The view is the first thing: the tasting room sits 350 feet above the North Loup River valley, and the panorama from the deck is the best winery vista in the state. Mick and Loretta McDowell built this on six acres of vines with a hilltop perspective that makes every glass taste better.
The wines back it up. The cold-hardy whites — Brianna, Edelweiss — have been written up in Food & Wine and Forbes, which doesn’t happen to Nebraska wineries by accident. The Marquette Reserve red is one of the state’s best-regarded dry reds. This is a winery that takes the winemaking as seriously as the scenery.
Note: the property was listed for sale in 2026 — verify it’s pouring before a special trip. If it’s open, it’s essential.