Pioneer families. Many raised in flyover states have stories of those who fought hardships & struggles to make a home on the majestic prairie. A family line of my ancestors, the Russell's and Baker families homesteaded near Phillipsburg, Kansas in a sod home. I knew they moved from Kansas to Orleans, Nebraska where my grandmother was born in 1915. Danyle & I took a trip to this corner of the prairie to visit lost homesteads and make new friends from other pioneer families. Of course, a unique stay was in order as we stay away from interstates & hotel chains. A website, Harvest Hosts, has options for RV's and Van camping. I saw a vineyard you could RV/Van camp. No van yet so I called and spoke to Gary at the vineyard who said we were more than welcome to camp out in our SUV. If all Harvest Hosts stays are as welcoming as Gary and Ricky were I will definitely make the membership to Harvest Hosts worth it. Our destination: Three Brothers Vineyard in Farnam, Nebraska. Website: https://3brothersvineyard.com/
Our trip started with a stop at Yoder, Kansas to pick up cinnamon rolls for our host. Yoder is known for their strong Amish roots. A stop at Yoder Meats to grab small prepackaged portions of meats and smoked cheeses for snacks & the fresh cinnamon rolls from Carriage Crossings & we were off. While driving towards Nickerson we noticed two young girls selling baked goods at their home. Of course, we stopped and bought cookies, brownies, more cinnamon rolls and poppy seed bread. Any time you see a child selling lemonade or home baked goods you just have to stop! Food: taken care of!
Several short stops completed on our way northwest. One to note was after our quick stop in Orleans, Nebraska. While driving in Arapahoe, Nebraska a small sign pointing back to a shaddy motel noting a distillery caught our eye. We drove right past the small distillery and came back around and noticed the long dogs on the west side of the building. While approaching the main entrance, a man walked up introducing himself as the owner, Ryan. Long Dogs Distilling would be our last stop before we made it to the vineyard. In fact, I called Gary to let him know we would be about a half an hour late as Ryan was so passionate about his craft we couldn't leave without a few stories of each product we purchased. The goal was obvious with Ryan, quality & perfection of the craft. Ryan had so much passion and pride in his creations. One of the best small batch whiskey's - period! After choosing which to purchase, Danyle and I with Ryan's assistance
poured our picks from each small batch. Website: https://www.longdogsdistilling.com/
On the drive from the distillery to Three Brothers Vineyard, I reflected back on the "sod home" many pioneers started their journey of living on the prairie. Researching the pioneers the vineyard is named after, their father Friedrich Herman Wach built a sod home, then later a home from cement bricks he and his sons created. While the sod homes are now dust, the home the Wach Family built still stands. What a pioneer architecture achievement. Gary informed us the home is now owned by a family from Colorado who restored the porch that went along all sides. The Wach Family immigrated to the United States in 1885. The name of the ship that carried them over - Bohemia. Bohemia is where my husband's Germany roots from his father's line, the Brom Family came over escaping the same type of hardships and violence against German's in 1868. They however, choose the Flint Hills in Kansas to homestead. Many Germans made their new home in the prairies of Kansas and Nebraska. Talk about tough stock. Talk about pride.
We finally made our final stop at Three Brothers Vineyard. About a dozen vehicles surrounded the entrance. We found an open spot, parked and headed in. The tasting room was full of parties sat at four tables, enjoying their wine and anticipating the prime rib dinner. The door to their patio, facing west was open allowing for a breeze and providing views of the Nebraska sunset. Discussions were loud but when stepping out, one could hear the birds along with the rustle of cottonwood leaves from the soft Nebraska evening breeze. Conversations with those attending did not disappoint. While Gary was completing the prime rib, Ricky was busy filling glasses with wine & answering questions about the vineyard. Dinner started with a salad, one of the best I've had in a long time. The prime rib was cut by Gary who asked you how large of a cut for your plate. A baked potato and roll completed the dinner. Gary didn't talk much about his secret on the perfected prime rib. It is worth the trip back to have dinner here again. They post what weekend they will have the dinner on their website. Make sure to call and reserve as it was a full house.
Pictures of our beautiful view at our campsite along with the vineyard.
All of this adventure & happiness due to a German man, Friedrich Herman Wach & his ancestors desire to stay in Nebraska. Gary, your ancestors who you celebrate with the naming of your vineyard are very proud of you. It shows in your love for the art of wine making & your work on the land homesteaded all those years ago. You are an inspiration for all ancestors of the pioneers of the plains.
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