Guide to Arkansas Wine

When most people think of Arkansas, wine probably doesn't immediately come to mind. Arkansas's climate and soil are ideal for wine-making, and the state boasts some really stellar wines. Here are some of the best and the wineries that make them.

Wine: Chambourcin (Keels Creek)
This wine was an Award Winner for Keels Creek Winery in 2007 when the American Wine Society awarded it a gold medal. This is a mellow dry red varietal, with smokey notes throughout. The wine is medium-bodied and rich with hints of chocolate.

Winery Information:
Keels Creek Winery & Art Gallery is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This is a fairly new winery which began production in 2006.

Wine: Wild Plum Wine (Mount Bethel)
This wine is a regional favorite from Mount Bethel Winery, which is locally renowned for its fruit wines. This fruity sweet wine is made from wild plums grown in the area. You definitely won't find a wine like this anywhere else.

Winery Information:
Mount Bethel Winery is located in Altus, Arkansas. Mount Bethel offers tastings seven days a week.

Wine: Altus Delaware (Post Familie)
The Altus Delaware is made from the hybrid grape variety Delaware. This semi-dry white is crisp and clean, with slightly spices notes. The process of cold fermentation gives this wine its unique fragrance and charm. The Altus Delaware is only sold in 375 ml bottles.

Winery Information:
Post Familie Winery is located in Altus, Arkansas. Post Familie offers wine tasting as well as free tours.

Wine: French Colombard (Wiederkehr Wine Cellars)
This is a fragrant semi-dry white wine with a pleasant, mellow taste. The French Colombard is light and airy, and works just as well as a cocktail as it does paired with a meal.

Winery Information:
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is located in Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas and represents almost 130 years of wine-making experience.

Wine: Robert's Port (Cowie Wine Cellars)
This multiple award-winning Port is decidedly one of the best this lovely winery has to offer. Robert's Port is a sweet red port that is famous throughout the Arkansas growing area.

Winery Information: Cowie Wine Cellars was founded by Robert Cowie and it located in Paris, Arkansas. Every April this winery hosts an International Amateur Wine Competition.

Sources:
Dry Reds. Keels Creek Winery.
Mount Bethel Winery. Mouth Bethel Winery.
Post Familie White Wines. Post Familie Winery.
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars.
Cowie Wine Cellars.Cowie Wine Cellars.