Meet Jeff Korbelik, the Winery Manager at James Arthur Vineyards (jamesarthurvineyards.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – Opened in 1997, James Arthur Vineyards (JAV) is the state’s oldest operating winery, specializing in wine and hard apple cider. The winery hosts several special events throughout the year, including its popular Summer Music Series, World Famous Murder Mysteries and Haunted Hayrack Rides. JAV also has a tasting room in Lincoln’s Haymarket at the From Nebraska Gift Shop.

How did you get started in the business? – I’ve known co-owner Jim Ballard since we were fraternity brothers together at UNL in the 1980s. I worked part-time at JAV from 2005-12 for vacation money. After retiring from a 30-year career in newspapers, I accepted Jim’s offer to manage the winery.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge was becoming a salesperson. But it’s much easier when you have a product that people really want!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping to coordinate our events. We’ve been very lucky to either sell out or have a large attendance at many of our events. We’re thrilled to provide our patrons experiences they will remember!

Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Rebecca, and I have two dogs, Satchel and Oscar, and four backyard chickens.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I have two. The first was when I left sports writing for feature writing in 1998. That led me to 25-year career as the Lincoln Journal Star’s dining critic, which I will cherish forever. The second was retiring from the newspaper business in 2018 to join JAV.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My wife and I have a cabin on the Platte River, just outside of Valley and Elkhorn. We love spending time there when we can.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I always tell people I wanted to be a starting pitcher for the New York Mets, but since I had mediocre athletic abilities, I became a sportswriter instead. My dream was to cover a Nebraska national championship football team and was able to do so three times.

Who inspires you? – My wife and my parents.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Laughter is the best medicine.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dependable.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – R.E.M’s “Man on the Moon”.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Flying.

What local nonprofit organization are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Flatwater Shakespeare Company. As a features writer and editor for the Journal Star, I covered the Lincoln theater scene. I became a big fan of Flatwater’s mission to make Shakespeare accessible and of its impact on Lincoln residents, young and old.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Great Gatsby.

What is your favorite movie? – Elmer Gantry.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – jeffjavwines@gmail.com