markko vineyard

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.

There isn't a whole lot more that I can add to the negative reviews that have already been posted. The atmosphere was more akin to a mountain man's cabin than a winery. We actually passed up the main house and had to turn around at a dead end. Greeting by some obnoxious dogs on the way in, couldn't find the front door to the tasting room, slowly smoking wood burner and generally moldy smell around the place didn't help. The tasting bar is about 3 feet wide, so if there are more than 2 people in the room, it is cramped. All of this I could forgive though if the wines were any good, and although palettes differ and I'm sure that some people are in love with them, I did not care for them. I would not recommend it.

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.

We came to Markko Vineyard after visiting several others in the area. We enjoyed sitting out on the back deck while tasting. The wine was good, not my absolute favorite. The place is old and dirty-even saw a mouse run by. But, getting there was half the battle! The dirt road threw us for a loop!

This little backwoods 'house' was not fit for serving anything. The wine tasted old, and not in a good way. It was dark, dingy and smelled like mildew. The wines are really overpriced, even if you are a fan of the dry wines. Just not a good idea to visit this one. There are too many others which are worth the time.

I heard good things about the wine but we stopped at shortly after it opened and had no idea if we were to continue to pull forward, park and go to the first building, or if the place was still in business. We sat turned around and sat for about 5 minutes as I messed with the GPS. We didn't see any signs of life so we left and headed to a different winery. I recommend they put up signs. If there would of been other customers I am sure I could of figured it out. But we will have to come back to this one.

This winery is out of the way a little but well worth the travel. Situated on a dirt road in the woods, the building is so old/beautiful. Arnie is the owner and has a very fun and dry sense of humor. The wines are excellent - the best in Ohio and are well worth the prices. This vineyard is different from the others in such a good way. We will be back someday!

Absolutely the best winery I have visited in ohio and maybe east of the Mississippi. Read the other reviews and believe them. I would recommend calling ahead and if you ask, Arnie may even give you the dime tour of their traditional European wine cellar! Don't be put off by the back road, or that it doesn't look like your modern wineries, after all I am pretty sure that age and wine go pretty well together. Arnie the owner and Linda who takes care of the tastings are experts of the trade and will shoot you straight (my only beef is that he went to that school up north)! The wines were amazing, definitely a cut above many of the other area vineyards. A few other vineyard owners actually came by when we were there, shows you how they are respected in the area. Oh, and all of the grapes they use in their wine are 100% grown on site. Impressive!!

Great varietal wines that pair well with food. well balanced and crafted with a passion. My favorites are the Chardonnays reminisent of some of the fine wines of Chablis in France. Arnie is true to his craft. He respects the land and lets the grapes do their thing!

We spent the weekend bicycling, visiting covered bridges, and wineries. We planned to visit Markko winery during the bridge tour. We had always heard the wines were very good, but it's a bit off our beaten path. When we pulled in, it reminded us of the approach to the Armstrong Woods Redwood Preserve in Sonoma - very woodsy. As soon as we entered the tasting room, the owner walked in, on his way to tend a project in the vineyard. We had heard about how he pioneered the planting of vinifera grapes in this region, and starting making wines that were not sweet. We tasted several wines, bought some Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The experience and the wines were priceless.

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.

With all the old world charm of a graveyard, Markko leaves a bit to be desired from ambiance but makes up for it in delicious wine. This place is not for the faint of heart. You will most likely be served by an indifferent contacerous delightful old woman who couldn't care less if you enjoyed wine or disco danced on the table, but if you do choose the wine she will serve you a large taster without a smile and its doubtful if she charges you a dime for it. She knows her wine and will shoot you straight with what's good and what isn't. You'll get no bull from her, but only a plethera of samples. As you turn off the paved road onto a gravel path don't be put off, and as you approach the dicrepit building know that you're in the right place. If you can overcome your fear you get when you look at the place, you will find the finest dry red and white wines in the region. This stuff is amazing! If you prefer sweeter wines, might I suggest you stay in the car with the doors locked and guard the car while your friends enjoy an amazing Chardonnay.

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...

Group of six visited the vineyard - great experience. Markko is a smaller winery offering strictly estate grown grapes. Owner Arnie Esterer founded the winery in 1968. Back in the woods and very comfortable. We enjoyed tasting of several wines including '09 Pinot Noir and a wonderful '10 Reserve Chardonnay (my favorite). Also tasted and purchased a bottle of '99 Late Harvest Select Reserve Chard - sweet like an ice wine. We didn't want to leave.

We were staying in Geneva on the Lake and decided to go wine tasting. Markko Vineyard seemed like it was the furthest away so we started there and worked our way back to Geneva. This was the BEST winery that we visited all day. We purchased several bottles of wine. We prefer Chardonnay and Cabernet wines and they had quite a variety to choose from. Their wines were full-bodied and very flavorful. Some other places in the area have wines that taste more like flavored water but you won't be disappointed in the wine or the customer service.