Local Turkish wines
Asia Minor, a large peninsula which forms most of contemporary Türkiye, is considered to be one of the most ancient wine producing regions in the world, full of native varieties that you can try when you Visit Kalkan.
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In 2017 Dr. Patrick McGovern found archaeological evidence for wine production and consumption around 7000 BC in Neolithic Anatolia. (That’s around 6000 years before the Greeks and the Romans!)
If you'd like to read & learn about the geography, varietals and extensive reviews, there are a couple of invaluable resources you should explore : The Quirky Cork & Turkish Wine Is Fantastic
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If you are up for a road trip, you can drive out and enjoy a day in the beautiful area in the heart of Taurus Mountains, and try some very local wines from Likya Wines at their winery in Elmalı. If you're going to tipple, best leave the driving to one of the tour companies in town who can put together an outing for you.
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In the supermarket chains you will find wines of the big producers, but if you would rather support smaller companies that are offering a good price-quality ratio, we’ve compiled a list of some interesting wineries.​​
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​If you like to be a bit more discerning and adventurous regarding your wine choices, Andifli Wines & Pork can help you choose wines from smaller wineries, that will suit your taste and budget. You can WhatsApp them on +90 535 620 93 83 for lists and deliveries directly to your accommodation.
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Some interesting smaller wineries for your consideration:​
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Wines from French grapes, but also a wide variety of native Turkish grapes. They make some orange wines and Pet Nat (natural fizzy wine, using an ancient method) as well. Their newest series, Conundrum White, Rose and Red is very affordable and getting quite popular!
Vinkara
wide range of wines, from international and native grapes. Their Yaşasın Kalecik Karası White and Rose was the first traditional method sparkling wine of Turkey. They use the same dark grapes for a fruity, floral white, a pale refreshing rose, and three red wines.
Very quaffable wines from international grapes and native grapes, made with the help of an Italian wine expert. Check out their new very pale and fresh Kalecik Karası Blush!
Gidatay (Probom)
originally a mining company, until the fourth generation of this family run business wanted to give back and decided to plant olive, fig, and almond trees and then also grapes to make wonderful wines with the help of French wine experts.
Mozaik (Mahrem)
Lots of great value, beautiful red wines, aged for 18 months in oak barrels and for years in the bottle before they are released. They also make a rich and aromatic white and rose from Sangiovese grapes, that pair really well with food.
Porta Caeli
Latin for Gate to Heaven, indicating the excellent quality of their wines. French/Bordeaux influence, shown by their choice of grapes and the use of French oak barrels. You can stay at their hotel in Eceabat, right next to the vineyards and winery and enjoy a guided tour with wine tasting.
The following wines are easily found at various supermarkets around town. They are all fairly easy drinking and will suit most palates as well as light on the wallet. They make a good introduction to Turkish wines.
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Kavaklıdere is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Turkey, also the first privately owned winery.
Doluca is another old and large winery and one of the first importers of international grape varieties to Türkiye.
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Arcadia was founded by a father & daughter team. Arcadia refers to “Heaven on Earth” in Greek mythology and the ancient name for Lüleburgaz (where Arcadia is based), Arcadiapolis.
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Rose
Lal by Kavaklıdere - Çal Karası grapes, a fruity and easy drinking wine.
Angora by Kavaklıdere - blended light wine with dry finish.
BuzbaÄŸ by Kayra - Öküzgözü grapes, very refreshing wine with a slight bitter finish.
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White
Angora by Kavaklıdere - Sultana grapes from Denizli region, rich flavour and nicely balancd.
Çankaya by Kavaklıdere - Emir, Narince and Sultana blend, one of the top selling drinkable wines.
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Red
Angora by Kavaklıdere - Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante and Merlot blend with a hint of Öküzgözü. Easy drinking
Classic Red by Villa Doluca - Shiraz, Merlot and Öküzgözü blend. Worth trying.
Öküzgözü-BoÄŸazkere by Kavaklıdere - a famous Turkish blend, easy drinking.
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Sparkling
Sava by Pamukkale - inexpensive quaffable bubbly