Visit Arkansas Wine Country

Arkansas wine country comes alive year round, but especially during the months of October and November. In the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges lies the Arkansas River Valley where the early families established vineyards and wineries. These German-Swiss settlers found the soil to be fertile for the grape crops, that they once grew in their homeland. The descendants from these early settlers still live and operate the family wine business, which has existed from the late 1800s. The first wine was sold to passengers on the old Iron Mountain Railroad.

Just south of Interstate 40, exit 41, along Highway 186, is the small town of Altus. There are several wineries located there. These belong to the Wiederkehr and Post families. The Wiederkehr winery boasts a restaurant that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features German food, cooked the traditional German way. On the week-ends there is German music to accompany the dining pleasure. The winery tour includes a tasting room, where the local wines are sipped. There is a gift shop where these wines can be purchased, along with non alcoholic wines, and various other gifts. Next door to the winery is St. Mary Church, which features old world paintings along with walls lined with gold leaf.

Another winery located in this vicinity is owned by the Post family. The twelve children of the original founder, run the family business today. Bible verses are written on the wall that hold the fermentation tanks.

According to Serenah McKay, in the Arkansas Catholic Newspaper, the wine is prayed over at each step of the fermentation process and a priest blesses the wine each year on December 27th, the feast of St. John the Evangelist.

There is a guided tour of the winery and wines can be tasted in the gift shop.

Another winery is the Carbon Wine Cellers, owned by Robert and Bette Kay Cowie. This is one of the smallest wineries in Arkansas. It is located along Highway 22. It has the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum located on its premises. There is a bed and breakfast located on the property, run by the Cowies.

Weinfest is celebrated in the wine country every Fall. There are wine stomping, games, and other festivities to celebrate the fall harvest.

There is lodging available on Interstate 40 near the wine country. The best place to dine is at the winery itself. Autumn offers scenic vistas along the route to the wineries. The colorful presentation of the trees makes for delightful photo opportunities. It is a nice leisurely drive to the wineries, and perfect for a Sunday drive. The tours are available daily at both wineries, including Sundays.