Altus, Wine Capital of Arkansas
In the Arkansas River Valley rich soil gives life to vineyards. In and around the town of Altus, four wineries offer free tours, wine tastings and special events. Visitors to the area can also learn more about the region's coal mining history at the Altus Heritage House Museum and by visiting the Coal Miner's Memorial in the city park. Located a few miles off of Interstate 40, Altus is 47 miles from Fort Smith.
TOURISM LINKS:
Wiederkehr Village
Post Familie Winery
ATTRACTIONS:
ALTUS HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM - Original German-American Bank, circa 1800s, features early coal mining equipment, plus local history.
ALTUS VETERANS MEMORIAL - 260-foot wide, eight-sided memorial of black granite located in Altus City Park includes space for the names of more than 3,000 veterans of U.S. military service from Franklin County and outlying areas.
COAL MINER'S STATUE & MEMORIAL - Dedicated in October 1998, this site honors those coal miners of District 21 in Franklin, Johnson, and Logan Counties.
MOUNT BETHEL VINEYARDS & WINERY - Hwy. 64 E.; (479) 468-2444. Historic wine cellar next to 1888 homestead. Free tastings. Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Large selection of fruit wines.
POST FAMILIE VINEYARDS & WINERY - 1700 St. Mary's Mountain Rd.; (479) 468-2741. Founded in 1880, free tastings from a large selection of wines produced here, including Chardonnay and the Southern natural - muscadine. Open year-round, Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - Beautiful 1902 Roman Basilical style church known for its paintings and ornate goldleaf work. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Half-million-dollar renovation completed in 1999.
FESTIVALS:
EARLY MAY: Springtime Gala features a 5K race, arts and crafts, live entertainment, Prince and Princess contest, art sale and more.
LATE JULY: Altus Grape Festival has grape stomp competitions, free wine and juice tastings, free winery tours, amateur winemaking competition, juried craft show, food vendors and more.