A Journey Through Turkish Wines at Turkuaz

A Taste of History in Every Glass

Wine in Turkey is no modern experiment. The story begins nearly 10,000 years ago, in the Neolithic period, when the first domesticated grapes were cultivated in Anatolia. According to the Bible, even Noah harvested grapes on Mount Ararat after the flood—making Turkey not only a cradle of civilization, but also a cradle of wine.

Throughout history, from the Hittites and the Ottomans to the modern winemakers of today, wine has remained central to Turkish culture. Despite prohibitions and political challenges, vineyards were never abandoned. Today, Turkey boasts the 5th largest vineyard area in the world, with over 420,000 hectares planted.

The Wines We Discovered

Guests were guided through four wines that showcased the diversity of Turkey’s grapes and terroirs:

• Villa Doluca White – A refreshing blend of Sultaniye and Narince, with notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and green apple.
• Ancyra Kavaklidere Narince – A crisp, high-alcohol white with citrus and green apple character, made entirely from the indigenous Narince grape.
• Villa Doluca Rosé – Crafted from Çalkarası and Kalecik Karası, this wine evoked strawberries, peaches, and a hint of banana, balanced by the cooling effect of Turkey’s high-altitude vineyards.
• Villa Doluca Red – A complex blend of Öküzgözü, Merlot, and Shiraz, delivering rich fruit and spice with elegant structure.

Each pour revealed something new about Turkey’s landscapes—from the Mediterranean warmth of the Aegean to the cool, elevated vineyards of Anatolia.