Arnie Esterer, Markko Vineyard
Just three hours north of Pittsburgh is the Northern Ohio Wine Trail near Lake Erie. Markko Vineyard, one of its founding wineries has been producing wine there since 1968. When Dr. Konstantin Frank was setting the wine world on its ear by trying to grow European vinifera grapes in the New York Finger Lakes region, Arnie Esterer was hoping to do the same for Ohio. He left his 17 year career as an industrial engineer in order to make his dream a reality. He sought the guidance of Dr. Frank and the result was a successful vineyard, incredible wines and the start of Ohio’s major wine industry. Today, there are more than 40 wineries in Ohio and more than 17 in the Lake Erie region.
A visit to Markko and the surrounding wineries in Conneaut is a wonderful get-away, whether as a day trip or a long weekend. Markko is off the beaten path, quite literally. According to the website’s directions, “You know you'll be getting close when the road turns to gravel. Take first driveway on left (north side) back into the woods.” Within the wooded backdrop is a small, cozy tasting room with a wood burning stove and a wonderful view. There is a large table that invites conversation among tasters. Arnie and Linda run the tastings. At Markko, they usually have several vintages of the same wines and it is interesting to hear about what factors contributed to the different characteristics of the wine. Among the favorite wines at Markko is the Homage, a Chardonnay with a bit of Pinot Gris. The Homage pays tribute to Dr. Konstantin Frank who loved Pinot Gris. “If Markko has been a success, Dr. Frank gets the credit,” says Arnie of his mentor. The Homage has been produced at Markko since the late ’90’s.
Featured Destination: Markko Vineyards
Markko Vineyard
4500 South Ridge Road
Conneaut, OH 4030
800-252-3179
Other great wineries in the area:
Buccia Vineyard
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, OH 44030
440-593-5976
Tarsitano Winery & Cafe
4871 Hatches Corners Rd
Conneaut, OH 44030
440-224-2444
South River
6062 S. River Rd
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-6676
Laurello Vineyards
4673 State Route 307 E.
Geneva, OH 44041
440-415-0661
Harpersfield
6387 State Route 307 W.
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-4739
Ferrante Winery
5585 State Route 307
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-8466
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