Niobrara Valley Vineyard Harvest Host – Nenzel, NE

From Serendipity to Sangria Jam: Finding Gems on the Road to Niobrara Valley!

Sometimes the best travel moments are the ones you didn’t plan! We were headed toward Nenzel, Nebraska, and our Harvest Host destination, Niobrara Valley Vineyard, but we knew we needed a hearty start.

Mitch had read about a highly-rated spot in Plainview, NE, called Serendipity. We arrived at 9:25 AM, only to be kindly told they had just wrapped up breakfast service. Disappointed, we asked for a suggestion, and the host pointed us across the street.

And honestly? That turn of events was the true serendipity of the morning! We walked into Just Love Coffee Cafe, and it instantly became the highlight of our day. For starters, they offer fantastic gluten-free options—a massive win in my book! But this franchise is about so much more than excellent coffee and food. They focus on community involvement and started with a mission to support families through the adoption process. Plus, their all-day menu of waffle iron creations is just genius! We had a great chat with the owner, Susan, who was an absolute delight and made us feel like old friends. This spot gets all the high marks—great food, great mission, and even better people!

Feeling fueled and happy, we made it to Niobrara Valley Vineyard in Nenzel. Though they were technically closed for the day, the owner graciously accommodated us with a complimentary wine tasting before we settled in our rig. We tasted several award-winning vintages and ended up selecting a lovely red blend bottle, along with an absolutely intriguing Sangria Jam! I immediately started planning: that jam is destined for the ganache in my next batch of homemade chocolate bonbons!

We were the only Harvest Host guests that evening, and the field provided a perfectly ample, quiet space for our fifth wheel. Later that night, there was a buzz about a comet being visible. We bundled up and ventured out, but the universe wasn’t cooperating—the wind was absolutely roaring, and the full moon didn’t help, limiting our viewing time so we couldn’t spot a thing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a clear, windless night soon to catch that celestial show!

Even with the comet hiding and the accidental breakfast switch, this stop was a perfect mix of unexpected local charm and quiet vineyard beauty. Cheers to the kindness of Nebraska!

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