James Arthur Vineyards

Open: April 1 - October 31

THE JAV STORY

In 1992, James Arthur Jeffers purchases a few hundred acres of land near Raymond, Nebraska for his family to enjoy. The idea of growing a few grapevines 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 different varieties were purchased from a nursery in upstate New York.

As the number of vines grew, so did the idea of turning the family's hobby into an actual business. After serious consideration and careful planning, James Arthur Vineyards was formally established in 1996, and officially opened the winery doors in September of 1997. With a major investment of the family's time and effort now going toward the winery, they literally began to see the fruits of their labor.

Through hard work and tender, loving care, the vineyard has literally grown to the thousands of vines you see today, with a number of the varieties that have been successful in this region. The estate has also grown into 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 its estate vineyard, as well as contracted growers throughout the state, with its focus always on producing the highest quality Nebraska product.