John Boozman: “this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Wiederkehr Wine Cellars near Altus, AR. Many of my colleagues might be…”

“this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Wiederkehr Wine Cellars near Altus, AR. Many of my colleagues might be surprised to know that fine wine is being produced in this small western Arkansas town and, in fact, has been for the past 125 years. In 1880, Johann Andreas Wiederkehr emigrated from Switzerland to America, choosing a spot in the beautiful Ozark Mountains to plant the grapes, blackberries and persimmons that would make the blend for his first wines. He chose the spot in the Ozark Mountains to settle because the soil, climb and shape of the countryside closely matched the conditions that had led to some of Europe's greatest wines. One of the finest wineries in the country, the original cellar has been converted into the Weinkeller Restaurant, specializing in authentic dishes from the Wiederkehr family's homeland of Switzerland. The cellar is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Wiederkehr family on this milestone. I encourage my colleagues to take a tour of Arkansas' wine country on their next vacation. ____________________”