Turkiye may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about wine like France, but it should definitely be on your radar. The country has a rich history of winemaking dating back thousands of years, and its unique climate and soil conditions make for some truly exceptional wines. Therefore, we cover the Turkish Vineyard and Wines facts and tips for you!
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History of Turkish Wine
Turkish wine has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years. Wine has played an essential role in Turkish culture, from the Hittites to the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans significantly contributed to shaping the modern Turkish wine industry, but social and political changes during the 20th century led to a decline in production. However, today, Turkiye is experiencing a wine renaissance with new vineyards producing high-quality wines that rival some of Europe’s best.
Types of Wine in Turkiye
With over 1,200 grape varieties grown throughout its vast landscape, ranging from the Aegean coast to the Black Sea, Turkiye is renowned for its vineyards. Producers of Turkish wine cultivate both local grape varieties, such as Sultaniye, Emir, and Bornova Misketi, and global varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Viognier.
The assortment of Turkish wines is vast and includes a variety of vintages, such as spicy Shiraz and Karalahna, as well as fruity Grenache and Sangiovese. Tourists can also take pleasure in exploring the breathtaking vineyards located in Cappadocia, where vines grow alongside fairy chimneys, and Ephesus, the birthplace of wine production thousands of years ago.
Turkiye’s Wine Regions
Turkiye is home to seven major wine regions, each with its unique climate, soil, and grape varieties.
Thrace is the largest region and is known for producing rich red wines with a medium body and high acidity. The Aegean region is famous for the Kalecik Karasi grape variety and produces light to medium-bodied red and white wines with fruity notes and a full body.
Central Anatolia produces mostly red wines, including the popular Okuzgozu grape varieties, with a spicy aroma and full-bodied taste.
Southeastern Anatolia offers full-bodied red wines from indigenous grapes like Boğazkere and Öküzgözü.
The Mediterranean region produces fruity and aromatic wines from international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as sweet dessert wines made from sun-dried grapes.
Finally, the Marmara region is known for its fruity white wines made from the Vasilaki grape variety.
With such diversity in offerings, visitors are sure to find a Turkish vineyard that caters to their preferences. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours, and cultural experiences that highlight the history and traditions of winemaking in the country. Turkiye’s wine industry is relatively young but rapidly growing, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts.
Turkish Vineyard and Wines
Some of the most well-known wine regions in Turkiye include Izmir situated on the Aegean coast, the volcanic terroirs of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, as well as the coastal areas of Antalya and Bodrum. Additionally, excellent vineyards can be found in Kayseri, Denizli, and Istanbul.
Turkiye has more than 1.5 million acres of vineyards, making it a rapidly growing player in the wine industry. Its repertoire boasts exceptional red wines like Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Syrah, along with white wines like Riesling and native varieties like Kayra’s Narince.
1. Kavaklıdere Wines- Ankara
Photo Credit: @kavaklidere
Kavaklıdere, the first private-sector wine producer established in Ankara in 1929, is one of the most well-known names in the Turkish wine business. Kavaklıdere has 652 hectares of vineyards in 7 distinct sub-regions of the Aegean, Central Anatolia, and Eastern Anatolia regions, with a love for providing the greatest expression of Anatolian grapes. The wine is made in three locations: Ankara-Akyurt, Cappadocia-Gülşehir-Côtes d’Avanos, and Aegean-Kemaliye-Pendore. Today, the company produces 10-15% of the country’s seedlings, making it a significant contributor to the Turkish wine industry.
Kavaklıdere araplar leads the growth of the country’s wine industry and wine culture through its publications on viticulture and wine culture. Food and wine pairing events featuring Kavaklıdere products paired with world cuisine are organized by the company, as are Horeca and Kavekol training seminars for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Kavaklıdere designs wine and food pairing events. The beautifully designed cuisine produces a genuinely unique dining experience. If you work in the hospitality business, make sure to check out their Horeca and Kavekol education programs, which are designed to help professionals learn about and enhance their wine and food pairing skills.
Visitors can take a tour of the winery, witness the production process, and learn about Turkish winemaking. Located in Ankara, it’s easily accessible for travelers exploring the central city.
2. Suvla Winery- Çanakkale
Photo Credit: @suvla
Suvla Winery, located on the beautiful Gallipoli Peninsula, is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. This family-run winery has been producing high-quality wines since 2003, including both indigenous and international grape varieties. Suvla’s vineyards are dispersed across the Gallipoli Peninsula’s hills and valleys, where the distinct microclimate and soil characteristics produce ideal circumstances for cultivating a range of grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, and others.
Suvla Winebar at Kanyon in Istanbul is a favorite hangout for both residents and visitors. The Winebar, located in the center of the city, provides a calm setting in which to unwind and enjoy a good meal to eat. The Winebar at Kanyon is the ideal place to catch up with friends or simply enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul, because of its handy location, magnificent views, and pleasant environment.
Yet, if you want to get closer to the source, a trip to Suvla’s vineyards in Gallipoli is a necessity. You can enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and winery here, learning about the winemaking process from beginning to end including the factory where they use special treatments to preserve the quality.
3. Doluca Wines- Tekirdağ
Photo Credit: @doluca
Doluca Wines, one of the oldest and most distinguished wineries in Turkiye, has been producing high-quality wines for almost a century. Visitors can tour the vineyards and learn about their winemaking process. The winery produces wines from traditional Turkish grape varieties as well as international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Doluca Wines produces a diverse selection of wines, from traditional Turkish varietals to foreign blends, all utilizing environmentally safe and sustainable techniques. The red Okuzgozu and Bogazkere combination, as well as the crisp and refreshing white Narince, are two of their most popular wines.
With numerous accolades, including recognition at Decanter World Wine Awards, Doluca is constantly evolving. Also, their on-site restaurant provides a delectable food experience that complements their quality perfectly.
4. Urla Winery- İzmir
Photo Credit: @urlawinery
Urla Winery, located in İzmir’s Urla district, is a must-see for wine connoisseurs. The winery is located in the Urla vineyards, where a unique combination of Aegean and Mediterranean temperatures provides optimal grape cultivation circumstances. Urla Winery produces award-winning wines using organic and biodynamic farming methods.
Visitors to the Urla winery can enjoy a vineyard tour and learn about the winemaking process from specialists. The winery also conducts wine tastings, where customers can learn about their distinctive features.
Aside from the vines and wine tastings, Urla Winery also features a delightful boutique hotel (2 Rooms Hotel) and a restaurant where guests can enjoy great cuisine while admiring the surrounding vineyards.
5. Turasan Wines – Cappadocia
Photo Credit: @turasan
Turasan Wines is one of Turkey’s most well-known wineries, producing high-quality wines from traditional grape varietals. The winery sits in the Cappadocia region, which is famed for its distinctive terrain and rock formations.
Turasan Wines has a wide selection of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, as well as dessert wines. They produce their grapes and make their wines using organic and sustainable methods, guaranteeing that every bottle is both flavorful and environmentally responsible.
Visitors to the Turasan Wines vineyard can enjoy a guided tour of the winery and learn about the entire winemaking process. The vineyards, winemaking facilities, and the wine cellar, where the wines are matured in oak barrels, are all included in the trip. a picnic beyond the vineyards can be an unforgettable experience.
Following the tour, visitors can sample a variety of local cheeses and snacks. The vineyard also has a restaurant in Ürgüp that serves delectable Turkish cuisine prepared from fresh, local ingredients.
6. Pamukkale Winery- Denizli
Photo Credit: @pamukkalewinery
Pamukkale Winery is a hidden gem situated in the heart of Denizli. The winery boasts a stunning location, surrounded by natural hot springs and limestone terraces that lend unique characteristics to their wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards and learn about Pamukkale’s organic farming methods, which prioritize sustainability over quantity. Visitors can take a chance to see where their variety of wines comes from, including their well-known white wines, which have won awards at international competitions.
Pamukkale Winery is a family-run vineyard dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the region’s distinct terroir. The vineyard is home to several grape varieties, including the local Sultaniye grape, which is used to make their signature white wines.
After the tour, guests can enjoy a tasting of Pamukkale’s local cheeses, fresh greens, and other snacks also.
7. Kayra Wines- Elazıg
Kayra Wines in Elazıg offers a unique experience with rich culture. The winery’s location and climate contribute to the production of aromatic wines. Kayra Wines has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire, which is reflected in its signature wines. Enjoy guided tours through the vineyards and cellars to learn about the history of Turkish winemaking and modern techniques.
Kayra Wines is one of Turkey’s most well-known wineries, having a long history and a commitment to producing high-quality wines. Kayra Wines, founded in 1942, has vineyards in numerous places in Turkey, including Elazıg, Şarköy, and Denizli.
Their vineyards are carefully looked to by professional winemakers who develop their unique wines using traditional techniques as well as modern technologies. Kayra Wines produces a variety of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling, all of which are crafted from carefully picked grapes.
Kayra Wines may be experienced by visitors through wine tastings and tours at their winery near Şarköy. The excursions allow guests to see the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a variety of Kayra’s wines.
8. Likya Winery- Antalya
Photo Credit: @likyawinery
Likya Wines is known for producing high-quality, organic wines using traditional processes. The vineyard grows a variety of grapes such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and makes red, white, and rosé wines.
Likya Wines’ usage of amphoras, which are clay vessels used to ferment and mature the wine, is one of its distinguishing traits. This traditional approach imparts the wine with a distinct flavor and character that distinguishes it from other wines. In addition to these, they offer Likya Muscat, a rejuvenating white wine that boasts floral scents and a refreshing aftertaste.
If you want to understand more about the wine-making process, Likya Wines offers guided tours of its vineyards and cellar, where you can observe how the wine is made firsthand. You may also have a tasting in the vineyard’s restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner. It can also be enjoyed in the vineyard’s restaurant, which serves wonderful Turkish food and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For more information about Turkey attractions and things to see, check out our 10 days itinerary blog!
