NENZEL, Neb. - A vineyard near the small town of Nenzel, Nebraska has won big national awards. Niobrara Valley Vineyards received a Best-in-Show, Best-in-Class and Double Gold over all white wines at the 2024 International Cold Climate Wine Competition (ICCWC). During the event, expert wine judges examined nearly 350 wines from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Maine, Iowa, Illinois, New York and Nebraska.

“Few Nebraska grapes have won this competition over the years, so it was a great honor to be a recipient,” said Niobrara Valley Vineyards Co-owner Greg Nollette.

Their winning wine, the 2023 Boss Cow, is a unique blend of three white grape varieties grown on their vineyard south of Nenzel. The vineyard also earned silver medals for its Petite Pearl, a dry red, and Brianna, a dry white.

In a recent News Channel Nebraska video story, the vineyard’s owners shared insights into their journey of crafting award-winning wines in the Sandhills region.