Cappadocia has been producing wine for millennia. Here is your guide to the best local grape varieties, wineries, and how to plan a wine-focused trip.
Cappadocia's Wine History
Wine has been made in Cappadocia since at least 1200 BC — ancient frescoes in the rock-cut churches even depict grape harvesting. The volcanic tuff soil, high altitude, and extreme temperature swings produce wines with excellent acidity and unique mineral character.
Key White Varieties
Emir: Cappadocia's signature white grape — grown almost nowhere else. Light, crisp, mineral, with citrus and stone fruit notes. Narince: Medium-bodied white with aromatic character.
Key Red Varieties
Öküzgözü: Turkey's most popular red grape. Full-bodied with dark fruit and earthy notes. Boğazkere: Powerful, tannic, structured. Papazkarası: A rare indigenous Cappadocia variety with deep color.
Best Wineries
Turasan, Kocabağ, and Narbağ are all within 10 km of Ürgüp and offer excellent cellar door tastings.
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Written by
Sarah Johnson
