Years ago, at the Grand Harvest Awards competition in Sonoma, the “Best of Show” round resoundingly elevated a gorgeous Rose above the Sparkling, White, Red, and Dessert wine finalists. We all wondered where it originated in California until it was revealed as being from Mac’s Creek in Nebraska—made from Marechal Foch grapes.
Since then, the Nebraska wine industry has grown, thanks to the Nebraska Farm Winery Act of 1985, the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association, a viticulture program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the introduction of cold-climate “Minnesota” grape varieties that can withstand the state’s harsh winters. Like many states, Nebraska had a robust grape and wine industry prior to Prohibition, including about 5,000 acres of vineyards. The modern era began in 1994 when Cuthills Vineyard opened, followed by many others.
The McFarland family owns and operates Mac’s Creek Winery and Vineyards, and we are honored to have Max McFarland on the WineAmerica Board of Directors. Created in 2001 along the banks of Spring Creek near Lexington, the operation is focused on sustainability and offers wine, craft beer, and cider tastings. It produces 10 different varietals, hosts private events, and has three luxury camping cottages on the property.
Miletta Vista Winery near St. Paul opened in 2007 on a hilltop with a great view and quickly garnered major medals in prestigious competitions with its Brianna, Edelweiss, and other Minnesota varietals. In June 2012, a fire totally destroyed the winery, but owners Mick and Loretta McDowell had a new facility up and running within a year, increasing space for the tasting room and restaurant and making other enhancements.
Soaring Wings Vineyard, reflecting Jim Shaw’s career as a pilot, is conveniently located between Omaha and Lincoln. It offers vineyard tours and wine, beer, and cocktail tastings accompanied by light foods.
Whiskey Run Creek Winery and Distillery opened in 2002 and was sold in 2012 to Ron and Sherry Heskett, who recently added spirits to the product mix. The winery includes a 100-year-old barn that was carefully moved from another location.
Great Grapes: Marechal Foch
Pronounced “mar-esh-shall-fosh” and often just referred to as Foch (fosh), this French-American variety is cold tolerant (-20F), disease resistant, and early ripening with small clusters. The wines are generally light yet deeply colored and strongly varietal, sometimes described as having a “Burgundian” character, and ideal for Rose.
