Touring the Wine Capital of the South

Nestled between the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas River, Altus is the wine capital of the south. The four main wineries produce over a million gallons of wine each year.

Altus wineries have a unique history brought over from Swiss and German immigrants who chose Altus as their new home because of the rich soils that were perfect for growing grapes. New generations have carried on the family traditions and maintained the wineries and their history while incorporating modern processes.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars was formed in 1880 by Swiss immigrant Johann Wiederkehr on St. Mary's Mountain. Johann chose a hillside to hand-carve the first wine cellar that today houses the Weinkeller Restaurant where you can enjoy European and Swiss delicacies. Since its humble beginnings in 1880 the area surrounding Wiederkehr Wine Cellars has become its own little town known as Wiederkehr Village.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of the pioneers of the American wine industry of today.

The Post Familie also settled here in the 1880's from German and Swiss descent as well. At that time Altus was a coal mining community and the Post family stopped here on a train ride. They discovered that Altus was perfect for growing grapes. Both Post Familie Vineyards and Mount Bethel Winery are from Post Familie descent with Jacob Post being the first in the family to grow grapes and produce wine in the Altus region.

Chateau Aux Arc is one of the newest wineries in this area. The name is derived from the French spelling of Ozark, which is a town just a few short miles from Altus.

Chateau Aux Arc was founded by Audrey House in 1998 when she purchased land in the Altus region and began growing grapes to make wine. Her business has boomed and expanded in just a few short years. Chateau Aux Arc has gotten recognition for being the largest planter of Cynthiana grapes in the world.

After a day of touring wine cellars and tasting the many varieties of wines that this region offers you can enjoy a nice dinner at one of the area restaurants.

Fat Tuesday, USA, located on the square in Altus, specializes in Cajun fare with a charming New Orleans style.

Alligator Ray's serves pizza and drinks where you can enjoy a game of pool in the back.

Kelts has an Irish Pub atmosphere and features foods from the British Isles.

After a full day of wining and dining you can enjoy a cozy stay at St. Mary's Mountain Country Inn located on St. Mary's Mountain Rd. This cozy Bed and Breakfast is tucked away into the side of St. Mary's Mountain. Be sure to call for reservations if you intend to stay at the Inn as only three rooms are available. You're assured a quiet stay and will enjoy the European style of this little jewel.