(Lincoln, Neb.) - James Arthur Vineyards is progressing with its plans to construct an event center and craft distillery on its Raymond property. Jim Ballard, co-owner of the vineyard, stated that the project, which involves rezoning agricultural land to accommodate a microdistillery, will be presented to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission in the upcoming weeks.
Ballard emphasized the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure that all aspects of the project are handled properly and meet the county's requirements. If everything goes according to plan, construction could commence in October, with the facility operational as early as May.
Seeking avenues for advancing the family business, Ballard believes that an event center combined with a microdistillery would not only fulfill that objective but also enrich the local community. He noted the demand for high-quality event venues in the Lincoln area and expressed his long-standing interest in establishing a distillery.
According to Ballard, it made sense to integrate the two concepts, stating, "I thought that we might as well attach a distillery to make it really cool. There's nothing quite like that around here." The event venue, situated east of the vineyard's headquarters on its existing land, would serve as an ideal location for weddings, reunions, fundraising events, and corporate retreats. Infrastructure improvements such as the addition of a driveway and expansion of the parking area are planned.
The architectural design for the project will be handled by Lincoln-based firm Schemmer, while construction will be undertaken by Ironhide Construction, also based in Lincoln. Additionally, a traffic study is being conducted on West Raymond Road to determine the potential need for a dedicated turn lane at the facility's entrance.
Ballard envisions the new structure, nestled within the vineyard's scenic landscape, as an appealing wedding venue. He hopes to create a comprehensive wedding experience, with couples able to have their ceremony and reception at the vineyard.
The microdistillery represents an exciting addition to the project, as Ballard has contemplated its inclusion even before experimenting with aging some of James Arthur's wines in used spirit bottles earlier this year to enhance their flavors. His interest in distilling led him to participate in an intensive weeklong seminar called Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, where he learned the intricacies of alcohol distillation.
Ballard acknowledged the distinctions between winemaking, beer-making, and distillation but highlighted the shared importance of quality ingredients. He plans to utilize locally grown grains, including rye and corn, and intends to produce bourbon, brandy, and potentially experiment with a rum made from sugar beets.
While still in the early stages, Ballard has researched equipment options and sought guidance from a consultant in Kentucky who played a role in establishing Woodford Reserve. The focus is on creating an exceptional facility that showcases the vineyard's capabilities and contributes to Nebraska's diverse offerings.
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