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Arkansas is the oldest wine-producing region in the South, and many of the state's most popular wineries can be found in the little town of Altus, Arkansas. Heavily influenced by German-Swiss settlers who arrived in the mid-19th century, Altus has an old-world vibe (and climate) you won't find anywhere else in Arkansas. Today, a handful of contemporary wineries call Altus home, and travellers come from near and far to tour and taste.
From old world to contemporary, there is a surprising diversity of wines and wineries in the Altus area. If you've never been to a wine tasting, there's no reason to feel intimidated. Arkansas wine country is relaxed and casual. There are no special dress codes or stuffy rules, just good wine and conversation in a beautiful setting.
Here are some distinct Altus wineries to sample on your trip.
3324 Swiss Family Dr, Wiederkehr Village
Mondays – Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A traditional German winery and restaurant, complete with Swiss alpine-style design, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is a family enterprise spanning four generations. Sample varieties in the tasting room or enjoy a glass at the Weinkeller Restaurant next door, a full-on German dining experience complete with bratwursts and servers in lederhosen.
5014 Mt Bethel Dr, Altus
Mondays – Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Another Altus original with a long lineage, Mount Bethel Winery bottles classics like Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as Plum and Cynthiana, the official grape of Arkansas. Drop by the tasting room for a free wine tasting and gorgeous views of the Ozark foothills.
1700 St. Mary’s Mountain Rd, Altus
Mondays – Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: Closed
More modern but still quaint and charming, Post Winery is the only place on the list to offer a "wine slushie." This family-owned operation bottles everything from muscadines to pinot grigio, serving it up with a delicious lunch in their lakeside restaurant, the Trellis Room.
1700 St. Mary’s Mountain Rd, Altus
Mondays – Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
One of Arkansas' less vintage wineries, Chateau Aux Arc (pronounced like "Ozark") is a bright, inspired place that bottles a wide selection of Arkansas-grown wines from their Dragonfly Ranch vineyard. A sample flight is only $10, and bottles are available in the shop.
Stay in or around Altus and take your time on wine tastings and vineyard tours. Find available lodging now and plan your Wine Country getaway.