A Passion for Nebraska & Misconceptions Cleared - by Owner/Winemaker, Jim Ballard

Since our purchase of the From Nebraska Gift Shop, in the Historic Haymarket District in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, we’ve received a few comments, phone calls, and even a letter, from people who are upset with the fact we no longer sell ALL Nebraska wines – and, only sell our own JAV branded wines there.  Hopefully, the next few thoughts will clear up any of the misconceptions which may be leading to those upset feelings.

We will operate as the James Arthur Vineyards Tasting Room AND the From Nebraska Gift Shop.  We will continue to carry Nebraska-made gifts, gourmet food items, and other great Nebraska-made products very similar to how the previous owner had.  None of that is going away.  Our family is very excited that we’ve been given the opportunity to purchase the store and will do everything we can to continue the 25-year tradition that has been established under previous ownership, by highlighting the best our state has to offer.  Again, that will not change.  Being born, raised, and having lived in Nebraska all of my life, I especially am looking forward to this new venture!

It is true we no longer carry other Nebraska wines.  There are a number of reasons behind this.  We are James Arthur Vineyards, so our first priority is to market the award-winning, Nebraska wines we have worked so hard to create.  More importantly, however, is that our Farm Winery license allows us to sell only what we produce ourselves.  Therefore, even if we wanted to sell other Nebraska wines, we would be unable to do so in accordance with the Nebraska state liquor laws.

Here at James Arthur Vineyards, we have built our business, and in essence our reputation, on creating a great Nebraska product.  We have done everything possible to create a legacy here at JAV that future generations of Nebraskans can be proud of.  We hope to continue that legacy in the Historic Haymarket District.

We invite everyone to stop by the store at 8^th & Q Streets and see that our family is thrilled to be a part of the Haymarket.  We are making some exciting changes to even better market the best of Nebraska products, including our passion for what we feel is a great Nebraska product in and of itself…James Arthur Vineyards wines.

Jim Ballard

Owner/Winemaker

James Arthur Vineyards

Growing Up a Cellar Rat, by Beau Ballard

While growing up, the words I heard most often from my peers were, “I’m bored.” I can truly say that being raised in, and around, a family business; boredom was not a problem for me. In some cases, it was best to stay as far away as possible - in avoiding the possibility of being called-to-duty! However, in most cases, I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to help out.

I have many memories of being around the winery as it’s what I’ve known my entire life. Of those memories, one of my fondest is being able to go see my dad working in the cellar. It was the highlight of my day, and the possibility of getting to help out on the bottling line was exciting! I can remember begging for that chance; and when given it, would work 5-6 hours and go home with a $20 bill in my pocket…which could very well have defined cheap labor back then.

Another memory growing up around the winery includes hiding from my parents in the cellar where there are multiple rooms filled with hundreds of boxes filled with bottles of wine. During my younger years I loved to climb on those boxes and take naps in between the pallets of wine. One day, as I emerged from one of those climbing/napping adventures, I found myself in a bit of trouble as my mother had been searching frantically for me. Still, it did not stop me from exploring my cellar realm and I continued to do so for many years. 

THEN - 2000

NOW - 2013

While introducing myself to dorm mates, at Colorado Christian University – where I’ve just completed my first year, the question arouse of what we did with our summer vacation. It is always fun to respond with, “What I do every summer; crush grapes and make wine with my father.” Growing up with your parents owning their own business can have its perks, and its shortfalls, but it is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. As I said before, I enjoy helping out at the winery and feel blessed in having the opportunity to brag about what they do for a living.