Are you looking for a weekend get-away, that offers some beautiful scenery and fall foliage? How about a trip to scenic Altus, Arkansas, and a tour of the Arkansas Wine Country? Altus, located just off I-40, between Ft. Smith and Clarksville, in Northwestern Arkansas, provides a unique opportunity to view fall foliage in the mountains and tour the little known wineries located along the Upper Arkansas River.
The scenic Arkansas River provides the idealistic temperatures for grapes in Altus, Arkansas.
Because of just the right temperatures and the location along the Arkansas River, Altus became the settling place for a group of German and Swiss winemakers, over a century ago. They brought their grape cuttings to the soils of Northwestern Arkansas and established "roots" in the scenic mountains of the area.
Although Altus is now known for its superior grapes and wines, the small
town was first known as a Coal Mining town, and a statue on the town square
honors those men who died in the local coal mines.
Upon arrival in what would later become known as Altus, the winemakers and grape growers brought their faith with them. Perched high atop St. Mary's Mountain is the 104 year old St. Mary's Catholic Church. The beautiful church bears testimony to the settler's faith and was completely restored in 2001, as a centennial project. Beautiful stained glass windows and ornate wood carvings are displayed throughout the historic church, that is a part of the Arkansas Historical Record sites of historic places. The scenic church is a "must-see" destination on your tour of the area.
The gorgeous 104 year old St. Mary's Catholic Church is the cornerstone of the Arkansas Wine
Country and stoically sits atop St. Mary's Mountain, as a testimony of the deep faith the early
settlers brought to the Altus, Arkansas area.
Inside and out, the St. Mary's Catholic Church features beautiful stained glass windows,
ornate carvings, and expert craftsmanship.
It was in the late 1800's that two European families settled near St. Mary's Mountain and began growing grapes in the fertile sandy soil, "birthing" the Arkansas Wine Industry. The two pioneers were Jacob Post, born in Germany, and arriving in 1872,and Johann Wiederkehr, who came in 1880 from Switzerland. The local area reminded them so much of the wine growing regions of Europe, that they both established vineyards and began their respective wineries. Today, fourth and fifth generations of their families are still growing grapes and making wine. Two other wineries, The Cowie Winery and Chateau Aux Arc, have since opened their own wineries in the area and grow their vintage grapes, as well.
All the vineyards in the Altus, Arkansas region have continued to improve on the orginal
grape varieties and found those grapes that are best suited for the soil and climate of
Northwestern Arkansas.
The Mt. Bethel Winery is located on the site of the original Jacob Post establishment and is now operated
by Jacob's great-grandson, and his children. They specialize in producing a series of wines made from local
fruit varieties such as peaches, blackberries, elderberries, wild plums, strawberries, and, of course, the grapes
from their own vineyard.
And, at Wiederkehr Winery, the Swiss influence still exists, that Johann brought to this
country over a century ago. Now, fourth and fifth generations of his family continue to
produce quality wines and even offer at Wiengarten Restaurant and tasting room.
Down the mountain, Post Family Winery continues to be the oldest winemaking establishment in Arkansas,
and continues the family tradition that Jacob Post brought with him from Germany. Fourth and fifth generations of his family still grow vintage grapes and distill wines to perfection.
Across the Arkansas River, between the two small towns of Caulksville and Paris, Bob Cowie, right,
operates his own Cowie Winery and serves as the curator for the historic Arkansas Wine Museum.
His door is always open and always has some samples of his quality wine to taste. He began his operation
in the 1950's and continues to improve and import grape varieties to grow.
And, the newest winery in the Altus area is Chateau aux Arc, founded in 1998 by Audrey House,
and located on St. Mary's Mountain. The winery has established itself as one of the premier wineries
in Arkansas and produces vintage grapes for their award winning wines.
Whether it is vintage wines that you enjoy tasting, discovering history, or simply just enjoy seeing beautiful autumn scenery, the Arkansas Wine Country and the small town of Altus, Arkansas, makes for a wonderful weekend get-away. And, don't forget to allow enough time to visit the beautiful, historic St. Mary's Church!
__________