About JAV

James Arthur Vineyards

Established in 1996, James Arthur Vineyards is nestled amidst 400 acres of rolling hills and natural prairie grasslands just north of Lincoln, near Raymond, Nebraska.  The surrounding beauty creates a picturesque setting for the 8,000 square foot facility, which houses a beautiful tasting room, a gift shop, and all the production facilities for the winery.

Since opening it's front doors, James Arthur Vineyards has hosted visitors from all 50 states as well as dozens of countries from around the world.  Upon arriving, everyone is encouraged to sample a wide variety of wines that will satisfy all tastes.  Afterwards, there is opportunity to stroll the grounds, relax under a covered deck by the waterfall, or enjoy an intimate setting by one of the warm, crackling fireplaces in the tasting room...all while sipping wine and snacking on an assortment of Nebraska Food Products.  Guests can also explore the gift shop, or observe the production and barrel rooms where the finest of JAV wines are produced.



James Arthur History

In 1992, James Arthur Jeffers purchased a few hundred acres of land near Raymond for his family to enjoy.  The idea of growing grapes was planted in his head by his son-in-law, Jim Ballard, now JAV's winemaker.  Soon the first 100 vines were a reality.  Planted by hand, three varieties were purchased from a nursery in upstate New York.

Pampered through hard work and tender loving care, the vineyard has literally grown to the thousands of vines you see today, with a number of varieties that have been successful in the Midwest.  It's no secret that the finest wine comes from the best grapes, and the best grapes come from the most outstanding of vineyards.  At James Arthur, we're as proud of the vineyard as of the wine.

The estate has also grown with the acquisition of new land and the addition of apples, pears, and other fruit crops.  James Arthur Vineyards is now the largest winery in Nebraska, producing wine from it's own vineyards, as well as contracted growers throughout the state.

The 3rd generation of the family has now become involved in the business, as the Ballard children provide summer help in the winery and the vineyard, making James Arthur Vineyards a true family endeavor.  Built on passion, dedication, and old-fashioned hard work, James Arthur Vineyards has built a business that Nebraskans can be proud of.  After all, this is their home - their love, and livelihood - and, the Jeffers and Ballad families are always happy to extend an invitation to guests!



James Arthur Wines

James Arthur Vineyards produces a wide variety of award winning wines, all made from American cultivars and French hybrid grapes.  Grown and produced here in Nebraska, the winery offers the finest table wines, from barrel-aged dry reds to sweet, crisp whites, delicious dessert wines, and everything in between.  Some of the varieties you'll find growing in our vineyard include St. Croix, LaCrosse, Vignoles and JAV's most popular Edelweiss - varieties that thrive in Nebraska soil and are then brought to life through the age old art of winemaking.

Over the last decade, James Arthur Vineyards has also been one of the Midwest's most awarded wineries, having earned medals in wine competitions from around the country.  Our wines have won a number of Double Gold Medals and "Best of Class" honors, as well as "Best of Show' in p[prestigious competitions such as the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition.  They have shown over and again that great wine can come from the Midwest.

The staff at James Arthur Vineyards looks forward to sharing their passion for wine with guests.  Come discover one of Nebraska's treasures...James Arthur Vineyards.