What
  • Alabama Wineries
  • California Wineries
  • Diamond Mountain District Wineries
  • Iowa Wineries
  • Long Island Wineries
  • Michigan Wineries
  • Napa Valley Wineries
  • Ohio Wineries
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wineries
  • Virginia Wineries
  • Wisconsin Wineries
contacts Sign In
author Image

Marietta Wine Cellars Review

Marietta Wine Cellars Review

Address: 211 Second Street Marietta,Ohio 45750.
Phone Number: 740-373-9463
Tasting Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00-6:00, Fri 9:00-9:00, Sat 9:00-5:00, Sun 1:00-5:00

Region: Ohio River Valley AVA, Ohio
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Review Date: 3/17/2012
Reviewer: Shona Carr
Rating: 4

The Review

The drive to Marietta Wine Cellars was scenic and relaxing; the road follows the river all the way into historic downtown area of Marietta, Ohio. There you are greeted with historic stone structures, brick paved roads and a sign suggesting you “Wine a Bit”, which I did.

The Place: The winery has a large gift shop where you can find an assortment of boutique wine gifts, including Marietta Wine Cellars’ own wines bottled in 187ml bottles presented in gift boxes and baskets. Marietta Wine Cellars also has a wide variety of home wine and beer making supplies. After tasting the wines at the small tasting area, be sure to enjoy a bottle in their lounge area which contains a large bar that was handmade by the owner.

The Experience: Shortly after stepping through the doors of Marietta Wine Cellars I was greeted by a very friendly woman who conducted my wine tasting. She was knowledgeable and proud of the wines they served and encouraged me to try the most popular varietals and her favorites. After tasting, I purchased a bottle of their Catawba to enjoy with a meat and cheese plate. The staff at Marietta Wine Cellars was more than accommodating as they offered to recork my remaining wine and put my leftovers in a carryout container.

The People: Allen and Mary Jane Phillips opened Marietta Wine Cellars in 2000 and started selling wines in 2001. In 2010, the winery, which was then located on Front Street, burned to the ground. The fire did not put a damper on the Phillips family, as they used this incident to grow their business and expand into a bigger building on Second Street in Marietta.

The Wines: Tasting wines at Marietta Wine Cellars is quite relaxing and inexpensive, as the owners do not have a set amount for the wine tasting, only a donation jar. The State of Ohio requires that wineries charge for tastings, so they do ask that you put something in the jar. During my visit, I took the opportunity to taste 7 of the 26 different varieties in a miniature wine glass that was the perfect size for sampling. Marietta Wine Cellars’ wine list includes: Cabernet Franc ($10.95); Cabernet Sauvignon ($10.95); Pinot Noir ($15.95); Chardonnay ($10.95); Shiraz ($10.95); Merlot ($13.95); Riesling ($10.95); Pinot Gris ($10.95); Grand Riverboat ($10.95); White Zinfandel ($10.95); Chablis ($10.95); Rufus Red ($9.95); Autumn Mist ($9.95); Redacious Glory ($10.95); Muscadine ($10.95); Lafayette Blush ($10.95); River Red ($9.95); Fredonia ($9.95); Blazin’ Blackberry ($10.95); Sternwheel Red ($9.95); Sternwheel White ($9.95); Catawba ($9.95); Niagara ($9.95); Almondera ($10.95); Red Fusion ($9.95); and Sangria ($10.95).

The Extras: While at Marietta Wine Cellars be sure to check out their cheese deli, gift shop and lounge. They also serve a lunch that includes a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps and side dishes. If you happen to attend on a Friday evening, enjoy Marietta Wine Cellars’ “Wine Downs” from 6PM to 9PM, which includes live music and complimentary appetizers.