The regions of Turkey
Choose a region to read about its wines and explore the smaller growing areas within it.
- 01AegeanNo producers listed yetWestern Turkey's Aegean wine country ranges from coastal vineyards near the Aegean Sea to higher inland sites. Urla, Selçuk, Bodrum and Datça make up the Coastal Aegean, while Manisa, Denizli and Uşak lie inland. Coastal vineyards are generally about 150 metres above sea level; inland sites can reach 900 metres.
- 02Central AnatoliaNo producers listed yetCentral Anatolia is a winegrowing region on Turkey's inland plateau, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. It includes Cappadocia's volcanic vineyards and the area around Kalecik near the Kızılırmak. Cappadocia grows Emir, a native white grape that makes dry, crisp wines with citrus and green-apple flavours.
- 03Eastern AnatoliaNo producers listed yetEastern Anatolia's winegrowing areas in Turkey include vineyards around Elazığ, Malatya and Diyarbakır. Near Elazığ, vines grow at roughly 1,000 to 1,200 metres, with cold winters and cooler summer nights. Öküzgözü is a red grape associated with Elazığ; Boğazkere comes from around Diyarbakır. The two are often blended.
- 04ThraceNo producers listed yetTurkish Thrace occupies the European part of Turkey, between the Balkan borders and the Sea of Marmara. Its rolling vineyards have maritime influence, and Papazkarası, the native red grape, makes fresh, supple wines with bright acidity.