Grapes

Grapes harvested in September at Kimmel Orchard are available both for eating and for production of Kimmel's own wine label. Featured grape varieties at Kimmel include Chambourcin and Vignoles (used for wine) and table and juice grape varieties Canadice, Reliance, Mars, and Seedless Concord. Created in the spirit of the orchard operation, the 6.5-acre vineyard at Kimmel Orchard will serve the educational needs of the fast-growing grape and wine market in Nebraska and surrounding region. Grapes are becoming an important value-added crop for agricultural producers who need to diversify as a hedge against volatile markets, and consumers have responded, particularly with the growing popularity of locally produced wine varieties. Vineyards are not new to Nebraska or to the Missouri Valley. As early as the 1860s vineyards were established throughout the region by European immigrants, and local harvests in the 19th century were reported in the tens of thousands of bushels.

Partners



The Kimmels championed the benefits of higher education, and in 1925 began work with the University to develop a research facility for alternative crops.

History



Richard P. Kimmel grew up in Nebraska City where he attended school and graduated in 1915. After high school, he attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

U-Pick



The study and development of agricultural-related tourism is an important focus of the Kimmel Education and Research Center (KERC) at Kimmel Orchard.

Newsletter



Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders via email.