It's a part of Arkansas that reminds us of a French countryside and for more than a century, Altus' success has been based on one fruit.
"I've always been involved in wine; it's in my blood. My dad started this winery in 1956, so this is actually our 50-year anniversary," Michael Post says.
Michael Post started working in the vineyards of Mount Bethel Winery as a young boy. Several decades later, he's passing down the family tradition to the next generation.
"Almost all of my family is still involved in our operation, even if it's only on weekends. My brothers come up and sisters and now it's even into the next generation; the grandkids are always around helping our family operation," Post says.
While Post is back in the fields now, you might be surprised to know this wasn't always his idea of a dream job. He graduated from LSU dental school and was in practice for several years.
“I guess there's something about the romance of wine making that makes us want to come back," Post says.
It's not an easy career. It takes months, sometimes years, and just the right chemistry to make a wine dance on your taste buds.
Post says Mount Bethel is one of the few wineries in the U.S. that uses more than just grapes. They use a variety of fruits from strawberries to blueberries.
“So basically, because it's a niche market and also gives a lot of the local farmers something to do with the excess fruit that they might now otherwise have a market for," Post says.
In September, the grapes will be harvested and post will be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Then it's time for fun, hiking and hunting.
"I'm ready to get out into the woods and get away from all this," Post says.
However, he'll be back, sharing his passion with others.
“The more educated they become about wine the more they want to explore it more in depth and that adds to the mystery and the romance and the mystique of the experience," Post says.