Tasting OpPORTunities

May 10th
Stop #3: James Arthur Vineyards

James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond, NE

One of the most renowned Nebraska vineyards is the prestigious James Arthur Vineyards, located in Raymond. James Arthur is the largest vineyard in Nebraska, as well as one of the oldest. I had heard many people talk about JAV, seen it in stores, and finally sampled James Arthur Vineyards' wines previously at the annual Nebraska Wine and Jazz Festival in Kearney, but the best way to experience wine is to experience it at the vineyard.

When we first arrived at James Arthur, Katherine and I were struck by how beautiful the establishment was. The tasting room was elegant and rustic, and also houses a large gift shop full of items for wine lovers - or "wineauxs", a great term I discovered while browsing the gift shop. The tasting room was fairly busy when we arrived, and the sound of toasts and laughter filled the spring air.

Once a few of the other groups dispersed, we were able to chat with Barb Ballard, James Arthur's daughter, who is now married to the head wine maker, Jim Ballard. She was very friendly, and answered all of our questions about their vineyard and wines. When we mentioned that our palates have matured since we first started to enjoy wine, and are now better able to appreciate dry wines, she asked if we had tried their port style wine, Tropasti. We hadn't yet, so she quickly took our glasses and remedied that, then told us the story behind the name.

Because port has to come from Portugal to be a true port, James Arthur Vineyards came up with a creative and humorous way to bite their thumb at the rule. The name of their port style wine best illustrates their creativity. When read backwards, "Tropasti" reveals its clever hidden joke. The jibe continues on the wine label, where the word "port" appears at every opportunity.

One of my favorite things about Nebraska vineyards is that, no matter the size of the operation, the owners and growers welcome you personally and come together to share the joy of wine.

Favorites: 2 Brothers and Heartland White

James Arthur Vineyards' Website