Nebraska is an unlikely place for a winery, but nestled in the
rolling hills two miles west of Pierce and just north of Willow
Creek State Recreation area is Cuthills Vineyards. The 15 1/2-acres
of hills and clay soil are perfect for growing the over 50
varieties of wine grapes planted in 1985. The varieties feature
French hybrids with some new generation hybrids as well. Two
vineyards are located on four acres with two more acres planted in
June of 1997 and a new acre planted in July of 1998 for a total of
seven acres of grapes. Ed Swanson, who has been making wines for
over 27 years, remodeled the weathered barn built in 1920 and made
it into a winery which was opened Dec. 17, 1994. Wines have been
made from the vineyards since 1990.The focus of Cuthills Vineyards
is to produce wines that pair well with foods. Many different wines
are offered and include a dry white, semi dry white, blush, dry
reds, bottle fermented champagne, mead, nouveau, apple, plum and
other fruit wines when available. Cuthills wine is sold at the
winery as well as at selected restaurants and liquor stores in
Nebraska. Special arrangements can be made for motorcoach tours
during the week or on weekends anytime of the year, but Ed says the
vineyards are at their best from mid-June to mid-September. The
tour allows an upclose look at the vines and fruit and how they
manage to survive the cold Nebraska winters. Picking is not
allowed. Bus tours are asked to call ahead to arrange details.
Cuthills Vineyards is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through
Saturday May through December; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. January
through April hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday. The
vineyards are closed Monday and Tuesday and Christmas eve day,
Christmas day, New Years Eve day, New Years day, Memorial Day,
Fourth of July, Labor Day, Super Bowl Sunday and Thanksgiving.
Handicap accessible.
