Ready to Pick! Muscadine Grapes Are Ripe at This Arkansas Farm

Do you like muscadine grapes? It's time to head to Muscadine Farm in Hot Springs, Arkansas, this Labor Day weekend, because the grapes are ripe and ready to pick.

Muscadine Grapes: Oldest Cultivated Grape in the USA Ready to Pick

According to Fun in Arkansas, Muscadine grapes are the oldest cultivated grape in the USA. They usually start to flourish in early September and thrive through October, just before the fall equinox occurs. Native Indians used muscadine grapes over 400 years ago, and while you may see the muscadine vine growing wild on the sides of roadways or on a hiking trail in the mountains, they've been commercially grown in Arkansas since 1972.

What's the Difference between a Typical Grape and a Muscadine?

Muscadine grapes are not your typical grocery store grape; they are much larger and have a distinctive taste, much more musky and sweet, almost like a plum flavor. They also produce a thicker skin with a larger seed than your typical grape and have high levels of antioxidants, including fiber. Many folks use muscadine grapes to make jams, jellies, juice, and wine. Country artist Hank Williams Jr. even recorded a song about drinking muscadine wine.

READ MORE: Don't Miss The Caddo River Festival in Glenwood, Arkansas

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Post Familie Vineyards in Altus are two popular places that use muscadines in their wines.

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Muscadine Farm in Hot Springs, Arkansas

It's worth a road trip to Muscadine Farm in Hot Springs this weekend to pick your own muscadines from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Buckets and bags are provided for taking your pickings home. The farm also has purple muscadines and sweet bronze scuppernongs for $10 per gallon. It's best to call ahead for picking times and updates or visit their Facebook page.
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