Wineries = Enjoying Life's Wine Journal Entries
Mount Bethel Winery (written Aug 09, 2009)
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We were in Arkansas visiting my wife's family when I noticed several wines in a Hot Springs Walmart that were from the town of Altus, AR. On our way home, we decided to drop off of I-40 and see the town. Our GPS had the address for just one of the wineries. On our way there, we saw the sign for Mount Bethel at the end of their lane.
Driving up the lane the winery looks like an ordinary farm house. My expectations at this point were not very high. I found myself expecting hobbyists who had just recently decided to become winemakers. In behind the farmhouse, is the winery and tasting room located in the original cellars.
Inside the cellar/tasting room we had the pleasure of meeting the winemakers wife who explained that her husband is a fifth generation winemaker in his family. They have been making wine at this site post-prohibition back to 1956. The family's winemaking in this country, however, dates back to the 1880s.
We were on borrowed time so we tasted their Cynthiana and Vignoles. Both were excellent. We also tasted there Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon both of which were locally grown. Again both were excellent. Also tasted a Cynthiana port under the fun brand name of Big Daddy. Sorry to sound redundant, but it again was excellent. Didn't have time to taste it but they also had locally grown Chardonnay.
This is what a winery hobby is all about. We stumbled onto what may very well be the best wines I have tasted in the midwest. All from a very gracious and informative host in what is probably one of the smallest wineries we have visited. We discovered a real gem.
If they decide to grow their business further, then an area to sit and relax and enjoy the wines and ambiance of their home is the next step beyond what they are doing now and doing very well.
Bias Vineyards and Winery (written Jul 02, 2009)
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On a 7 winery tour over two days, this was the least impressive winery for us. First, we found the wines to be not impressive. The dry reds all contains an earthy smell and taste we didn't like. In fact the reds were brown rather than red. Lots of raisin and fig flavors which we don't care for. Second, our tasting host couldn't have shown less interest in us. He was not able to answer any of our questions and just seemed to want to be somewhere else. We did find one sweet red that had almost a carbonated feel to it. Very clear and refreshing taste. It is called Sunset Red. Several others in our group commented positively on this wine too. Because of this one wine, I will upgrade my rank on their wines to two stars. Otherwise it would be a single star. The single star on the winery is due to the tasting host. The ambiance is due to a nice wooded setting. Of the seven wineries we toured in the Hermann area, this is the only one I wouldn't go back to. Maybe we should try their microbrewery next time if there is one.
Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery (written Jul 02, 2009)
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Cathy who is owner with her dad did the tasting for us. She is very educational. Most of the wines in the Hermann area are based on german winemaking techniques. Cathy says she and her father are making their wines in an Italian tradition. I don't know what all that means, but I believe her. There wines are different from others in the area. Their Norton Port is excellent and they serve it in these chocolate cups which only adds to the experience. Their Norton I remember as good, but we haven't opened the bottles here yet, so I can't remember it in detail anymore. Their vignole is on the drier side (and I am not usually a dry white drinker) and it is good as well. Of the Vignole, the alcohol content must be higher than what is stated on the label. It hits me with force. BAM!!! Cathy said they do not add any sugar to their wines, so I think it is probably more important to let their wines age than perhaps other wines from the Hermann area. This is a new winery in the area and I look for it to only get better. We'll stop again.
Robller Vineyard Winery (written Jul 02, 2009)
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Nice Family owners. The son-in-law doing the tastings and narrations was very entertaining. However, I just didn't really care for the wines. I think the winemaker is going for a certain style that apparently isn't what I am looking for. All of the wines seemed to have an undertone of a pungent earthy flavor and smell. For me, at least, this trait distracted from the wines We purchased a sweet red called Kasselfest that my wife liked. But this wine, too, had a hint of the earthy, (moldy?) undertone.
OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery (written Jul 02, 2009)
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James Arthur Vineyards (written Jul 02, 2009)
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James Arthur Vineyards (written Jul 02, 2009)
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We love the setting with the gardens and landscaping. Makes for a very relaxing day. Their sweet wines are what they do best. However it is nice to see they are expanding more into the dry reds. The Pokey Red is a good start. Their Norton has a ways to go yet. Sweet wines worth noting are Edelweiss, Snappy White, Heartland White and Amo Te.
OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery (written Jul 02, 2009)
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The drive through the glenn to the top is the river bluff is enchanting, the view overlooking the river is spectacular and the history exhibits are nice too. With just a few notable exceptions, however, the wine is ho hum. We purchased three dessert wines for celebrating the Christmas holidays later this year. Sweet Caroline, River View Red and the Port White are unique. The wine shop and seating area were too commercial for our tastes.
