially when they taste the one-of-a-kind offerings from the state’s many wineries, breweries and distilleries. Nebraska may seem to be an unlikely place to find vineyards and wineries, but when you consider its undeniable knack for growing things, it makes sense that the state expanded its interests into wine. In fact, there are about 25 wineries in Nebraska and several tasting rooms. One of the state’s newest wineries, Cellar 426, is conveniently located between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska’s two largest cities.  After enjoying the stunning views of the Platte River Valley and distinctive wines such as Rocky's Red, travelers can explore several attractions located in this area, including a drive-thru wildlife park, Nebraska’s most popular state park, the Strategic Air & Space Museum and two award-winning golf courses, Quarry Oaks and Iron Horse Golf Club. Two of the state’s most popular wineries recently began brewing beer, adding to the growing list of craft breweries in Nebraska. SchillingBridge Winery & Microbrewery near Pawnee City became the nation’s first farm winery/microbrewery creating Zulu American Pale Ale and Git-R-Done Golden Lager—a tribute to Pawnee City native Larry the Cable Guy. Soaring Wings Vineyard near Springfield also hopped on board the winery/microbrewery trend, adding several beers to its lineup including seasonal offerings. Speaking of hops, locally grown hops are growing in popularity. Rhynalds Hops in Prague (that’s Prague, Neb.) grows and sells three varieties of hops to brewers and partners with Modern Monks Brewery in Lincoln. The Rhynalds offer hops-growing workshops, tours of their hop yards and support for those interested in getting into the business. The state’s newest breweries—Loop Brewing Company in McCook plus Blue Blood Brewing Company and Zipline Brewing Co. in Lincoln—are already causing a stir with their fabulous brews. Zipline opened a taproom in January that is already expanding its hours. Eight Nebraska breweries, including the three mentioned here, will be featured in the 2013 Nebraska Passport’s Tap Into It tour. The program offers prizes to travelers who visit participating sites. People looking for something more adventurous can check out Nebraska's first meadery or one of its craft distilleries. Believed to be the world's oldest alcoholic drink, mead has a history that goes back more than 8,000 years and a distinct flavor and aroma not found in wine or beer. Moonstruck Meadery in Bellevue produces this fermented beverage made from honey, water and yeast. Nebraska-grown wheat and Sandhills-filtered water are combined by Omaha’s Sòlas Distillery to create its ultra-premium Joss Vodka. Visitors to Sòlas’ tasting room can sample the vodka or the new Chava rum (made from molasses and sugar cane), which are aged for one year in charred oak barrels. Another spirit turning heads is Chase Nebraska Vodka, produced with 100 percent Nebraska-grown grain by Cooper’s Chase Distillery near West Point. To learn more about Nebraska’s wineries, breweries and distilleries, go to VisitNebraska.com.