Sipping Success in the Sandhills at Niobrara Valley Vineyards | Building Nebraska

In this episode of Building Nebraska, we head deep into the Nebraska Sandhills to a place where cattle and grapes grow side by side. Host Rebel Sjeklocha visits with Tim and Greg Nollette of Niobrara Valley Vineyards, a family-run winery in Nenzel, Nebraska.

While some may consider Nenzel the middle of nowhere, to the Nollette's- it is home. The Nollette brothers share their journey of transforming their family ranch into a vibrant vineyard, winery, and tasting destination. From navigating loss and the 1980s farm crisis, to forging their own path, the Nollette brothers share about the grit and innovation it has taken to preserve their five-generation legacy in the area.

What began with a favor to a local vinegary turned into a full-fledged wine operation, and today, their wines are available in over 90 retail outlets across Nebraska, and even shipped to 38 states.

They discuss the challenges of grape growing in the Sandhills, the balance of science and art in winemaking, and how they built a brand from scratch, literally knocking on doors to get their wines on the shelf. Along the way, they have cultivated community in an ocean of grass.

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