Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to learn more about James Arthur Vineyards.
What can I expect to do or see at James Arthur Vineyards?
Wine tasting is one of James Arthur Vineyards most popular activities. A typical wine tasting consists of six or four tastings. Wine tasting samples are one ounce per taste and included is a complimentary James Arthur Vineyard wine glass.
A James Arthur Vineyards Six tasting consists of sampling six Nebraska wines from JAV’s tasting card. The cost is $5.00
A James Arthur Vineyards Four tasting consists of four Nebraska wine samples for $4.00.
James Arthur Vineyards also offers a variety of Nebraska foods, available a la carte or as a basket. Baskets are designed to easily feed two people and include the following:
Nebraska’s Largest Winery’s Wine and Cheese Lovers Basket
Includes sausage from Shusters Sausage, a block of cheese made at the UNL Dairy Store, a French loaf bread from Rotella’s and chocolate from Baker’s Chocolate all for $8.99.
Nebraska’s largest Winery’s Ultimate Gourmet Basket
Includes the French loaf, chocolate as well as salmon, which is smoked locally at Super Saver and Feta Cheese from Greenglade Farms for $13.99.
Nebraska’s Largest Winery’s Cheese Lovers Basket
Includes your choice of any four blocks of cheese from the Dairy Store, the French loaf and chocolates also for $13.99.
During the spring/summer/fall, James Arthur Vineyard’s also offer Foccacia Bread made at Hy-Vee for $4.00 or you can replace the French loaf in any of the baskets with the Foccacia for an extra $3.00. We also offer a number of snack items to enjoy during your visit.
James Arthur Vineyards also sells Nebraska wine by the bottle, which is a popular among many of our visitors. James Arthur Vineyards is allowed to open wine, as long as it is consumed entirely on site.
During the colder months, James Arthur Vineyards has indoor seating and a welcoming fire in our large, stone fireplace. During warmer days, James Arthur Vineyards has plenty of outdoor seating, a large covered porch, and three covered gazebos. There’s nothing better than sipping on a bottle of James Arthur Vineyards wine, while snacking on a wonderful food basket and watching the world go by in one of the most peaceful and tranquil settings you’ll find in Nebraska.
If you are interested in a special event, please see our special event options on this web site. If you need to know if a specific day is available for your event, please contact us directly through our web site or by calling 402-783-5255.
How do I get to James Arthur Vineyards?
James Arthur Vineyards is about 10 miles from downtown Lincoln and about 30 minutes from West Omaha. If coming from Lincoln, go to 14th and Superior. Go straight north on 14th street until you get to Raymond Road. Take a left (west) on Raymond Road for 2.5 miles. James Arthur Vineyards is located on the left (south) side of the road.
If coming from Omaha, take the 27th Street exit off of I-80 just outside of Lincoln. Go north on 27th street about ½ mile to Arbor Road. At Arbor, take a left (west) and go to 14th Street. At 14th Street, take a right (north) and go until you get to Raymond Road. Take a left (west) on Raymond Road for 2.5 miles. We are located on the left (south) side of the road.
If you are coming from the west on the interstate, take the NW 48th Street Exit just outside of Lincoln. Go north on NW 48th street (it will curve around some to the east) until you come to Highway 34. At Highway 34 take a left (west) and go to Highway 79, about 2 miles (the sign says to Raymond and Valparaiso). At Highway 79 take a right (north) and go until you hit Raymond Road. At Raymond, take a right (east) and we’re 2.5 miles on the right side (south) of the road.
I didn't know there were vineyards in Nebraska. How many are there?
There are currently 21 wineries in production and close to 300 vineyards across the state. James Arthur Vineyards was the second winery in the state and is currently the largest. The industry has taken off in the last few years, and it is our goal to grow the highest quality of grapes and to produce the finest wines in the state.
What kind of grapes does James Arthur Vineyards grow?
Most of the grapes grown at James Arthur Vineyards are French-American Hybrids or American Varietals. This means everything we plant is winter-hardy and meant to be grown in areas with shorter growing seasons. Some of these grapes include, Edelweiss, LaCrosse. St. Croix and Vignoles, just to mention a few. The difference between these and vinifera grapes, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc., is that everything James Arthur Vineyards plants needs to survive the harsh Nebraska winter temperatures (down to 20-30 below 0) and shorter growing seasons.
How many acres is James Arthur Vineyards?
The James Arthur Vineyards estate currently covers 20 acres on nearly 12, 000 grape vines located just north of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, over 20 other Nebraska growers are contracted to help produce the amount of grapes needed for each year’s supply to ensure our aspiration to create 100% Nebraska wines.
Does James Arthur Vineyards give tours?
Tours are included in many of James Arthur Vineyard’s special events packages. Please see our special events section to for more information.
If you are planning a visit to the winery, we do not have official tours at any time during our winter hours or during weekdays throughout the year. We do have an observation deck that looks into our production area which is open at all times. There are also a number of trails that lead through the vineyards, and you are more than welcome to take a walk through the grounds.
Can we have a meeting at James Arthur Vineyards?
Yes, the St. Croix Room available for meetings. The cost is $75/half day or $150 for the whole day. Catered lunches and wine tastings are also an option that is available. Please check our special occasions section for more details.
Can I get married at James Arthur Vineyards?
Yes, the winery makes a beautiful setting for a wedding. All of our weddings are held on Saturday mornings and include a Nebraska wine toast for your guests. All weddings are held outside, unless weather prohibits. In this instance, James Arthur Vineyards can only accommodate 70 people or less for an indoor ceremony. The cost is $500.00, and open days fill up fast. Please see our web site or call the winery for more details.
Does James Arthur Vineyards administer off-site Nebraska Wine tastings?
Yes, depending upon our schedule at the winery, James Arthur Vineyards does provide off-site wine tastings for both individuals and companies. A liquor permit is required to have a JAV tasting at your next event and can be purchased from the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Total cost for a private, off-site tasting includes liquor permit, wine and $15/per JAV staff member administering the tasting.
Is smoking allowed inside or outside at James Arthur Vineyards?
No smoking is allowed inside our outside the winery or in the vineyards at James Arthur Vineyards.
Can I bring my pet along to James Arthur Vineyards?
You are more than welcome to bring your pet along, as long as it is on a leash and you pick up after it. Please respect, however, that no pets are allowed inside the winery. If your pet is causing a disturbance for other customers, you will be asked to leave.
Does James Arthur Vineyards ship wine?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyard ships wine to select states throughout the country. Wine shipping is a highly regulated practice, so please be mindful when ordering to ensure that your state is not restricted. For a complete listing of our approved states, visit our online store.
What is the cost to ship James Arthur Vineyard's Nebraska wine?
James Arthur Vineyards uses Federal Express for shipping services. Cost varies upon weight and shipping address. Typically, shipping cost for one bottle of wine amounts to roughly 10% of the total purchase price. Each additional bottle purchased increases shipping cost incrementally by $2.00. Shipping a case (12 bottles) usually starts around $35 for shipping and handling but largely depends on its destination.
How long will it take for my wine to be delivered?
Again, delivery depends upon the final destination. Most packages shipped to the Midwest will take 1-2 days, while those going to the east or west coast may take 4-5 days. Everything in between should arrive between 3-4 days.
Does James Arthur Vineyards provide case discounts?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyards provides a 10% case discount on all case purchases. Wines can be mixed within a case.
Does James Arthur Vineyards sell gift baskets?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyards sells standard and personalized gift baskets available in-store at the winery. James Arthur Vineyards prides itself in creating unique and personalized gift baskets for any occasion. Simply provide a budget, and we will create a gift basket perfect for your special someone.
Does James Arthur Vineyards create personalized labels?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyards personalizes labels in any quantity (starting from one bottle). Personalized labels are an additional $5 per each bottle purchased. To use a photograph, please email us via our contact us section and send a jpeg or bitmap. Please include the mandatory details (remember we only have so much room to work with) that you want on the label and when you need it. Please allow 48 hours for personalized labels.
Can I find James Arthur Vineyard's Nebraska Wine at my local bottle shop/grocery store?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyards has a presence in nearly 300 Nebraska stores. We can’t guarantee that every store will carry our comprehensive wine list, but all carry our most popular bottles, namely Edelweiss, Heartland White and Edyn’s Blush.
In addition, there are a few wines not sold by outside retailers due to small production numbers. Such wines would include our James Arthur Vineyard’s Vignoles. If your local store doesn’t carry James Arthur Vineyards wines, please let us know, and we will try to remedy that. Check our retailer list for more details.
Does James Arthur Vineyards sell honey wine?
Yes, James Arthur Vineyards makes a honey wine... known as mead. Our mead is made from 100% Nebraska honey and is made seasonally. It is usually available by May 1, just in time for our annual Renaissance Festival.
Can I bring my own food to James Arthur Vineyards?
James Arthur Vineyards doesn’t encourage…but doesn’t discourage bringing your picnic style food to the winery. There is a strict policy; however, if you bring food, you are not allowed to bring that food inside the building because of health department rules.
James Arthur Vineyards does have food available for purchase at the winery. For a special event, food needs to be catered by a licensed and insured caterer.
Is James Arthur Vineyards a bed and breakfast?
Currently, James Arthur Vineyards is not a bed and breakfast; however there are a number of wonderful hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby.
The Bed and Breakfasts that are nearest to us (10-15 minutes from James Arthur Vineyards):
Pine Crest Farms Bed and Breakfast - 2550 County Road B, Valparaiso, NE 68065 (402) 784-6461 www.bbonline.com/ne/pinecrest
Carrousel Stables Bed and Breakfast - 1368 County Road B, Ceresco, NE 68017, (402) 665-2771 www.bbonline.com/ne/carrousel/index.html
Westview Bed and Breakfest - 7000 Northwest 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68524,
(402) 470-6000 www.westviewbb.com/
We are 10 miles from Lincoln's North 27th Street off of Interstate 80 exit which has several new/newwer hotels (15 minutes from JAV) :
Staybridge Suites - 2701 Fletcher Avenue - (402) 438-7279 www.staybridge.com
Country Inn and Suites - 5353 N. 27th St. - (402) 476-5353 www.countryinns.com/lincolnne
Hampton Inn - 7373 Husker Circle, Lincoln - (402) 435-4600 www.hamptoninn.com
Settle Inn and Suites - 7333 Husker Circle - (402) 435-8100 - www.settleinn.com
Bed and Breakfasts in Lincoln (20-25 minues from James Arthur Vineyards) :
Attwood House Bed and Breakfast - 740 S. 17th, Lincoln - (402) 438-4567
www.atwoodhouse.com
Rogers House Bed and Breakfast - 2145 "B" St., Lincoln - (402) 476-6961
www.rogershouseinn.com
Anniversary Mansion - 1149 S. 17th, Lincoln - (402) 438-4900 www.bbonline.com/ne/anniversary/
Does James Arthur Vineyards have an on-site restaurant?
Currently, there is not an on-site restaurant at James Arthur Vineyards. Food baskets and snacks are available for purchase.
Does James Arthur Vineyards have a wine club?
Unfortunately, due to shipping restrictions, James Arthur Vineyards does not have a traditional wine club. However, we do have a Winerighters group, in which there is a membership fee. Winerighters get a number of privileges and benefits not typically offered to other customers. If you are interested in becoming a Winerighter and would like more information, please contact Laura at the winery.
* 2001 West Raymond Road * Raymond, Nebraska 68428 U.S.A * javwines@windstream.net * 402.783.5255