OUR HERITAGE

Dr. L.R. Smith purchased the land for George Spencer Vineyard & Wine Tasting Room from his grandfather, George Spencer, in the early 1960s. Dr. Smith planted the first 100 Edelweiss grapevines in 1998, locating them in what is now known as the North Vineyard. With 50,000 pounds of grapes to harvest, Barb Yendra volunteered to help Dr. Smith. Today, Smith and Yendra own and operate the vineyard and tasting room, which opened in the fall of 2004.

"George Spencer Vineyard and Tasting Room is named in honor of my grandfather, George S. Spencer," said Smith. "George Spencer was a God-fearing man who never drank alcohol, smoked or took the name of God in vain."

In 1918, Spencer exchanged 80 acres of land in the Buckeye Valley for land in the Platte Valley and built a house and barn that year. "He was a very successful farmer, and the first in the area to have electric lights run on Delco batteries," said Smith.

George Spencer also loved yellow roses. "That love of the yellow rose has been passed down from generation to generation," Smith said. "I feel that the yellow rose is a tribute to my grandfather and a beautiful symbol of our heritage on each bottle of my wine."

The original farmhouse built in 1909 was remodeled and restored to house the new tasting room and gift shop. It features a wrap-around patio, beautiful oak floors, artwork from Nebraska artists, a formal dining room for entertaining and a porch dining area beautifully decorated with period antiques.