Uncorking success: Niobrara Valley Vineyards puts rural Nebraska on wine map

NENZEL, Neb. - Nenzel, Nebraska has a population of 20. It's not quite Napa Valley.

“Look at our population base, and we don’t have a population base,” said Greg Nollette, Niobrara Valley Vineyards Co-owner.

Greg Nollette and his brother Tim are fifth generation Nenzel natives.

“The town of Nenzel was actually named after our great-great-grandfather George Nenzel,” said Tim Nollette, Niobrara Valley Vineyards Co-owner.

And just like their ancestor, these brothers are bottling up a reason to visit the small town in the middle of the Nebraska Sandhills.

“It’s an island of grapes in an ocean of grass,” Greg said.

“We’re growing grapes in the middle of the Sandhills, which is very unique in itself,” Tim said.

The Nollettes started growing grapes in 2002, selling their harvest to the nearby George Paul Gourmet Vinegars.

“We sold about 30 cases that first year,” Greg said.

Fast forward to 2024--Niobrara Valley Vineyards is now selling around 3000 cases each year. In addition to the winery, you can buy their beverages at around 30 stores across Nebraska, as well as at retailers in 38 different states.

“We invested in a vineyard of 4.5 acres, and we created jobs for 17 people,” Greg said.

Not only is the vineyard adding more plants, but it’s also opening a 9000 square foot tasting room and events center. The grand opening will be held Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. You can find more details here.

“We’re a destination winery, so we have to have ways of bringing people to the area,” Tim said.

In addition to locally-made wine, you can also enjoy a unique menu and beautiful scenery.

“Good food, good wine, great hospitality,” Tim said.

A combination that these brothers hope will have visitors toasting the tiny town of Nenzel.

“We have the opportunity to kind of keep Nenzel on the map,” Tim said.