Whiskey Run Creek Winery: Historic Nebraska Wines & Creekside Views
Taste handcrafted Nebraska wines, explore 1866 beer caves, and relax at this scenic Brownville winery with a charming barn over a running creek.
Jul 14, 2025427 Shares5.7K Views
🌿 History & Location
Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery opened in September 2002, founded by Bob Curttright. He selected the site because it once held one of Nebraska’s earliest breweries, originally built in 1866. This historical background gave the property a unique charm, especially with the presence of two original brick caves used for beer storage. In 2012, ownership passed to Ron and Sherry Heskett. Ron now grows most of the vineyard’s grapes on his family farm. The winery is located at 702 Main Street in Brownville, Nebraska, a peaceful riverside town. The entire property covers about four acres and includes a restored barn that stretches across a small creek running through the site.
🍇 Vineyard & Wine
Whiskey Run Creek produces nearly all of its wine from grapes grown locally in its own vineyards. These vineyards have more than 5,000 vines. The winery makes around 20 different wines, ranging from dry reds and whites to sweeter wines, fruit wines, and even honey-based meads. Their wines are known for quality and variety, making it a good stop for both casual wine drinkers and enthusiasts. Visitors can sample multiple types to find their favorite, and bottles are available for purchase in the tasting room.
🏛️ Historic Features
One of the most special parts of the property is its history. The two underground brick caves on-site were built in 1866 for the original brewery. These caves were used to store beer barrels because they stayed cool all year round—around 55°F. One cave has been carefully restored and is open for guests to see. The other cave is believed to still contain parts of the old brewing equipment, although it has not been fully explored. On top of the creek sits a barn originally built in 1902. It was moved to the property and rebuilt over the water using traditional black walnut beams and wooden pegs, adding to the winery's rustic and historical feel.
🕰️ Visitor Experience & Tasting
The winery is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday, usually between 1 PM and 5 PM, with extended hours until 6 PM during the warmer months (May through October). Guests can enjoy wine tastings by selecting five different wines for a small fee. The tasting room is located in the restored barn and includes a cozy loft area that can seat up to 60 people. The winery also has a gift shop with local artisan products and wine accessories. It is a relaxed, welcoming space where people can learn about the winemaking process, sample products, and enjoy the peaceful setting.
🥃 Distillery & Events
In recent years, the winery expanded to include a small distillery. After hearing from customers who were interested in spirits, the Heskett family decided to start producing them. Now, in addition to wine, they also make and sell small-batch distilled products. Whiskey Run Creek also takes part in regional wine festivals and events, such as the Butler County Fair wine tasting and Toast Nebraska. These events help connect the winery to the wider Nebraska wine community and bring new visitors to Brownville.
🏞️ Ambience & Surroundings
The entire property offers a peaceful and scenic setting. The barn sits right over Whiskey Run Creek, so visitors can enjoy the sound of flowing water while sipping wine on the deck. The mix of nature, historic structures, and carefully maintained landscaping makes it a relaxing destination. Many guests also explore other attractions in Brownville, such as art galleries, museums, and scenic trails. The winery fits perfectly into the town's quiet, cultural atmosphere, making it a favorite stop for tourists and locals.
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