Vineyards of the Cooperative

Stone Ridge Vineyard :

Stone Ridge Vineyard was established in 2004 and is located on Highway 66 on the east edge of Louisville, NE. Stone Ridge is owned by cooperative members, Mary and Dick Berner. The Berners live in Plattsmouth and their business interests are primarily located in the Louisville area. Planting began in 2004 with 200 LaCrosse, 200 Vignoles and 250 Frontenac plants. In 2005 they added 350 Frontenac Gris and 80 LaCresent. Another 260 LaCresent and 60 Concord were planted in 2006.

The site is approximately three acres. The acreage is surrounded by an eight foot electric deer fence and a drip irrigation system is installed. In 2006, seven tons of grapes were harvested. It takes three to four growing seasons before plants are mature enough to harvest so it will be 2009 or 2010 before full production will be realized.

Prairyerth Vineyard :

Prairyerth Vineyard is located about 2 miles east of Union, Nebraska on the
deep loess hills near the Missouri River. It is owned by Bob and Diane
Muelleman. Our site is on an east facing slope with the rows in a
north/south orientation. The vineyard was planted with 216 Cynthianna in
2003, 216 Brianna in 2004 and in 2005 with 104 Reissling and 104 Lemberger.

We use an organic approach to grape growing, leaving the native prairie
grass to grow nearby, and train our vines on a Scott Henry trellising
system. In the fall of 2007 we harvested about 1200 pounds of Cynthianna,
and 500 pounds of Brianna. We look forward to the continued maturation of our vines and hope to harvest up to 8 tons in the years to come.