Urla
For a classic Mediterranean wine escape, look no further than Urla. Just an hour’s drive from İzmir, this coastal region has a tradition of wine making that goes back thousands of years. Today, it’s at the forefront of Türkiye’s boutique wine movement, with passionate vintners reviving heirloom grape varieties and experimenting with innovative blends.
Urla Winery is a star of the region, known for its elegant, terroir-driven wines. Their velvety Nero d’Avola–Urla Karası blend is a standout with its dark fruit and spice notes. Another must-visit is USCA Winery, a family-run vineyard focusing on natural winemaking techniques. A leisurely afternoon here, enjoying a flight of wines on their sun-drenched terrace, perfectly captures the laid-back spirit of the Aegean coast. Both are part of the Urla Wine Route (Urla Bağ Yolu), which includes 10 local wineries in total, all within less than an hour’s drive of each other.
Urla has a strong foodie culture, with plenty of food and wine pairing experiences available and farm-to-table restaurants that help visitors make the most of the region’s flavours. Michelin-starred Teruar Urla and OD Urla are both great options for fine dining with beautifully matched wines.
Visitors to Urla can explore the charming seaside town of Alaçatı, visit the ancient city of Erythrai, or relax on the pristine beaches of Çeşme.
Thrace
If you’re looking for the cradle of Turkish winemaking, head to East Thrace. This region has been producing wine for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest viticultural areas in the world. Today, it’s home to boutique wineries that are redefining the industry with high-quality, small-batch production.
Many Thrace wineries are just a couple of hours’ drive away from İstanbul, making it very easy to take a day trip to a vineyard or an overnight getaway at one of the region’s boutique winery hotels.
A stop at Arcadia Vineyards in Kırklareli offers a taste of modern Turkish wine with a nod to tradition. This family-run estate produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends that showcase the region’s ability to produce bold, structured reds. Meanwhile, Chamlija Winery has gained international recognition for its Papazkarası grape, a variety that’s both elegant and uniquely Thracian. The best way to experience the region? Follow the Thrace Wine Route, a curated trail that takes visitors through scenic vineyards, cellars, and charming farm-to-table restaurants.
While in Thrace, you can also take the chance to explore the historic city of Edirne, visit the Selimiye Mosque, and enjoy sampling the region’s delicacies in traditional restaurants. Sucuk (dried sausage), and local cheeses pair beautifully with Thracian wines.
Cappadocia
Known mainly for its otherworldly rock formations, Cappadocia is also a prime destination for wine lovers. The region’s volcanic soil and high-altitude climate create the perfect conditions for indigenous grape varieties like Kalecik Karası and Öküzgözü. One of the standout stops is Turasan Winery, one of Türkiye’s oldest and most respected wine producers.
A visit here includes a tour of their rock-carved cellars and tastings of their award-winning reds and crisp, mineral-driven whites. Other notable wineries to add to your itinerary are Kocabağ Winery, a family-run establishment that seamlessly blends traditional methods with modern techniques, and Vinolus, a pioneering, sustainable wine brand that produces fantastic Narince white wine, as well as a superb range of reds and rosés.
Whether you’re sipping a velvety Boğazkere or a refreshing Emir, Cappadocia’s wines pair perfectly with its hearty local cuisine.
Beyond the vineyards, visitors can take a sunrise hot air balloon ride, explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, or hike through the breathtaking valleys.
Denizli
Denizli might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wine, but this southwestern province is quickly gaining recognition. The region benefits from a mix of Mediterranean and continental climates, allowing winemakers to cultivate a diverse range of grapes.
Kavaklıdere, one of Türkiye’s largest and most historic wineries, has a strong presence in Denizli, producing everything from robust reds to delicate rosés. Meanwhile, boutique producers like Likya Winery are championing local varietals such as Sultaniye, a crisp white grape that thrives in the region’s limestone-rich soils.
The best way to experience Denizli’s burgeoning wine scene is to take a day trip from Pamukkale, the famous thermal hot springs, and balance your wine tastings with a soak in the ancient travertine terraces. Alternatively, the Çal Vineyard Route offers a scenic journey through four boutique-style wineries in the region.
Don't miss a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, the Laodicea ruins, or the colourful Salda Lake while in the region.
Elazığ
For those seeking a deeper dive into Türkiye’s indigenous grape varieties, Elazığ is a must-visit. Located in eastern Anatolia, this region is the birthplace of Öküzgözü, one of the country’s most famous red grapes.
Known for its vibrant acidity and bright red fruit flavours, Öküzgözü thrives in Elazığ’s continental climate, where hot summers and cold winters contribute to the grape’s unique character.
Kavaklıdere’s Pendore and Buzbağ labels have helped bring Elazığ’s wines to national and international prominence, but smaller boutique wineries are also making their mark.
While in Elazığ, explore the ancient Harput Castle, take a boat tour on Keban Lake, or discover the mystical beauty of the Buzluk Cave.