When the Wiederkehr family emigrated from Switzerland in 1880, they specifically chose St Mary’s Mountain near Altus as the home of their future winery because the area contained microclimates and soil similar to the wine growing regions of Europe. That’s right—Altus is the heart of Arkansas’s wine country because it was specifically settled by people looking to grow grapes and make wine. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is the oldest winery in Arkansas. They’ve been going strong for 137 years, growing a multitude of grapes, making unforgettable wines, and building a Swiss village right in the heart of the Natural State’s wine country.

You can find Wiederkehr Wine Cellars at 3324 Swiss Family Drive in Wiederkehr Village.

There’s no mystery as to why the Wiederkehr family settled near Altus; aside from the microclimates, the area is just gorgeous.
Flickr/lucianvenutian
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is the oldest and largest winery in Mid-America. In fact, the Wiederkehr family pioneered the American wine industry. They’re U.S. Bonded Winery Number 8.
Yelp/Ashley A
Their philosophy is that great grapes make great wine, and they still keep the tradition of growing gorgeous grapes.
Flickr/lucianvenutian
The wine cellar that was hand dug by the Wiederkehr family right after they moved to the area has been converted into a uniquely gorgeous restaurant called Weinkeller Restaurant.
Yelp/Jaya D.
Weinkeller’s specialties are exquisite European food, perfect wine pairings, and just about the coolest atmosphere you can find anywhere.
Yelp/ Wiederkehr’s Weinkeller Restaurant
Today you’ll find that you can tour the wine cellars...
Facebook/Wiederkehr Wine Cellars

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...have a tasting in their tasting room...
Yelp/Kai H.
Flickr/Anna
...buy wine in their retail shop...
Yelp/Kai H.
...and enjoy their incredible grounds, which retain a serious old world feel.
Facebook/Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
In the fall, you can attend Wiederkehr Wine Cellar’s Weinfest, which is one of the oldest and best festivals in western Arkansas. It’s all about celebrating the grape.
Facebook/Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
The Wiederkehrs established a tradition that has already lasted more than 130 years, and the winery and vineyards you’ll find there today are certain to impress you.
Yelp/Kai H.
Here’s to another hundred years of Arkansas wine, and another hundred years of the traditions, charm, and great wines of Wiederkehr Wine Cellars.
Flickr/Anna

For a wine country road trip you can’t miss, click here. To learn more about Weinkeller Restaurant, read this.

 

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