10 Secrets Of Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery: The Nebraska Terroir That’s Winning National Awards

Glacial Till Vineyard and Winery has firmly established itself as a pioneering force in the Nebraska wine scene, transforming the state’s winemaking landscape from a regional curiosity into an award-winning national contender. As of late 2025, the vineyard, located near Palmyra, continues to draw attention not only for its exceptional wines and hard ciders but also for its unique commitment to a specific, challenging terroir that defines its entire identity.

This article dives deep into the latest updates, the family legacy, and the specific varietals—like the Bronze-winning 2022 Pinot Gris—that are putting Glacial Till on the map, proving that the heartland can produce world-class vintages. The operation, founded by Mike Murman, is a testament to the hard-won success of cold-climate viticulture and a must-visit destination for wine and cider enthusiasts.

The Glacial Till Legacy: Founders, Family, and Philosophy

The story of Glacial Till is a classic American tale of a hobby evolving into a multi-generational business, deeply rooted in the soil of Otoe County, Nebraska. It is a narrative built on passion, patience, and a deep understanding of challenging, cold-hardy grape varietals.

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• Founder: Mike Murman
• Start as a Hobby: Mike began making small batches of wine and beer in his basement during the 1980s.
• First Vines Planted: Spring 2003, marking the beginning of the commercial venture.
• Winery Opened: 2007, following the construction of the primary winemaking facility.
• Location: 344 S. 2nd Rd, Palmyra, NE 68418 (Vineyard & Winery)
• Family Involvement: Mike’s three sons—John, Tim, and Craig Murman—are integral to the vineyard’s operations, reflecting an evolution that directly reflects their hard work.
• Mission: To craft quality wines and ciders from the ground up, utilizing the unique local terroir.
• Dual Locations: The original Vineyard & Winery in Palmyra and a separate Cider House & Tasting Room location.

The Murman family’s commitment to quality is evident in their choice of French American grapes, which are specifically selected for their resilience and ability to thrive in the harsh Nebraska climate. This focus allows them to produce unique, high-quality wines that reflect the distinctive character of the region.

The Science of Terroir: Why "Glacial Till" Matters

The vineyard’s name is not merely a catchy title; it is a direct reference to the unique geological composition of the soil—the very foundation of their wine's flavor profile. Understanding this terroir is key to appreciating the complexity of Glacial Till’s offerings.

The Unique Soil Composition

The term "glacial till" describes a fertile, rocky soil deposited thousands of years ago when the massive glaciers that once covered North America receded. This soil is characterized by its mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders, which were scraped up and left behind by the ice sheet.

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• Fertility and Drainage: The rocky nature of glacial till provides excellent drainage, a critical factor for healthy grapevines, as grapes prefer moderately well-drained soils.
• Mineral Content: The varied mineral composition of the soil imparts a distinct minerality and complexity to the grapes, influencing the final wine's structure and flavor.
• North-Sloping Orientation: The vineyard’s terroir is further defined by its north-sloping orientation. This is a crucial viticultural practice in cold climates, as the northern slope delays bud break in the spring, protecting the delicate vines from late-season frosts, a constant threat in the Midwest.

This unique combination of soil and microclimate is what geoscientists find so fascinating. In fact, in May 2025, the vineyard hosted geoscientists from across the country to examine soil samples, underscoring the site's importance as a living laboratory for cold-climate viticulture.

Award-Winning Vintages and Must-Try Hard Ciders

Glacial Till’s product line is a dual success story, encompassing both traditional, complex wines and a vibrant, innovative selection of hard ciders. The winery focuses on French American hybrid grapes, which are better suited to the region's climate than many traditional Vitis vinifera varieties.

The Acclaimed Wine Portfolio

The wines reflect the hardiness of the grapes and the unique characteristics of the glacial till soil. Recent vintages and notable varietals include:

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• Petite Pearl: A key red grape for the vineyard, often resulting in a captivating ruby-red hue and a bold, structured style, frequently paired with beef and venison.
• 2022 Pinot Gris: A major recent success, this white wine—often described as the "red wine of white wines"—secured a Bronze award at the prestigious 2024 WineAlign National Wine Awards.
• Chambourcin: Used in both blends and single-varietal offerings, such as the 2018 Chambourcin, this French American hybrid is a staple for their red wines.
• 2024 Prairie Gold: A very recent release, this golden-hued wine is crafted from 100% St. Pepin grapes and fermented on the skins for two weeks, bursting with notes of green apple, wild plum, and citrus rind.
• Frontenac: A ubiquitous cold-hardy red grape in the region, used in their blends to add structure and depth.
• 2022 Bourbon Barrel Aged Merlot: An innovative release that showcases the winery's willingness to experiment, offering complex, oak-driven flavors.

The Innovative Hard Cider Lineup

Glacial Till is equally famous for its hard ciders, which are produced at the Cider House & Tasting Room. These ciders are a diverse collection of traditional and experimental flavors, many of which are also award-winning.

The cider list is extensive, featuring core flavors and unique seasonal or limited-edition releases:

• Original: A semi-sweet, crisp cider with classic green apple notes.
• Winter Blend: A seasonal favorite, semi-sweet with warming notes of all spice and cinnamon.
• Cranberry: A light, tart option with a burst of cranberry and lemon flavors.
• Strawberry Rhubarb: A popular semi-sweet fruit blend.
• Barrel-Aged Ciders: The winery excels in barrel aging, producing complex ciders like CORE, which spends 12 months in Willet bourbon barrels, yielding flavors of caramel, hazelnut, and fig. Another notable release is Cross-Eyed Cider, which is aged in bourbon barrels and infused with brandy, delivering powerful notes of oak and honey.

Planning Your Visit: Tours, Tastings, and 2026 Events

Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery is more than just a production facility; it is a premier event destination in the Lincoln area. The vineyard offers a scenic country setting for visitors, located just 15 minutes from Lincoln.

The winery encourages visitors to experience the process firsthand through a variety of guided activities:

• Winery Tours: Informative tours are regularly offered, providing a deep dive into the history of Glacial Till, the viticulture practices, and the detailed wine and cider making process.
• Tastings: Guests can enjoy five samples of their award-winning wines or ciders as part of the Sunday tour experience.
• The Cider House & Tasting Room: This second location offers a casual environment to sample ciders on tap and enjoy a menu of food carryout options.
• Special Events: The vineyard hosts a robust calendar of events, including live music and special evenings. For instance, the winery has already scheduled an "Evening with Philip Daniel" for February 2026, showcasing their active role as a community and entertainment hub.

The commitment of Mike Murman and his sons—John, Tim, and Craig—to embracing the challenges of the Nebraska climate, from the north-sloping orientation to the mineral-rich glacial till soil, has resulted in a truly unique American wine story. Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery stands as a testament to the fact that passion, combined with a deep respect for the land, can yield world-class, award-winning results in the most unexpected of places.