Million-Dollar Risk: The Story Behind James Arthur Vineyards | Building Nebraska

“If you want to be a millionaire, take $10 million, open a winery, and soon you will be a millionaire…”

That tongue-in-cheek line from Jim Ballard says a lot about the grit it takes to grow grapes, and a business, in Nebraska. But for Jim, the owner of James Arthur Vineyards, Nebraska’s oldest and largest winery, it’s never been just about the money.

“We don’t do this to become… it’s not because of the money. It’s more of a passion, and it’s something that, for us, is a lifestyle.”

In this episode of the Building Nebraska podcast, we sit down with Jim at his vineyard near Raymond, Nebraska, to talk about how a casual idea planted in the 1990s - literally, 100 vines put in the ground on a whim - has grown into a legacy brand built on risk, hard work, and community pride.

Jim’s journey into winemaking started with a journalism degree and no background in agriculture or chemistry.

“One of the reasons I was a journalism major: I didn’t have to take any math or science in college.”

But he learned, every day, with a hands-on approach and plenty of questions. Today, James Arthur Vineyards grows about 20 acres of grapes on-site and works with Nebraska growers statewide on another 25 to 30 acres. With 11 grape varieties in play and 20+ wines in their tasting room at any given time, the winery is a cornerstone of Nebraska’s growing wine industry.

Jim shares insight on everything from the hard truths of entrepreneurship, like the 7–8 year wait for return on vineyard investment, to the philosophy that keeps his business grounded.

“Wine will make itself. What we’re doing is trying to grow the very best possible grapes we can. That makes my job a lot easier as a winemaker.”

He also reflects on what it means to build something that lasts - not just a business, but a legacy.

“You can’t always rest on your laurels… you’re always looking at opportunities and how you can grow your business.”

Now nearly 28 years in, James Arthur Vineyards is thinking about the next generation. And while there are many awards on the walls, Jim says the greatest success is creating a product Nebraskans can be proud of.

“Somebody comes in, enjoys one of our wines and takes a case home. That’s awesome.”

Building Nebraska is powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.