Arkansas offers a unique wine experience for visitors looking to explore its vineyards and wineries. You can discover the rich winemaking history of the state while enjoying scenic views of the Ozark Mountains.
Arkansas wine tours provide a chance to taste award-winning wines and learn about local grape varieties. You’ll find several wineries offering tours, tasting rooms, and special events throughout the year.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about local flavors, Arkansas wine country has something for everyone.
1) Post Winery Tour
On your Arkansas wine tour, Post Winery is a must-visit stop. Located in Altus, it’s the largest wine producer in Arkansas. You’ll be amazed by their extensive selection of over 30 wines.
At Post Winery, you can taste their famous Muscadine wines. These unique wines are made from grapes native to the southern United States. You’ll also get to try their 100% Muscadine grape juices.
The winery offers a retail store with a wine tasting bar. Here, you can sample different wines and find your favorites. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle or two to take home.
For a complete experience, visit The Trellis Room at Post Winery. You can enjoy a farm-to-table lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
As you tour the winery, you’ll learn about the Post family’s rich history in winemaking. They’ve been producing wine for generations, making them Arkansas’s oldest wine-producing family.
2) Sassafras Springs Vineyard Experience
Nestled in a picturesque valley, Sassafras Springs Vineyard offers you a delightful wine tasting adventure. You can savor four 2-ounce pours of their award-winning wines for just $12.
Your visit includes a keepsake Sassafras logo wineglass to take home as a memento. The winery’s decks provide a lovely setting to enjoy your wine while taking in the scenic views.
For a complete experience, pair your wine with one of their specialty pizzas, salads, or artisan charcuterie boards. You can even customize your board to suit your taste.
Sassafras Springs Vineyard is open Tuesday through Sunday. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy live music and dinner.
The vineyard spans 50 acres and features a tasting room, chapel, and wine manufacturing building. You might be surprised to discover that Arkansas wine can be delicious.
For a deeper dive into the winemaking process, ask about their winery tour. You’ll get to see the vineyard and learn about their grape selection and wine production methods.
3) Keels Creek Winery Visit
You’ll find a hidden gem at Keels Creek Winery in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This boutique winery offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts.
Keels Creek focuses on creating sophisticated wines using grapes from the Ozark Mountains. You can taste their locally made, award-winning wines during your visit.
The winery is open daily for tastings. You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of wines that aren’t overly sweet. This sets Keels Creek apart from many other Arkansas wineries.
A retired chemist owns the winery, which shows in the complexity of their wines. You’ll appreciate the depth of flavors in each glass.
During your visit, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ozarks. The winery’s setting adds to the overall experience of your wine tasting adventure.
Remember to check the opening hours before your visit. The winery typically operates from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
4) Mount Bethel Tour
Mount Bethel Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience in Altus, Arkansas. You’ll find this family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Arkansas Wine Country.
During your visit, you can sample a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes. The winery’s knowledgeable staff will guide you through the tasting process, explaining each wine’s characteristics.
You’ll also have the chance to tour the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. The scenic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for your wine adventure.
Mount Bethel is known for its award-winning wines. You can purchase bottles to take home as souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
The winery’s tasting room is open daily for visitors. You don’t need to make reservations for small groups, making it easy to drop by during your Arkansas wine tour.
After your tasting, take a stroll through the beautiful city park in downtown Altus. It’s a great way to round out your Mount Bethel experience.
5) Railway Winery Adventure
You can find a hidden gem just outside Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Railway Winery offers a unique wine tasting experience in the Ozark hills.
The winery sits along the route of the historic M&NA railroad. You’ll enjoy sampling wines made from various grape varieties and fruits.
Railway Winery’s deck and patio provide perfect spots to sip your favorite glass. The scenic views add to the charming atmosphere.
You can take a short drive, only 8 miles north of Eureka Springs on Highway 187. The winery is located between the landmark Beaver Bridge and Highway 62.
Wine lovers can explore 14 different grape varieties grown in the vineyards. The owners, Greg and Vicki Schneider, create both grape and fruit wines for you to try.
Tours and special functions are available if you call ahead. This makes Railway Winery a great stop for groups or events.
Remember to check their hours before visiting. The winery is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your wine adventure.
History of Wine Making in Arkansas
Arkansas has a rich history of wine production dating back over a century. The state’s unique climate and soil conditions have made it an ideal location for growing grapes and crafting wines.
Early Beginnings
Wine making in Arkansas began in the late 1800s when European immigrants settled in the state. The Arkansas wine country has been producing wine for 120 years, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the southern United States.
German-Swiss and Italian immigrants brought their wine-making skills to Arkansas. They found the climate and soil in the Arkansas River Valley perfect for growing grapes.
In 1880, Jacob Post and Johann Wiederkehr established the first commercial wineries in Altus. These pioneers laid the foundation for Arkansas’s thriving wine industry.
Prohibition Era and Its Impact
The Prohibition era (1920-1933) significantly impacted Arkansas’s wine industry. Many wineries were forced to close or switch to producing grape juice and other non-alcoholic products.
Despite the challenges, some wineries managed to survive by:
- Producing sacramental wine for religious purposes
- Making medicinal wine under special permits
- Continuing operations underground
After Prohibition ended, the industry slowly began to recover. However, it took decades for Arkansas wineries to regain their former prominence.
Modern-Day Viticulture
Today, Arkansas’s wine industry is thriving. The state is home to several award-winning wineries and vineyards. Post Familie Vineyards and Winery, Arkansas’s oldest wine-producing family, continues to operate after five generations.
You can find a variety of wines produced in Arkansas, including:
- Muscadine
- Cynthiana
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Arkansas wineries have embraced modern viticulture techniques while preserving traditional methods. Many offer wine tastings and tours, allowing you to experience the rich history and flavors of Arkansas wines firsthand.
Benefits of Wine Tours
Wine tours offer a unique blend of fun and learning. They let you explore local culture and gain new knowledge about winemaking.
Cultural Enrichment
Wine tours give you a taste of local traditions. You’ll visit charming vineyards and meet passionate winemakers. These trips often showcase the area’s history and customs.
Many tours include stops at historic wineries in Arkansas. You might see old buildings or learn about family-run businesses. Some wineries have been around for generations.
You’ll also get to try regional foods that pair well with local wines. This helps you understand the area’s culinary culture. Wine tours can be a great way to connect with local people and their way of life.
Educational Opportunities
Wine tours teach a lot about how wine is made. You’ll learn about different grape types and growing methods. Many tours show you the whole process from vine to bottle.
Experts often guide these tours. They can answer your questions and share interesting facts. You might learn about:
- Wine tasting techniques
- How weather affects wine flavors
- The importance of soil in winemaking
Some tours in Arkansas even let you visit multiple wineries in one day. This gives you a chance to compare different styles and methods. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of wine by the end of your tour.
