Long before France or Italy, people were making wine on these hills. Turkey sits on some of the oldest vineyards on earth — and a new generation of winemakers is bringing its native grapes back into the light.
Few travellers know it, but Turkey is one of the birthplaces of wine. Grapes have been cultivated across Anatolia for more than six thousand years, and the country still grows a treasure-trove of native varieties found almost nowhere else. Today, from volcanic Cappadocia to breezy Aegean hills, a wave of ambitious wineries is turning these ancient vines into world-class bottles.
The Native Grapes
Forget the usual names for a moment. Turkey’s gift is its indigenous grapes: the bold red Öküzgözü and its powerful partner Boğazkere from the east; the elegant white Narince; and the aromatic Emir of Cappadocia. Tasting these is like tasting the land itself — flavours shaped by high plateaus, volcanic soil and thousands of years of tradition.
The Wine Regions
Cappadocia grows vines in its famous volcanic soil and stores wine in cool cave cellars — a tasting here pairs magically with the fairy-chimney landscape. Thrace, in the north-west near Tekirdağ, is Turkey’s largest quality-wine region. And the Urla wine route near İzmir has become a chic weekend escape, its boutique wineries dotted among olive groves above the Aegean.
Plan a Wine-Tasting Journey
A Turkish wine trip pairs beautifully with food, history and scenery. Combine Cappadocia’s cellars with our Cappadocia guide, or the Urla route with the flavours in our Turkish food guide and a meze evening. Browse our tours or design a custom wine and gastronomy itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Turkey make good wine?
Yes. Turkey has a six-thousand-year winemaking history and a growing number of excellent wineries producing quality wines, especially from native grapes like Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Narince and Emir.
Where are the main wine regions in Turkey?
The leading regions are Cappadocia (volcanic soils and cave cellars), Thrace near Tekirdağ (the largest quality-wine area) and the Urla wine route near İzmir, known for boutique wineries above the Aegean.
Can I do wine tasting on a tour of Turkey?
Absolutely. Cappadocia and the Urla route near İzmir both offer winery visits and tastings that combine easily with sightseeing, food and scenery on a custom itinerary.
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