Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria

Sitting atop a hill in Old Town Cottonwood, you can’t miss this place. You could trek the daunting stairs or take the cable car! We purchased the custard so we could ride the cable car for free. The views are amazing and I would recommend a sunset date on their outside patio area. We opted for a flight of white wine and a flight of rose, both were delightful. After enjoying our time, a few people got hungry and ordered pizza. Great staff and a great vibe. We went on a Tuesday and it wasn’t busy.

The patio offers a beautiful view. The inside is modern AZ casual. The food is on point. Fresh and thoughtful. Of course the wine tasting is good. Nice non-alcoholic menu. We split a salad and bruschetta. And there was plenty of food. God service.

This place is the ultimate Cottonwood experience. The atmosphere, incredible views, excellent service, reasonable prices. The wine was delicious, the staff is wonderful and knowledgeable. The food was just ok. This place is more of an appetizer and wine vibe. Not for dinner. Did buy a couple bottles of wine and those were 1000/10 highly recommended taking something home. Would visit again

I was visiting with my in laws who are in their 70s. The place has 4 to 5 flights of stairs from street entrance but they have a lift available...for a fee. They should provide free lift for folks over 65. Additionally, after climbing the steps, only then did we see a parking lot and entrance at the top. The workers below did not provide that option. Great views though, wine is ok.

We watched this amazing site being built over several trips to Cottonwood and finally visited yesterday for a tasting and tapas. Wonderfully contemporary design. Really a new gem for vintage, old-town themed Cottonwood. Simply brilliant. The sommelier was outgoing, informative, knowledgeable and humorous. Our server was attentive. Our charcuterie board with meats and cheeses and olives was outstanding. Surprisingly broad, broad range of quite enjoyable wines. Cottonwood has been enhanced thanks to the vision, creativity and commitment made by the owner of Merkin. By the way, the business logo explains what Merkin is….

Great atmosphere, service, food, drinks, and wine. It was all amazing. I find it weird to think I need to travel from Phoenix to Cottonwood to find a restaurant as good as this. But I would travel here daily if I could. The food was really good. From the appetizer through the main entree to the dessert. All were great. We had the lamb popsicle sticks to start. Then the Wyagu steak and finally the affogato and gelato. They were all amazing. We paired it with a great wine, the Caduceus Sancha, which we loved so much that we took a couple bottles to go. And what was best about this experience was the great prices. You can get a bottle of wine for 24 dollars and a wagyu steak for 34. And the steak was the highest priced thing on the menu. MJK did not miss anything when he made this place. From the great selection of music, which was shockingly great, to the atmosphere to the food and drinks. It was all well thought out and done right. And if you ever wondered if metal music can be played at a restaurant, he proves it can be. The music added to the experience, and I heard song after song that I hadn't heard in years, and we found ourselves humming along. The waitstaff was cool, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. They just did everything right. I'm not a "foodie" but I can not wait until I can return. Whether you're a fan of MJK or not, it makes no difference. If you want a great dinner at a great price and something you will remember, this is your place. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. I honestly think the best restaurant in Phoenix happens to be in Cottonwood, and it's worth the drive.

Loved this food and wine immersion experience! Excellent food, well played for a good price. Large wine, beer and cocktail selection too. You can see into the kitchen and the wine pressing area. Every tables has a good view. Indoor or outdoor seating. There’s also a funicular that takes you did to the street for gelato! Dogs welcome at the outdoor seating. Huge parking lot. We ordered the pizza which was a very generous 12 inches. The lunch special was a huge portion of chicken Parmesan. Thank Jeremy for being an excellent server! Will definitely come again.

To say it was amazing would be an understatement. From the time we entered and were greeted until the time we left it was wonderful. The wines were outstanding, the food was excellent and it was all capped off by our waiter Noah, you treated us like every waiter and waitress should. He was on top of everything taking care of every detail. Even down to the conversation with us and our 2 girls. Hats off to Noah for your professionalism. I trust your entire staff is that good. If we lived here we would make this our go to place. Thanks for a special treat on our vacation.