Wiederkehr Wine Cellars

Not enough staff to give the tour when we were there. The place didn’t seem to be very well kept. The ‘free’ wine tasting just includes the 3 worst selection, anything else you gotta pay ($ 5 for 5 tastings) Felt a little Overpriced (compared to the Post Winery just down the road, that includes 5 selections for tasting free of cost)

This is a sad review for this old winery. I’ve been coming here now and then to Altus, Arkansas since 1985 for wine tasting at the local wineries. Wiederkehr’s has always been a great place, that is until my last visit. I’ve traveled around a bit and haven’t been in about 10 years or so. I’m sad to say the place looked ill-​kept since my last visit. The grounds were barely kept up and the buildings looked sad.
The restaurant was as I remembered, intimate and cozy. The wait-​staff was nice and courteous. I was then delivered my meal. The meal was, well, not as I remembered. The quality was under the hill shall we say. (the restaurant is in the side of a hill for those who have yet to experience the ambiance of the place). The wine was good as always and we had a good time visiting nonetheless.
We went to take a tour of the winery after the meal. The employee took us around the outside of the gift shop to the back of the building to begin the tour. It had been a long time since I actually did the tour. I thought a little refreshment was called for this time. The walk around to the back of the building to begin the tour took longer than the tour, regardless of the website stating differently as the to time it takes to complete the tour. We were basically told that they use to stuff small children into the big barrels to clean them and then showed us an old wine rack in the same old cellar. At the end she just said «that’s it» and opened the door to the gift shop on the inside wall and we walked directly back into the gift shop. There wasn’t even any comments as we walked around the outside to the history of the place or anything. Um, this would have been much faster than walking around to the back of the building to go inside in the first place. The complete tour took under 5 minutes once we entered the back door. Needless to say we were all quite disappointed and I heard others comment on the same basis here. There was no comment about doing any wine tasting by the staff as well. Not one word of it was spoken. I suppose they quit doing that altogether.
All in all it was my last visit to this once wonderful establishment, unless I hear differently.
We went down the hill to other wineries and got the grand tours with friendly staff. We even viewed St. Mary’s Catholic Church and took a ride into town. We had a lovely afternoon in Altus.
Please let me know if this place gets back on it’s feet. It’s a place with history and I hate seeing places like this go downhill. If someone from there feels like it they can message me via Unilocal.I’ll be glad to comment.

This plae is a joke just ate there and I had the rosted pork loin but got two thin smoked porke chops
My dad had the smoked sausage and brats and they tasted bland and like they were bought from the store also the «fried potatoes» was boiled the glories app was just american cheese and delli meat had to wait for my beer and coffie never got asked if i needed another beer. I would run like crazzy if you thank about going there buy the wine from a store.

Food was great! Fun experience with fun atmosphere! Service on the other hand was rude. Unfriendly and not patient at all.

The décor was interesting. Wine was not to our taste, more like grape juice. Tried two bottles, was not impressed. Ended up giving both away. Ordered steak and potato, was surprised when the sour cream and butter were in packaging, really poor taste. More like what would would find in a fast food restaurant. The steak was cooked well, the canned green beans were awful. The waitress brought out a dessert we didn’t want or ask for, which we thought was strange. I don’t know if we will be back. It isn’t a place to take out of town guests. Just sort of an odd place. Very dark, very low ceilings and gave you a feeling that it was dirty. Too dark to be sure though. Parking isn’t covered for guests, very dark, poor lighting. I wouldn’t bring an older person here at night.

If you want a little taste of Switzerland with the atmosphere or 1880’s Europe then this is the restaurant for you. Don’t expect 5 star dining but enjoy your candlelight ambiance.

Amazing atmosphere and service! The steak, soup, and German fried potatoes were to die for. Sharla was the most attentive, bubbly waitress I have ever had. Ask for her. She’s been there 40 years, and doesn’t look a day over 43!
The winery tour was just the right length and ended with a free wine tasting. If you’re a sweet wine drinker, try the Blush Niagra, Beau Noir, or Johannesburg Reisling. If you are a dry white fan, try the Pinot Grigio or Sauv Blanc. Any of the reds are DELISH, but I loved the Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.
Do yourself a favor and visit this quaint little gem in the most unexpected place.

My friend and I came across the Wiederkehr Village on a road trip and decided to stop by the cellar for a wine tasting due to it’s proximity to I-​40.
When we first entered the village, we felt we had left Arkansas and entered Germany. It was very cute although it was hard to understand some of the signs and buildings. When we got into the tasting room, it was a gorgeous scene. The pourer was dressed to fit the German theme of the village which made the experience even better.
The tasting was three wines of their choice for free then additional tastings could be bought. We ended up trying a total of 8. The wines were approachable for both reds and whites. The names and bottles were creative which added some uniqueness. For us, it was tough to choose just one to take back to Virginia… we left with three bottles between the two of us.
Our only complaint from our experience was that the tasting room was warm and stuffy which was uncomfortable, but not a deal breaker since our pourer, Deedee, was wonderful. She did her best to make us feel comfortable despite the extra heat. She was also personable and we had a lovely conversation with her.
If we are ever in the area again, we will be sure to stop by.

Well I guess by now you can tell this has been my wine tour year. I visited many vineyards and wineries and drank my good share of wine. The vineyards are always so peaceful.
Widerkehr Wine Cellars is like stepping back in time. This was the second stop of four on the wine tour. After a two hour drive we were ready to eat, and boy oh boy, did we find a gem in this place. The food was awesome, the service just great, and the waitress in their little outfits too cute. They have cow bells hanging in the bar area.
The wine samples are free and the pours are generous. The wine is inexpensive. Not sure if they had a actual tour.

I had the Chardonnay before and thought it was world class.
The restaurant is a comedy of errors.
Cheese tray features kraft american cheese.
Fondue as the featured appetizer!
The charm wore off quickly and began to feel like a lost corner of Epcot Center.
I saw a MrPibb order, and a leopard print dress.
I ordered the filet– cooked medium (for $ 32.99!!) It came out well done, but moist and tasty. The green beans are canned so I skipped them.
My future Beyonce’ (how folk round here say fiancée’) ordered beef stroganoff (for $ 16.49!!) which was actually roast on egg noodles. Also noted 1 mushroom in the entire plate.
I sound like I live in Highland Park, but I can get better steak at TexasRoadhouse for $ 10 cheaper.
Meal for two plus wine bottle= $ 90.54
You can buy a «cookbook» to learn their recipes ($ 9.95)!
Plus one (theoretical) star for the Dukes of Hazard road in and out of this fine establishment.
Skip the food and stick with the wine.

We loved going to this winery! The tasting bar was absolutely gorgeous and the host was super nice and friendly, showing us how to mix some of the wines to enhance the taste! We then ate dinner at the restaurant! It was delicious and so romantic :0)

Fun atmosphere and an outstanding Reuben. Bread was fresh and hot. Beef stroganoff and kids’ spaghetti wasn’t terrific. Wine is sweeter than I’d like but the little village, restaurant, and free tasting make it a worthwhile stop.

who knew arkansas had good wine?
the wines were pretty good– we bought like 4 bottles– but the service was less than stellar. unlike other wineries/​vineyards we’ve been to the woman helping us didn’t talk about the different wines or give commentary or even make suggestions. i don’t think she really spoke to us other than to tell us the cost of the tasting and to confirm which wines we wanted to taste. it really detracted from an otherwise pleasant experience.

The stroganoff was not fit to eat and the green beans were dumped out of a can. Janet’s dish had been frozen and thawed out a couple of times and
tasted soggy. My daughter had pasta that was just not good. The only thing that this place has is amazing. g atmosphere and 1880 heritage. The waitress made no effort to describe the menu and service was pathetic.

Had Sunday lunch in the underground Wine Keller restaurant (original wine cellar). Most dishes were just under $ 10.
I had the Poulet Roti (roast chicken) and enjoyed my meal. The chicken breast was delicious and moist, loved the potatoes, and the Romano green beans were just as I like them. Family and friends had the beef stroganoff, chicken cutlet, wurst platter, and reuben sandwich with no complaints. Small fresh loaves of soft white bread were served with soft butter. One person tried a cup of onion soup and was disappointed as it had a gravy like consistency and mouth feel. I tasted the onion soup and like wise felt let down compared to other onion soups I’ve eaten.
Our group headed for the tasting room after lunch. I tried their White Merlot which surprisingly was a dark blush color versus white. Had a nice bouquet and taste.
I agree with earlier reviewers — the tasting building is a bit dated. Would love to see younger members of the Weiderkehr family take the signature property of their reknown 19^th century business firmly into the 21^st.

I heard that Arkansas has seven wineries. So here’s 4 of 7.
Wiederkehr provides the most extensive experience of the Altus wineries. While most just have a tasting room and wines for sale, Wiederkehr offers those and more. Want to take a tour of their facilities? You can and its an interesting look at how the winery got its start and continues on today. Hungry? There’s a full German/​Sweiss inspired restaurant. Need a hall to host a private event? Book their banquet hall. You can even explore their vineyards if you’re so inclined. Free tasting of five wines, but you are limited to the five that they pick, which can be very interesting.
Worth checking out for the most extensive Arkansas winery experience.

3 solid stars for this place. It’s always nice to have free wine tasting and a short tour but the wines here were just average and the place itself is pretty run down. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars has so much potential and I am sure with a little bit of touching up this place will have its charm.
If you drive up their small road, you can go up a short make shift tower to have a view of their vineyard. Don’t expect a Napa or Sonoma Valley picturesque view though!

Although our server was knowledgeable about their wine, we found it to be very commercial & a cheap quality wine. It’s too bad they haven’t done a better job keeping this place up, it could be a treasure.

Had dinner here, unfortunately I arrived around sunset so I could not see much, but the physical environment (the winery) is beautiful. This is several miles off the interstate but definitely worth it in my opinion! The wine is great!!! I had no idea Arkansas produced wine, but the product of this Swiss winery is great. I have not been to Switzerland, but liked the food I tried here. Had fondue and a couple different dishes. Serving sizes were enormous (particularly that of the fondue). We unfortunately ended up wasting food. It was quite good food, but very heavy. But my impression of Swiss and German food is that heavy is a common attribute… Had some sort of streudel for dessert, with wonderful local ice cream on top. The restaurant is located on a winery in the Ozarks near the village of Altus, in an area with several wineries, the area is very beautiful. I want to come back and spend a few days exploring the area and the various wineries. This is a fairly fancy kind of place, so the price is probably high for Arkansas, but it is a bargain compared to what a place like this would cost in other areas of the country. A bottle of their tasty wine was quite cheap, since they make it, so that cut down the total price of dinner quite a bit. In regards to the previous review, yes you have to go upstairs to use the restroom (much needed exercise when consuming such heavy food and fondue!!), but it seemed OK to me. Probably I should have run up and down the stairs about 60 times after eating all this stuff… I would really recommend stopping here, if you are hungry (and I mean HUNGRY) you can eat the Swiss food, if not then just try some wine and check out the beautiful locale.

This is a lovely stop on a hot day! The restaurant is located at the winery, a little ways outside of Altus (to the north) or just south of I-​40, easy to get to either way, but it is sort of in the middle of nowhere. The restaurant does not draw attention to itself, even upon arrival. The entrance is an unassuming small door next to a gravel drive. As we approached, I was really worried we had arrived at the wrong place. One step inside told me we were in fact at the right place, but we were litterally transported to another world: Switzerland! Outside, it was brutally hot with a blistering sun. Inside: dark and cool. The waitresses wore authentic-​looking native Swiss costumes and the whole effect was immediately relaxing and charming.
The menu left me a little disappointed, but not the wine list. I expected to see a great variety of Swiss/​German/​Austrian dishes, but did not. I saw no schnitzel or struedel and the brat plate sounded just a little too heavy for lunch on a hot day. I ordered a house signature dish: roasted chicken. My husband ordered chicken parmigiana (okay, so Italy shares a border with Switzerland) and I was extremely jealous. He raved about how wonderful it was throughout the meal. I was granted a token bite, and I vowed then and there that he could order for me at our next stop. It was delicious!
The wines we tried, from the on-​premise vineyard, were wonderful. Our server was very polite and did a good job.
What I did not like was the restroom. it was located upstairs and lacked A/​C or circulating air of any kind. I was glad I only needed to wash my hands because the quicker I could get in and out the better!
Still, overall I’m a fan because this restaurant is an unexpected treat! We were transported from the hot Arkansas Ozarks to the cool Swiss Alps, if only for lunch! (Just remember to order the Italian!)