The oldest and largest grape juice and wine producing state in the South, Arkansas today has a tourist wine route that traces its roots back to the 1870's - when German-Swiss immigrants established the state's first commercial vineyard in the foothills of the Ozarks.
Today, generations of these families, along with modern Arkansas wine pioneers, continue to grow the industry into a mecca for local wine lovers as well as curious tourists, drawn to the novelty of a modern booming Southern American wine industry.
The Arkansas River Valley area northwest of Little Rock is where you'll find most of the more traditional wineries, but vineyards have spread beyond the traditional regional wine borders to encompass Gamaliel, Eureka Springs, and Tontitown.
And -- surprise -- it isn't just the local Arkansas muscadine grapes that are found going into Arkansas wine production. The state's vineyards also boast traditional European wine grapes such as the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
Take the virtual tour here ... with more on events, tastings, and information on what's happening at wineries across Arkansas right now, along with a bit of history about Arkansas winemaking through the centuries..
(Above right, the Post Familie Vineyard & Winery in Altus, Arkansas.)
More information about Arkansas wineries around the Web:
Arkansas wine country
- Here's a guide from Arkansas.com with information on the state's top wineries including touring and tasting, hours of operation, location and contact details. Scroll down the page for more on brew pubs and microbreweries.
Arkansas Wine and Wineries
- Trip Savvy guide to Arizona wine history along with information on available winery tours, contact information and directions.
Wine Industry - Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Excellent overview of the history of Arkansas winemaking dating back to the early 19th century through Prohibition and the rise of the modern Arkansas winery, with related references and resources.
