On February 7, 2025 at Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Desarie Ball of the Capitol View Winery.
Desarie talked about being motivated by everything around her. She shared about the influence of her family and having a legacy - leaving something behind for children. And the community is very important to her - the support given to her and wanting to support back.
They are the third owners of the winery - were told of the amount of work - but still enjoying it a year and a half later.
Looking back to the history of winemaking. It has been around a very long time - but not a lot of people who are black. They are they 2nd back owned winery in state of Nebraska. As they travel around talking about Nebraska people are surprised that grapes are grown in Nebraska and that there are black-owned wineries. The first black winemaker was from Virginia - John June Lewis.
To be labeled a Nebraska winery must have 60% of grapes grown in Nebraska. They have 3 acres of grapes that are cold-hardy and wind-resilient - primarily itasca. Cannot grow enough grapes to make the amount of wine they make. So, they source some from other Nebraska vineyards. We cannot grow cabernet or merlot types such as in Napa or Washington or other warmer climates. They purchase no more than 40% from outside of Nebraska - some as close as Colorado.
Still use old-fashioned methods such as how the yeast is measured and added, burning the bottles each day to ensure proper processing.
Regularly hosting events. So, work is not just about making wine. They line up musicians and food trucks early to ensure they can hold successful events. She shared that winemaking and hosting is an art - it is not just about enjoying a glass of wine - but a good glass of wine. Many that have worked at making wine have a new appreciation because they understand what goes into that glass of wine.
But, they are not just about making and sharing wine and food. It is about Community. She loves to talk with people - interacting. She learned about how many relationships were built at the winery. She learned of people who became long friends and now travel together. The sense of community - sense of belonging - there is one person who regularly comes in, visits with others - it is his social outlet.
Have had many types of events weddings, retirement parties, birthdays. She had to spend time to ensure the special needs to hold a respectful memorial event. Desarie does much of the planning for the events.
They have had been interviewed about winemaking. Have spent time with those interested in the processes and running a business. She feels it is important to help ensure that the next generation is ready to run businesses.
Today is not only about celebrating winemaking but also a black winemaker during black history month. Her husband has always had dreams of growing grapes and that they would have a bed and breakfast - but did not envision being in Nebraska. They have embraced the country life - in Roca - being out in the country is a pretty cool place to live.
They were thrown right in - neither had made wine though they did drink wine. They purchased on August 3 and harvested their grapes on August 12 and then right into making the wine. So they were thrown right in. Previous owners did help teach them. They also had a winemaker on board - one of the first winemakers in the State of Nebraska - would come down every now and then to help. One of the challenges is you never know when the grapes will be ready because when they are you have to get right to work to separate, crush and make the wine.
They are proud of the dry wines that they make. Most of the wineries in Nebraska make sweet - and most of the customers want that. They do make sweet wines so that they can cater to the local taste. But, with the dry wines are able to offer more variety to patrons. They are still new and learning which wines are most popular so will know how much to make of each variety.
They hope to distribute through stores in Nebraska - not just sell out of the winery. They plan to continue to grow their business, grow in the community, and grow as good human beings providing for now and the future.
BIO
Desarie Ball is an accomplished business professional and entrepreneur, blending expertise in financial management, business development, and regulatory governance with a deep passion for small business growth and community empowerment. As the owner of a thriving winery, she understands firsthand the economic and cultural significance of small businesses in fostering vibrant communities. Her leadership extends beyond the wine industry, as she actively champions financial literacy and nonprofit initiatives that uplift local economies.
With a background in corporate finance and accounting, Desarie has honed her skills in financial reporting, incentive compensation accounting, and business strategy. She has held key financial roles at NRC Health, where she provided insights that informed executive decision-making and operational efficiency. Her ability to bridge financial expertise with entrepreneurial vision allows her to create sustainable business models that benefit both her customers and the broader community.
Beyond business, Desarie is a dedicated community leader. She has served on nonprofit boards, including the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, Trilogy - An Opera Company, Greater Newark Holiday Fund, Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster County and most recently, the board of NeighborWorks Lincoln. She has also led financial literacy and homeownership workshops in partnership with local organizations and universities. Her work reflects a commitment to ensuring that financial knowledge and economic opportunity are accessible to all.
A proud graduate of Rutgers University Business School with a degree in Accounting, Desarie brings a strategic and people-centric approach to leadership. As she continues to expand her winery and advocate for small business development, she remains dedicated to fostering economic resilience, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening the communities she serves.