Markko Vineyard
Markko Vineyard
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
40 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Adam S
Cleveland, OH2 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Yep, it does appear more like a shack in the woods. It's small inside and the tasting counter is more like a window sill. But if you're looking for big, ornate, fake european, tourist crap from your wineries then go to Ferrante and drink they're garbage.
Here's why you need to appreciate Markko:
-They grow ACTUAL wine grapes(Chardonnay, Pinot, Cabernet, etc.). Markko originated vinifera growing in this region. 100% estate grown.
-Markko wines are aged and vintaged. Check the bottles of the other bigger fancier Ohio wineries. Do you see vintages on there? How about batches of "Reserve" or "Select Reserve"?? You know why Markko wines cost more? Because they sit on them for 5-10 years before they are released for sale. Also because they're really good!
Another cool thing is that their sales tracking is really good. I could walk in there today and reminisce about the amazing bottle of Cab I bought 10 years ago and they'd be able to look it up and see that it was an '03 Select Reserve.
This place is great for people who appreciate legitimate wine. If you're an uptight suburban tourist looking for a bus tour winery, look elsewhere.
Here's why you need to appreciate Markko:
-They grow ACTUAL wine grapes(Chardonnay, Pinot, Cabernet, etc.). Markko originated vinifera growing in this region. 100% estate grown.
-Markko wines are aged and vintaged. Check the bottles of the other bigger fancier Ohio wineries. Do you see vintages on there? How about batches of "Reserve" or "Select Reserve"?? You know why Markko wines cost more? Because they sit on them for 5-10 years before they are released for sale. Also because they're really good!
Another cool thing is that their sales tracking is really good. I could walk in there today and reminisce about the amazing bottle of Cab I bought 10 years ago and they'd be able to look it up and see that it was an '03 Select Reserve.
This place is great for people who appreciate legitimate wine. If you're an uptight suburban tourist looking for a bus tour winery, look elsewhere.
Written March 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wfphillips2
Islamorada, FL2 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
I love this place and stop anytime I am in the area. This a working winery that produces some of the best wine anywhere. Arnie is a gracious host and a trove of wine knowledge. I've visited Sonoma, Napa, Rhine, Alsace, the winery does NOT resemble Domain Chandon. I've enjoyed reading the negative reviews; yes, there are dogs; loveable Briards and FYI all wineries have mice. If you live in the tri-state area here is a local business you can support AND enjoy terrific wine...or you can buy a bottle of Yellow Tail from the grocery store and save yourself the effort required. Much like visiting Epcot - it's so much better than actually going to Europe :)
Written November 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim M
Pittsburgh, PA1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Couples
Don't let the negative reviews sway you. The location is a little difficult to find, the roads are dirt, the building does look like a cabin in the woods, the dogs do greet and welcome you to the property, it is a bit dusty inside, there's not much room for tasting, a mouse just might run past, however....
Arnie has been here since the 60's. He's taught most of the wineries in the region how to grow grapes and make wine. The wines are pricey but incredible, in my opinion. He will tell you, in his dirty jeans, how his wines are made. He will thank you for all your past visits and welcomes you back each and every time.
The only downside is that dear Linda is no longer with us to greet you in her own quirky way.
If you let the dogs, dust, rustic atmosphere stop you from visiting then just go elsewhere and leave the place less crowded for my next visit.
Arnie has been here since the 60's. He's taught most of the wineries in the region how to grow grapes and make wine. The wines are pricey but incredible, in my opinion. He will tell you, in his dirty jeans, how his wines are made. He will thank you for all your past visits and welcomes you back each and every time.
The only downside is that dear Linda is no longer with us to greet you in her own quirky way.
If you let the dogs, dust, rustic atmosphere stop you from visiting then just go elsewhere and leave the place less crowded for my next visit.
Written February 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay S
9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Saw great reviews and brought my friends to enjoy some wine. Was disappointed with the experience. Wines were very acidic and flat. Having worked in the industry was hoping for a little more information about the wines and winery especially the wines themselves. Tasting sheet didn’t provide much information either. Tasting room was hot and musty. With so many wineries in the area, I wish we would have chosen a different stop. I really don’t like to post negative reviews but my experience was nothing like the others who wrote about this winery.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Citycarrier11
Sarver, PA158 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
My wife & I have been to about 100 wineries throughout Ohio, PA & N.Y. to name a few. This was the most expensive winery I’ve ever been too. After sampling a few in their tasting room (no AC, had to be over 80 degrees in there), I decided to buy a couple bottles of their Riesling. Total, $68!!!! Yep, $33 per bottle & it was their cheapest wine. So, buyer beware. Prior to this, I never paid more than $20 for a bottle of Riesling or Catawba at any winery. Two bottles of red will run ya $100. Mind you, this isn’t a glamorous place by any means. Off a dirt road, hidden in the woods with little signage. We thought it was someones rundown cabin. Even with using two separate types of navigation, we had a difficult time locating this place. Trust me, skip it & go somewhere else. I believe this my first negative review on TripAdvisor. I’m not hard to please.
Written July 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo_and_Tom
Anna, OH2,054 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This was our second trip to Markko Vineyards. Arnie Markko and his partner Linda run this Vineyard and Winery. Markko has been making Fine Wines (not fruity) but ones using European stock since 1968. The Ohio Wineries all speak fondly of Arnie since he not only was the Godfather but goes out of his way to help new Wineries and Vineyards. The first time I visited Markko, I had the same feeling - OMG what am I getting into - if you want a pretty place go to Debonne or some of the other wineries. If you want Koolaide they are plenty of wineries which will supply you. If you want to learn about wines, taste and buy some award winning wines try Arnie's. Most of the vintage is $25+. We tasted a 2009 Riesling which was just bottled this year - so Markko is more into quality than quantity. The grapes he grows goes into his wines and they are damn good. This one place I would not miss if I am going to any of the wineries in Michigan or Ohio. We tried a 2010 Chardonnay which tasted like he put a dab of butter with it. His Vintage Riesling, if you can get it , is great. We bought a bottle of the Riesling which he just bottled otherwise he has been sold out since last year. His late harvest chardonnay is soo good.
Some of the other comments are true, Linda is not real talkative, but Arnie makes up for it, The place isn't pretty, but I have been to places that were pretty and the wine had not Character or Body just a name and made for masses. I shouldn't give Markko so high a review because I want to be able to buy his wine - either on Internet or preferably in Person and you may get there first.
Some of the other comments are true, Linda is not real talkative, but Arnie makes up for it, The place isn't pretty, but I have been to places that were pretty and the wine had not Character or Body just a name and made for masses. I shouldn't give Markko so high a review because I want to be able to buy his wine - either on Internet or preferably in Person and you may get there first.
Written August 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan R
Stow, OH5 contributions
Aug 2013
This place may look a bit sketchy. You may think you hear banjos playing (think Deliverance). You may wonder if it's an actual winery or just someone's home. But, whatever you think, don't turn away. Take a chance, walk inside, and sample all the delicious wines you want. This is not your typical winery, but the tasty wine and interesting (albeit strange) atmosphere will surely keep your attention. The woman working had such a quirky sense of humor that will make you chuckle as she pours you another tasting. The Chardonnay is INCREDIBLE as is the Cabernet Sauvignon. We bought a case and got 10% off as well as a poster! Markko is not your typical winery...but haven't you had enough of the same old same old? If you have an adventurous spirit, take a chance! You won't regret it...
Written August 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo_and_Tom
Anna, OH2,054 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Markko Winery originated in 1968 and it has made fine Dry Wines ever since. This winery has been listed in Wine Spector with a 90 rating. It makes only 4 varieties of wine - Chardonnay, Riesling (dry), Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is not unusual to have the wines rest 3 years before they are bottled. Arnie, the owner & vintner, is known for helping and advising fellow vintners and getting them started with the fine wines. His latest experiment will be aging wines in lightly charred American Oak barrels vs. the Bourbon/Whiskey barrels that other have used. I have been to Markko's 4 times since 2012. You have to want to go to Markko's since it isn't on the regular route of the other wineries in Madison area. It is about 25 miles east of their. The first time there, a guide brought me there and I said OMG what is this place. The tasting and production facilities aren't new and pretty. He has cheese which he makes and bread for eating. He also has his own breed of dogs called Markko's. His wine for the Vintage runs $25+ to his own Sparkling which is $48. We became addicted to his dry riesling which seems to sell out as soon as he makes it. He may or may not have a NV wine, this time we bought a Riesling to try since we bought one each of the Cab, Chardonnay and Pinot. This isn't a place to put a notch on your belt to say you were there. If you like FINE Wines, go and enjoy. If you are lucky enough you can talk with him and enjoy his knowledge as well as places he will suggest in Madison area which are either up and coming or are good bets.
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3Deb52
Bloomingdale, IL7 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
I heartily agree with Steve S. We just left Markko. No tourist trap here...quirky place in the woods, but the wines...they are truly exquisite. Quite a history here too. Don't be scared off by the look of the place...true wine connoisseurs will love these wines.
Written June 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcpacker
Medina, OH396 contributions
While out in the Conneaut area, chasing down wineries, which we have not visited in our past trips, Markko popped up on our gps, so we set out to visit there. Located off of RT 84 in Ashtabula county, near Conneaut, getting there was an adventure in itself. Located on a dirt road, the winery is located on a beautiful piece of property. Arnie was outside when we arrived, and Nancy was indoors minding the winery. They had nine wines to offer us, and every one was absolutely delicious. All are aged -- 2009-2011. It's hard to find these dates elsewhere. We enjoyed our experience here, and vow to return next year. Keep Markko on your 'must see' list the next time you are in the Conneaut area. www.markko.com is the web site.
Written October 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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