Great wine tells a story, but visionary wine creates a conversation. Markus Wine Co. is sparking plenty of those with its approach to winemaking—one that values minimal intervention, creativity, experimentation, and a deep respect for terroir. Recently, I had the privilege of tasting five of their wines, each one offering a unique perspective on the Markus philosophy. What I discovered was a lineup that doesn’t just capture attention; it keeps you thinking long after the last sip. Let’s explore the wines that bring this vision to life.
Markus Wine Co.;A Boutique Winery with a Big Vision
Nestled in the heart of Lodi, California, Markus Wine Co. is a boutique winery that thrives on distinction. Markus Niggli, its Swiss-born owner, grower, and winemaker, brings a global perspective to his craft, honed through winemaking stints in Switzerland, New Zealand, and California. Niggli embraces rare and lesser-known grape varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Kerner, and Riesling, blending them seamlessly with Lodi staples like Carignane, Zinfandel, and Syrah.
But Markus Wine Co. is about more than varietals—it’s about reimagining how wine tells a story. Eschewing conventional labels, Niggli imbues each bottle with an imaginative name and an artistic label, blending places from his past with the vineyard sources of the present. The result is a sensory experience that begins before the first sip and reflects his philosophy that “people, like wine, are shaped by unique places.”
With minimal intervention at the heart of his winemaking process, Niggli focuses on native yeast fermentation, free-run juice, and restrained oak influence, crafting wines that reveal the essence of their origins. His commitment to sustainability and transparency further underscores his innovative approach, making Markus Wine Co. a standout in the Lodi wine scene.
Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.
The Wines
2023 Markus Wine Co. Nimmo
A blend of 57% Gewürztraminer, 24% Sauvignon Blanc, and 19% Grüner Veltliner, this wine offers a tantalizing introduction to Markus’s artistry. Sourced from vineyards across Clarksburg and Lodi, the wine underwent native yeast fermentation and aged four months in a combination of new and neutral French oak.
Tasting Note: Pale straw color with green melon, white peach, lemon grass, tangerine, warm spice and subtle oak aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with zesty, mouthwatering acidity and a touch of oak that add depth to the character of this wine, green melon, white peach, mixed citrus zest (yuzu and lime), warm spice and subtle oak notes, and a very satisfying finish. 12.5% abv|100 cases| SRP – $25 (91 pts.)
2021 Markus Wine Co. Carignane Ancient Blocks Nicolini Ranch
This 100% Carignane wine is sourced from the Historic Vineyard Society-registered Nicolini Ranch, planted in the 1930s within Lodi’s Mokelumne River sub-AVA. Aged 18 months in neutral oak, it is a alluring example of Markus’s dedication to showcasing old vine heritage.
Tasting Note: Medium ruby color with perfumed black raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, black cherry, cured meat , dried lavender and baking spice aromas. ON the palate it’s on the lighter side of medium-bodied and elegant with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins redolent with ripe black raspberry, blackberry, ripe strawberry, black cherry, dried cranberry and baking spice flavors. Long finish. 14.5% abv| 400 cases|SRP – $41 (92 pts.)
2021 Markus Wine Co. Lodi, CA Sol
An intriguing blend of 66% Petite Sirah, 17% Petit Verdot, and 17% Syrah, this wine showcases fruit from three distinguished Lodi vineyards. Raised for 24 months in a mix of once-filled and neutral French oak, Sol is both vibrant and luxurious.
Tasting Note: Medium garnet color with exuberant blueberry liqueur, plum, blackberry, bramble, black tea, dried sage, cacao nib, floral and a hint of dark roast cofeer aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with balanced acidity and velvety tannins with delicious blueberry liqueur, ripe blackberries, plum, black cherry, black tea, and black pepper flavors. Long savory finish. 15.4% abv|120 cases|SRP – $41 (93 pts.)
2021 Markus Wine Co. The Church
Sourced from the Historic Church Block Vineyard, planted in 1938, this old-vine field blend (56% Carignane, 32% Petite Sirah, 12% Alicante Bouschet) is a testament to Lodi’s rich winemaking history. Raised for 18 months in neutral oak, it’s both soulful and vibrant.
Tasting Note: Pale ruby with expansive black cherry, boysenberry, raspberry, strawberry leather, damp earth, cedarwood and warm spice aromas On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with lively, mouthwatering acidity and chalky tannins with ripe fruit flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, black raspberry with a hint of cola and a long peppery finish. 14.2% abv|300 cases|SRP – $41 (91 pts.)
2021 Markus Wine Co. Zeitlos
A captivating blend of 75% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel, and 5% Petite Sirah, Zeitlos embodies Markus’s experimental edge. Aged 24 months in a mix of once-filled and neutral French oak, it balances intensity with finesse.
Tasting Note: Medium violet color with alluring blackberry, boysenberry, bramble, damp earth, pink peppercorn and warm spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and fresh with fine grained tannins and ripe blackberry, boysenberry sauce, black cherry flavors layered with subtle notes of blueberry, baking spices, and a delightful and lengthy peppery finish. 15.3% abv|120 cases|SRP – $41 (92 pts.)
Through each of these wines, Markus Niggli masterfully weaves a narrative of freshness, balance, and creativity. The through-line is unmistakable: wines that are expressive, food-friendly, and utterly delicious. Markus Wine Co. is not just crafting wine; it’s creating a dialogue—one that celebrates heritage, embraces experimentation, and invites you to discover the artistry in every glass.
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