Everyone needs a getaway sometimes, right? Since you can’t exactly jet off to Europe right now, it’s high time to embrace everything Arkansas has to offer. 

May we suggest visiting the vineyards at some of our favorite local wineries? 

Supporting local businesses plus experiencing beautiful views and great grapes sounds like the perfect equation for a great getaway, even if it’s just a day trip. 

Let the adventure begin!

#1: Wiederkehr Wine Cellars

As the oldest and largest winery in Arkansas, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars in Wiederkehr Village near Altus easily earned our top pick for this list. Plus, at less than two hours away, it’s the perfect short trip destination for any Saturday.

Since 1880, the Wiederkehr family has been carrying on a legacy of Swiss winemaking traditions that transport you back in time with every visit. Just take a tour of the wine cellar to see what we’re talking about!

If all you want to do is taste the grapes without the tour, you will still get that “Old World” feeling with a visit to Weinkeller Restaurant.

Order the cheese fondue and a nice Riesling, then head to the gift shoppe to take home some grape goodies!

#2: Post Winery

The Wiederkehrs weren’t the only Swiss settlers to turn St. Mary’s Mountain into the Arkansas wine country we know today. You can’t forget about the Post family, too!

At Post Winery, they grow all kinds of grapes for delicious, sweet wines you can try in their tasting room over lunch.

But their biggest achievement, in our opinion, is the wines made from their homegrown muscadine grapes. Red, white, pink – all three varietals are hard to beat!

#3: Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards & Winery

Continuing our exploration of the Arkansas Wine Trail, our next pick is Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards & Winery in Altus. With a weekend visit this year, you can help this local winery celebrate their 20th anniversary in business!

The winery’s founder, Audrey House, has turned a 20-acre plot of land purchased from the Wiederkehr family into a successful vineyard that supports her bid to make Arkansas a premier viticultural destination. She even fought to have the Cynthiana grape crowned the State Grape of Arkansas! 

When you’re ready to taste the grapes, we recommend stopping by their tasting room to try the Cynthiana Teal Reserve, Dragonfly Red, or Altage.

If you would rather stay home for safety, purchase a subscription to their official wine club membership, The Wineaux Club, to get fresh varietals shipped straight to your luxury apartment! 

#4: Rusty Tractor Vineyards

Looking for a winery that’s closer to home? Is a five-minute drive close enough? There is a picturesque spot just down the road from our community! 

Located off David O. Dodd Road just past Colonel Glenn, Rusty Tractor Vineyards is perfect spot to visit when you need an afternoon getaway.

In addition to Muscadine and Cynthiana grapes, they grow several hybrids like Chambourcin and Traminette that produce unique wine varietals.

To get the full experience, make sure you call ahead and make a reservation in their Tasting Room. With a flight of four wines paired with four different cheeses and a personalized charcuterie board, you cannot go wrong at Rusty Tractor Vineyards.

#5: River Bottom Winery

If you’re a fan of visiting pumpkin patches every fall, you have probably heard about BoBrook Farms in Roland before. But did you know they also have a winery?

River Bottom Winery is a cozy spot on the property where they are creating delicious wines out of almost everything being grown on their farm. 

We’re talking peach wine, raspberry wine, apple wine, blueberry wine, and more in addition to the standard varietals you’re used to seeing at wineries.

Stop in on a Saturday this Spring for a free wine tasting and live music on the patio. River Bottom is only about 30 minutes away from our community!

#6: Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery

Our last winery pick is where you need to go when you’re really ready to get out of town. Make a weekend trip up to Northwest Arkansas and spend a day sipping wine at Sassafras Springs in Springdale!

Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery is best known for producing wines like Sassy Rosé and Sassy Syrah, and soon they hope to release wines made from Enchantment and Opportunity grapes developed at The University of Arkansas.

They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor dining space where you can enjoy their wines paired with a fresh pizza and live music Thursday through Saturday nights. Or you can schedule you own tour or private event on the sprawling estate. 

Trust us, it’s stunning!

If you need any other local recommendations, speak to a member of our concierge staff or contact the front office at (501) 221-3377.  

Photo credit: Rusty Tractor Vineyards. The Pointe Brodie Creek does not claim copyright of this photo.