Misconception Magic

 

We live in a world of misconceptions. Lies, mistruths, words taken out of context; we are bombarded every day with these falsities. Many of us have the common sense to research and get the whole story before taking something at face value. This is something I personally strive for, but every once in a while, I misstep. A recent excursion humbled me and reminded me to not form a bias without all the facts.

              My husband and I enjoy taking a yearly trip. He was kind enough to agree to a shorter, closer to home adventure for this year’s travels, as the epic voyage my mom and I took to Scotland and Ireland this summer was my primary focus. When planning on a place to go, we look for somewhere that is not a large city, has some fun shopping, preferably with antique stores, boasts a weird or unique experience, and an extra bonus is a winery nearby. Strangely enough, these trip requirements led us to North Platte, NE, a mere three and a half hours away.

              What originally took us in this direction was the Grain Bin Antique Town. This is an antique store that consists of a large barn stuffed with antiques, as well as twenty historic grain bins, also stuffed with antiques, all connected by a wooden boardwalk. From there we learned that North Platte also had a historic downtown area with shops, the Fort Cody Trading Post, and two wineries within twenty-five minutes of the town. Top it off with the fact that it was the home of Buffalo Bill, and we were hooked.

              Though I was insanely excited to visit some new wineries, I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting much. Looking at the wine options from not only the two wineries I would be going to, but also others throughout Nebraska, it looked like a lot of sweet or semi-sweet wines made from hybrids in a state with no federally designated AVA. I was guessing that the majority of the wines would taste like cough syrup, and the most I hoped for was to find one wine at each place I liked well enough to bring home. I judged a book by its cover, and that book smacked me in the face.

              My first wine adventure was at Feather River Vineyards. A short jaunt from Grain Bin Antique Town, we knew we were nearing the winery when cornfield after cornfield was replaced by acre after acre of vineyards. Entering, we were greeted by the man pouring that afternoon and given the two pages of wine flight options, way more options than what was listed on their website. Though it took me a hot minute to figure out which wines to select, as so many looked delectable, I finally settled on my first pour, the Regale 2014. Loaded with citrus and peach, I was amazed by the flavors of this wine. I instantly gave it nine points on my ten-point scale, marked it down as a perfect breakfast wine, and knew I was going home with at least one bottle.

              My next wine was the La Crescent 2021. With notes of citrus and sugar, it was a delightful drink, but a touch too sweet for my taste buds. Having taken this information into account, the man helping me said he was going to pour me a little something extra. This something extra was the La Crescent 2016, a favorite of the owner/winemaker. With a beautiful mix of citrus and apple, this wine reminded me of a Sauvignon Blanc. I knew it would be the perfect wine to enjoy with food, and another nine-point rating meant I was taking home a bottle of this as well.

              The next portion of my tasting was dedicated to their reds. After much analysis of the St. Croix 2016, and some help from the pourer, I couldn’t believe that the note that was eluding me was dill. Next was the Rendezvous 2021, a red dripping in cherry and vanilla. I was hooked immediately, and then I fell in love when I was instructed to try it with dark chocolate. I rounded out my reds with the Marechal Foch 2021, a lovely wine with bright strawberry notes, and the Red Neck Revenge 2021, a nice and slightly sweeter wine that is accompanied by a crazy origin story. I would share that story here, but I feel like it is theirs to tell. You’ll just have to go visit.

              I ended up with six bottles, two each of the whites, a bottle each of the Rendezvous and Marechal Foch, and a newfound respect not only for Nebraska wines, but also the wineries they come from. My visit was not only fun and tasty, but also educational. The guy helping me was so knowledgeable and passionate about the wines of Nebraska. He taught me so much about the history of the winery, the grape varieties grown in the area, the winemaking techniques used, and how mechanical harvesters work. It was an experience one would expect in the heart of some famous wine appellation, and I had it in the peaceful beauty of Nebraska farm country. This was definitely one for the wine memory book.

              The next day, my husband and I decided to take a short trek down the road to the town of Brady. It was here that I discovered Old Depot Vineyard & Winery.

              After driving down some country roads, once again surrounded by those signature cornfields, we found the yellow building that houses Old Depot’s tasting room and wine production facility. Once seated, I made my four-wine flight selection, then sat back and really took in the tasting room. Looking at the wood of the walls, getting a whiff of that smell I always describe as old farmhouse, and feeling that indescribable emotion all older buildings bring, a mix of comfort and slight unease, it suddenly dawned on me this building was not of our era. When I asked the owner if the building was an actual train depot, she told us that it was the old train depot from neighboring town, Gothenburg, that was built in 1909. She pointed out the ticket windows and other markers of years gone by. Now I was really stoked, as I love nothing more than enjoying wine in a historic building. I just wish I would have asked if they had any ghosts. Anyways…

With a majority of the options being sweeter wines, they had me work from dry to sweet, which meant my first wine to try was the Midnight Star, a semi-dry Petite Pearl. Smooth, smooth, smooth, this wine had wonderful notes of plum, cherry and chocolate, and I knew a bottle was coming home with me. My next two, The Rambler with notes of juniper and sweet fruit, and The Arrival with notes of dried pineapple, mango, white raisin and apricot, were both delicious, though just a bit too sweet for my taste buds. Which is why my reaction to the last wine I tried really surprised me.

When I had been making my wine selections, I had decided on The Departure because it was made with the Brianna grape. I had liked dry versions of this grape in the past, so I thought I would give the sweet version a try. Upon my first smell and sip, I was greeted with caramel on the nose and tasting notes of juicy citrus and lemon grass on the palate. It was definitely sweeter than my usual go-to wines, but for whatever reason I kept being pulled to it. Sip after sip, I became more and more enamored with this lovely white. It was quality and juicy. It was full without being heavy. It was absolutely delicious. I couldn’t believe how much I loved this wine, and I knew I had to take a bottle home and explore it further. My taste buds would be angry with me if I didn’t.

As we drove away, with my purchased two bottles of wine and sweatshirt I couldn’t live without, I got my last look at this wonderful old building framed by farmland and an overcast sky. I couldn’t help but think what a perfect fall day adventure this had been. I was so glad we had taken the time to drive out there. Not only for the chance to drink wine in a building that has had generation after generation pass through its doors, but because it reaffirmed my new belief that there is something very special about Nebraska wines.

Which brings me back to the beginning. I judged Nebraska wine before doing my research. Before tasting it. Before learning its story. Can you imagine what I would have missed out on if I hadn’t taken the time to visit these wonderful wineries? I am so glad I got this gentle reminder to never judge a book by its cover, or a wine by critic opinion or AVA designation. Wine magic can happen anywhere; it doesn’t need to come from some pre-approved area to be amazing. It is my hope for all of you that you will take the time to try a wine that you have been wary of. A wine that you formed an opinion on before even trying it. The results may just surprise you. Cheers to all wine discoveries, great and small.