Discover Türkiye's rich wine history and the young producers making waves

A Turkish woman picking grapes off a vine to make wine

Türkiye has all the attributes for a large and thriving wine industry: a viticulture history going back more than 6,000 years, vine-friendly soils and climates in its seven diverse wine regions, dynamic young winemakers and a plethora of exciting indigenous grapes. However, while most governments are generally supportive of their country's wine producers, in Türkiye advertising any alcohol is strictly banned, online sales are illegal, taxes are high and producers are forced to keep huge collateral reserves in case they transgress.

Despite these challenges Turkish wine is on a roll at the moment, with recent years seeing an impressive haul of medals from reputable global wine competitions and a growing export market. Once state-controlled, the modern industry is now driven by forward-thinking boutique producers, often family owned and with young winemakers who've worked abroad and come back with fresh ideas, who are championing ancient native grapes from old vines, raising quality and finding ways to sell their wines to the world. Lucky us, for many are very, very good.

Türkiye's main grape varieties

Although Türkiye has the sixth largest vineyard area in the world, only 3% of its grapes are made into wine, the rest being used for table grapes, raisins or molasses. Sultaniye is its most widely planted variety, mostly dried to make sultanas but also used for light, fruity whites. Of the hundreds of other native varieties the commonest are narince, floral with pink grapefruit notes, more mineral and savoury emir, and bornova misketi with its lovely muscat-like aromatics. Reds are led by öküzgözü's plush and plummy wines, while boğazkere is more intense and tannic. Kalecik karası is often referred to as Türkiye's pinot noir - karası means 'black' although its wines are often pale and perfumed.

What food should you pair Türkiye wine with?

Turkish food is a riot of flavour and textures: grilled meat, oily aubergines, sweet tomatoes, earthy spices, zesty yogurt and lots of herbs appear so often. Robust reds are a no-brainer for kebabs and other meat dishes, particularly if the spicing is heavy, while more delicate reds are great for a meze spread. Try aromatic whites with vegetable stews and salads, and fresher wines with dolmades or börek.

Want to stay over?

Doğa Thermal Hotel

A great base to explore the province of Denizli, inland from the Aegean coast and famous for its incredible natural thermal springs, travertines, ancient ruins and its wines. This huge but comfortable hotel has sleek, well-appointed rooms and an impressive range of treatments and therapies in its various pools and spa rooms. dogathermalhotel.com

Be warned that most hotels have unexciting wine lists, often with only a few large producers, so more interesting wines need sniffing out. Rent a car and see what you find; don't miss the Çal Vineyard Route where the region's best winemakers will make you very welcome. vineyards.goturkiye.com

Best Türkiye wine to buy 2026

Paşaeli Sidalan Pét Nat

Available from Amathus (£26.50)

Sidalan is an ancient native white grape, grown near the site of ancient Troy. Here it's made into a gentle, creamy fizz, fermented with natural yeasts – floral but not cloying, with crunchy red apples, pink grapefruit and herbs, and a lovely saline finish. Very charming.

A bottle of Pasacli Sıdalan Pet Nat wine

Vinkara Kalecik Karası 2021

Available from The Wine Society (£11.95)

Kalecik Karası is the signature grape from this region in central Anatolia, near Türkiye's capital, Ankara. Unoaked, as is the modern style, so lighter and fresher than more traditional wines. Bright red berry fruit, a hint of chocolate and kiss of black pepper - great with a classic imam bayıldı.

Kuzubağ Çal Karası 2024

Available from Vintage Cellars (£19.65)

From the Çal region, a high-altitude plateau that produces around 40% of Türkiye's wines. Three young women run this beautiful family winery where they make brilliant wines and also offer great visitor experiences. Sour cherries, strawberries, rhubarb and thyme with a little earthy spice - delicious.