Microbrews, Local Wines, Chocolatiers of NW Arkansas
Arkansas produces more grape juice and wine than any other Southern state. The vineyard region around Altus (only an hour and a quarter south of Fayetteville) has been producing wines since the 1800's when German-Swiss immigrants settled the region. A good deal of traditional European wine grape stock is used, but Arkansas boasts wines from its native grapes, the Cynthiana and Muscadine, as well.
Beer lovers will enjoy a visit to the breweries in Fayetteville, Arkansas, or Springdale. And chocolate lovers can get their fill in and around Eureka Springs.
Wineries
Mount Bethel Winery 5014 Mt. Bethel Dr, Altus
Chateau aux Arc Winery 8045 Highway 186, Altus
Wiederkehr Wine Cellar 3324 Swiss Family Dr, Altus
Post Familie Vineyards and Winery 1700 St. Mary's Mountain Rd.,Altus
Cowie Wine Cellars 10 miles south of Altus at 101 N. Carbon City Rd, Paris.
Tontitown Winery Tontitown is also a grape growing region, and local grapes are used to produce 17 red and white wines at this winery. The History Room offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the early Italians who grew the grapes and made the wine. Free wine tastings all week. 335 N. Barrington Rd, Springdale.
Keel's Creek Winery They sell their own label, made from their own grapes, as well as other Arkansas wines. Tasting room and an art gallery. 3185 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs.
Railway Winery and Vineyards North of Eureka Springs, near the historic Beaver Bridge. Hand-crafted artisan wines, which you can sip in the tasting room. 4937 Highway 187.
Microbrews
HogHaus Brewing Company Great beer, creative cocktails, food. 430 W Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-521-2739.
Fossil Cove Brewing Company Produces beer primarily for local establishments, but you can sample the product at their lasting room. 1976 N. Birch Ave, Fayetteville,
Tanglewood Branch Beer Co Craft beer and a menu with dishes made with locally grown produce. Live music some nights, some outdoor seating. 1431 S. School Ave, Springdale. 479-856-6500
Saddlebock Brewery Weekend tours and free samples of their European-style beer. The first production brewery in NW Arkansas, located on part of a horse farm on the shores of The White River. 18244 Habberton Rd., Springdale. 479-422-1797
Core Brewing and Distilling A larger brewery. Open tasting room 3-7 pm daily. 2470 Lowell Rd, A3, Springdale.
Artisanal Chocolate
If chocolate is your passion, don't miss these shops: two in Eureka Springs proper, and one just a short drive away.
Martin Greer’s Candies A family tradition since 1924, working from recipes created 1897, Mouth-watering chocolates, fudge, brittles, even sugar free. Short drive on Hwy 62 from Eureka Springs to Gateway. 479-656-1440
Two Dumb Dames Fudge Factory Fudge and candies made from family recipes. 33 S Main.
Sweets Fudge Kitchen Fudge and other goodies since 1969. 36 Spring St. 479-253-5810
