In the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the towns of Altus, Ozark and Paris have become home to a lively group of local wineries, thanks to an ideal climate created by the mountains and river, as well as sandy, well-draining soil. Jacob Post and Johann Wiederkehr originally planted grapes here in 1880, and the two families remain vital forces in the winemaking industry today. Devote a weekend to tasting the best in Arkansas wine and stocking up your own cellar, as well as exploring the wonderful antiques shops that line the country roads and downtown squares.
Wineries
Chateau aux Arc
8045 Champagne Dr., Hwy. 186, Altus, 479-468-4400, www.chateauauxarc.com
With no formal training in viticulture, Audrey House purchased 20 acres of land in 1998 and set her green thumb to work cultivating Arkansas’ first Chardonnay vineyard, originally planted in 1982, and exploring new grape varieties. She bottled her first wine in 2001, becoming the youngest vintner in the country. Today, the vineyard encompasses 50 acres with a wide array of grapes and a spectacular 5,400-square-foot tasting room.
Cowie Wine Cellars
101 N. Carbon City Rd., Paris, 479-963-3990, www.cowiewinecellars.com
Robert G. Cowie first began making wines in 1955 and opened Cowie Wine Cellars in 1967. Today, the cellars are open for tours and complimentary wine tastings are available. Shop for all the supplies any amateur vintner could need, or visit the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum onsite.
Mount Bethel Winery
5014 Mount Bethel, Altus, 479-468-2444, www.mountbethel.com
Owned and operated by descendants of the Post family, Eugene and Peggy Post, Mount Bethel Winery has been passed down for generations. Currently, they produce a variety of wines from Merlot and Cabernet to Muscadine and Blackberry and even port. Stop by for a tour and tasting.
Post Familie Vineyard and Winery
1700 St. Mary’s Mountain Rd., Altus, 800-275-8423, www.postfamilie.com
Founder Jacob Post sold his first bottles from his own cellar, and his grandson founded Post Winery at its present location after helping the state legislature legalize winegrowing after the repeal of Prohibition. Today, the fifth generation of the Post family continues creating wines, juices and jellies, with wine tastings, tours and a gift shop open to visitors.
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
3324 Swiss Family Dr., Wiederkehr Village, 800-622-WINE, www.wiederkehrwines.com
When Johann Wiederkehr emigrated from Switzerland, he chose to settle in Altus because of its similarity to Europe’s winegrowing regions. The cellar he carved from the hillside still exists as the Weinkeller Restaurant, while his family uses the best new technology to continue to grow fantastic grapes and make great wines. Stop in for tours and tastings, and visit the Vintage 1880 Wine Shoppe to browse the selection of wines, as well as gourmet foods and wine accessories.
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Dining
CJ’s on the Square
1602 Franklin St., Altus, 479-468-0005
Open for dinner, this restaurant is known for great cuts of meat and made-from-scratch specialties, all served in a lovely location on the square.
Grapevine Restaurant
105 E. Walnut, Paris, 479-963-2413, www.thegrapevinerestaurant.com
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the family-owned Grapevine Restaurant serves great comfort food—everything from waffles and omelets to pasta, sandwiches and steaks, as well as homemade bread.
Kelts Pub
119 W. Main St., Altus, 479-468-2413
After a long day of wine tasting, what sounds better than a big, juicy burger or Reuben and a Guinness on tap in this cozy Irish pub?
Rivertowne BBQ
205 S. 3rd St., Ozark, 479-667-1808
You’ll enjoy the great barbecue and friendly service at this spot in Ozark, with large portions and plenty of sides.
Weinkeller Restaurant
3324 Swiss Family Dr., Wiederkehr Village, 800-622-WINE, www.wiederkehrwines.com
Located in the original wine cellar built by Johann Wiederkehr in 1880, the Weinkeller Restaurant serves Swiss and European specialties like delicious cheese fondue, pasta and schnitzel. Reservations are recommended, particularly for large groups and dinner.
Lodging
The Lodge at Mount Magazine
16878 Hwy. 309 S., Paris, 877-665-6343, www.mountmagazinestatepark.com
With all the amenities you could dream of, this rustic-style lodge boasts 60 guest rooms, 13 full-service cabins, an indoor pool, a conference center, the top-notch Skycrest Restaurant and some of the most beautiful scenery around.
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events
4117 Mulberry Mountain Loop, Ozark, 479-667-1919, www.mulberrymountainlodge.com
This 650-acre resort offers a plethora of outdoor entertainment, including canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and ATV trails. Choose to stay in the 5,000-squre-foot lodge with eight bedrooms or in one of the smaller houses or cabins.
St. Mary’s Mountain Country Inn
2121 St. Mary’s Mountain Rd., Altus, 479-468-4141, www.stmarysbnb.net
Within walking distance of many wineries and downtown Altus, this country inn is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Each room has its own balcony and bath, and privacy is ensured with only three guest rooms.
The Villa at Chateau aux Arc
8045 Champagne Dr., Hwy. 186, Altus, 479-468-4400, www.chateauauxarc.com
This three-bedroom country cottage is nestled in the vineyards of Chateau aux Arc—the perfect home base for a weekend of wine tasting. It includes a full kitchen, laundry room and a hot tub, along with a beautiful patio for enjoying the view.
The Winery Bed and Breakfast
101 N. Carbon City Rd., Paris, 479-963-3990, www.cowiewinecellars.com
Two separate suites are available at the Cowie family’s bed and breakfast, allowing you to spend the night in the winery while enjoying luxurious touches like a welcome gift of wine, cheese and crackers and a licensed massage therapist available by appointment.