Visit Nebraska Agritourism Conference Highlights State's Wine Industry with Educational Farm Tour
Workshop attendees experience Nebraska's thriving wine and agritourism scene firsthand at Feather River Vineyards and The Milk House
NORTH PLATTE, NE – The 2025 Visit Nebraska Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop, held October 27-29, provided attendees with a hands-on demonstration of successful agritourism practices through a vineyard and dairy farm tours featuring wines from 12 Nebraska wineries paired with artisan cheeses from The Milk House. The immersive experience showcased how agricultural tourism is driving rural economic development across the state while creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Image credit The Milk House.
Image credit The Milk House.
Hosted by Feather River Vineyards, the educational field trip took workshop participants beyond the classroom to experience agritourism in action. The tour showcased the diversity and quality of Nebraska's wine industry while demonstrating how working farms and vineyards can successfully integrate tourism into their agricultural operations. Attendees explored the rustic charm of The Milk House, a working dairy farm that has become a destination for visitors seeking authentic agricultural experiences.
The highlight of the tour was a carefully curated wine and cheese pairing experience featuring selections from 12 different Nebraska wineries. From "Carne Asada" spiced cheese cubes to Classic Reserve wines, each pairing told a story about Nebraska's agricultural innovation and the passionate entrepreneurs behind the state's growing wine industry. The diversity of wines represented demonstrated the breadth of Nebraska's viticulture scene, from traditional varietals to innovative blends that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
"This type of site visit perfectly illustrates what agritourism is all about—creating authentic connections between visitors and the people who produce their food and beverages," said Renae Littrell, Nebraska Wines executive director. "Attendees could see firsthand how Feather River Vineyards and The Milk House have successfully transformed their agricultural operations into thriving tourism destinations while maintaining their commitment to quality production."
Image credit The Milk House.
The event highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines Nebraska's agritourism sector. Rather than competing, Feather River Vineyards served as a showcase venue for wines produced across the state, demonstrating how partnerships between agricultural businesses can create compelling visitor experiences while supporting the entire industry. This cooperative approach has been instrumental in building Nebraska's reputation as an emerging wine destination.
Workshop participants—ranging from aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs to established farm and ranch operators exploring tourism opportunities—gained valuable insights into the practical aspects of developing visitor experiences on working agricultural properties. The tour addressed key considerations including facility development, visitor safety, product presentation, storytelling, and creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth marketing.
Image credit The Milk House.
The Visit Nebraska Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop is an annual two-and-a-half-day program designed to help agritourism and adventure travel entrepreneurs and small business owners learn what it takes for tourism businesses to not just survive, but thrive. The workshop featured educational sessions led by industry experts, networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and seasoned tourism professionals, and site visits to successful tourism operations throughout the host region.
This year's workshop, based in North Platte, included multiple site visits and educational sessions covering topics ranging from marketing and social media strategy to customer service excellence and sustainable tourism practices. The hands-on approach allows participants to ask questions directly of successful operators and see proven concepts in action.
Image credit The Milk House.
Nebraska's agritourism sector has experienced significant growth in recent years as consumers increasingly seek authentic, locally-sourced experiences and direct connections to food and beverage producers. From vineyard tours and farm-to-table dining to agricultural festivals and u-pick operations, agritourism provides farmers and ranchers with diversified income streams while educating the public about modern agriculture and strengthening rural communities.
For more information about Visit Nebraska's agritourism initiatives or future workshop opportunities, contact Graham Jordison at graham.jordison@visitnebraska.com