Arkansas is full of secret treasures, particularly if you're a craft beer enthusiast and wine connoisseur. Whether heading out on vacation or merely flying through, you can discover great Arkansas breweries and wineries near state regional airports throughout the state. This article spotlights some of the greatest places to drink local beverages and unwind in pleasant tasting rooms without venturing far from your flight.
This active airport in Bentonville is near some excellent spots to drink Arkansas craft beer and visit nearby vineyards.
Only minutes from the airport, Black Howler Beer Co. sits in a quiet, wooded area and gives off cozy cabin vibes. Their beer list features fun options like Crowley’s Ridge Orange Cream Ale and Eye of the Needle Irish Red. Whether you’re arriving or about to depart, it’s a nice stop to enjoy a cold local drink. The friendly staff and relaxed setting make it feel like a local hangout spot.
Approximately 7 miles from XNA, Bentonville Brewing Company is renowned for its taproom that's painted in bold colors and for the number of craft brews. Homewrecker IPA and Soul Shine Kolsch are locals' favorites. It's an excellent place for group gatherings or individual visitors looking to just relax. There're usually food trucks parked outside and live music on weekends.
If wine tasting is your preference, Langman Estate Winery has events all year round in Bentonville. This small venture imports top-shelf wines from Argentina but offers a friendly wine tasting atmosphere at home. It's an awesome combination of international wine and local service, ideal for a quick trip.
Flying into Fort Smith puts you close to some of Arkansas’s oldest and most famous wineries.
A short 45-minute drive from the airport, Altus is called Arkansas wine country. The picturesque town features several Arkansas wineries and tasting rooms that offer a glimpse of the state's winemaking heritage.
Visitors to the largest airport in Arkansas are introduced to lively wineries and breweries in and around Little Rock.
Just a 10-minute ride from the airport, Lost Forty Brewing is a craft beer lover's destination. Named after Arkansas' legendary untouched forest, Lost Forty Brewing serves strong flavors such as Love Honey Bock and Rockhound IPA. The spacious open area features a full kitchen, ideal for a full meal or even beer tasting.
While mainly a distillery, Rock Town also offers tasting room experiences with cocktails made from locally distilled whiskey, vodka, and gin. You’ll learn about their small-batch process and get to enjoy Arkansas-made spirits crafted from grains grown in-state. It's a fun twist for those who want something stronger than craft beer or wine.
Situated southwest of the city, Rusty Tractor Vineyards is picturesque and tranquil. It has a modern tasting room that pours white, red, and rosé wines, and weddings and live concerts are also hosted there. It's a serene spot to indulge in a wine and relax after a trip.
This tiny airport will deposit you virtually on the doorstep of one of the most quirky breweries in the nation.
Located inside Hot Springs National Park, Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in the U.S. that uses natural hot spring water in its beers. That’s right—you’re drinking beer made from 144-degree spring water! Their beer list changes often, but the Hitch Hiker IPA and Spicy Ride Jalapeño Ale are worth a try. The historic setting adds to the charm, and the food menu is full of great pub eats.
Small central Arkansas airport places you near good local beverages and open countryside.
BoBrook Farms is only a 25-minute drive from Conway, and their River Bottom Winery has wine tasting in a beautiful barn-like atmosphere. Their wines are from dry to sweet and include several fruit varieties such as blueberry and blackberry. It's a weekend favorite among locals, and the outside area has picnic tables and room for children to play.
In the northwest corner of the state, Rogers provides easy access to both vineyards and breweries that highlight the area's emerging drinking culture.
This local favorite is a craft brewery that brews beers such as American Pale Ale and Cream Stout. The tasting room with industrial flair is pet-friendly and has indoor and outdoor seating. You can most likely find a food truck parked outside, which is a perfect afternoon hangout before or after your flight.
Near downtown Rogers and the airport, Rendezvous Junction offers a changing menu of on-site brews. Their beers come in silly names such as Train Wreck IPA and West Coast Whistle Stop. With a laid-back environment and plenty of board games in-house, it's an excellent place to kill time or catch up with friends.
This lesser-known regional airport takes you close to quaint vineyards in north-central Arkansas.
An hour outside Searcy, Wiederkehr Village features lovely scenery and historic wine cellars. The nearby Wiederkehr Wine Cellars (also found in Fort Smith's section) is a picturesque road trip stop. Their guided wine tastings feature a tour of over 100-year-old stone cellars.
Yes, there really is an airport in Flippin, and yes, there are refreshing local drinks not far away.
Just a few minutes' drive away, Buffalo River Brewing offers in-house-brewed beers in an intimate taproom. They frequently have trivia nights, game nights, and live music performances. Their flights are a hit among newcomers who want to try a taste of everything.
If you're going to visit Arkansas breweries and wineries on your trip, here are a couple of tips to help:
Arkansas is not necessarily the first state on your mind when you think of wine tasting or craft beer, but it ought to be. You may arrive in Bentonville, Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Hot Springs, but whichever place you arrive in, there are great Arkansas breweries and wineries close at hand. The places offer a taste of home brews, friendly southern hosts, and an easy place to while away some time.
So the next time you're in the Natural State, include one of these stops on your plans—trust me, you won't be sorry.
This content was created by AI