A road map for those who would like to celebrate this year’s grape harvest with tastings and songs…
Cappadocia
Cappadocia has a crucial role for world tourism of Turkey with its fairy chimneys and historical heritages. The vineyards of the region are fertile thanks to the tuffaceous soil that emerged with lava erupting from the Erciyes, Hasan and Melendiz mountains. Tuffaceous soil both give high quality grapes and protects the vineyards from vine aphids. Aside from the famous Dimrit black grape of the region, Kalecik Karası, Okuzgoz, Bogazkere and Narince grapes are among the grape varieties that you can taste in the harvest.
Bozcaada
We can say that viticulture in Bozcaada, one of the most beautiful addresses of the Aegean Sea, is as old as the history of the island. Furthermore, it is known that clusters of grapes were depicted in early coinage of Tenedos. The geographical features of the island provide the most fertile conditions for viticulture. Especially the wind blowing from the north has a great effect on a successful harvest. The red grape varieties like Kuntra and Karalahna; the green grapes Sergeant and Vasilaki are among the proud of Bozcaada. With the support of organic agriculture over the last years, foreign grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are also grown on the island.
Barbare
Having realized as an extraordinary project in 2000, Barbare Vineyard is located between the town of Barbaros in Tekirdag and the village of Yazır. The ideal combination of the heat of sun and the cooling properties of the sea makes it possible growing world-class grapes in the vineyards built on a small hill on the shores of the Marmara Sea. In Barbare Vineyards, you can taste Caberbet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties, which are harvested by natural farming. Barbaros Vineyard House also awaits you as a magnificent boutique hotel.
Urla
Being one of the most beautiful districts of Izmir, Urla deserves to be one of the best vineyard routes in the world. It has qualities that will surpass the examples in the world with its magnificent vineyards and luxury-hotels. The Urla Vineyard Road project, which was initiated by the efforts of winegrower businessmen in the region, allows thousands of foreign tourists to drive through Urla every year. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Alicante Bouchet, Sangiovese, Nero D’avola, Bogazkere, Bornova Misketi and Sultaniye grape varieties are grown in this region, which has a six-thousand-year-old tradition of viticulture and winemaking.
Mürefte
The viticulture in Thrace began during the reign of the Odrysian Kingdom, which is the biggest Thracian kingdom in history. A district in Tekirdag, which is the heart of wine for those living in the Marmara region of Turkey, Mürefte is one of the most productive addresses in that region. 30 percent of the wine production in Turkey that taking place in this old Greek town located at the foot of Doluca Hill, an extinct volcano. You can taste in vineyards like Doluca, Kutman, Aker and Gülor and can visit Kutman Wine Museum, which is the first and only wine museum of Turkey.
Kırklareli
Known to be the “Grape Town” in history, Kırklareli is mentioned in the books as surrounding with vine branches stretching for kilometers and even overflowing the streets. Aiming to carry this ancient tradition even further, Arcadia Vineyards grows unique grapes. Placing at an altitude of 150 meters on the lands where the Historic Wine Road passes, Arcadia Vineyards has continental climate characteristics and high temperature differences between day and night. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Okuzgoz and Narince grape varieties are grown in this vineyard.
The Grape Harvest Festival
Some of the grape harvest festivals were canceled due to the pandemic last year, yet they are scheduled to be held in accordance with the rules this year.
Ürgüp International Vintage and Balloon Festival, September 10-12
The 49th Ürgüp International Vintage Festival will be held together with the traditional Balloon Festival. The new harvest will be celebrated with various events and tastings at the time sunrise and sunset. Artist Niran Ünsal and Gencer Savaş Band will be among the prominent colors of the festival.
Bozcaada Vintage Festival, September 3–4
The festival will start with a symbolic vintage organized by the island’s winegrowers in their own vineyards. During the festival, concerts and two different competitions will be held in the castle. A Miss Grape will be chosen among the young women of the island, the best sergeant grape will also be chosen. Furthermore, there will be tasting events.
12th Kırklareli Highland, Wealth, Abundance, Harvest and Vintage Festival, September 10-12
In the previous year, the festivals were started with a cortege march and continued with folk dances, tastings and the grapes harvested were shared with citizens. The festival program has not been announced this year, yet it has been scheduled that the festival will take place between September 10-12.
2. Great Ephesus Vintage Festival, September 18
The festival will be held at Swissotel Büyük Efes on September 18. It had launched for the first time in 2019 but could not be held last year due to the pandemic. This year, it is expected to be colored with wine tastings and jazz concerts in collaboration with Gustobar.
