Did you know that Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s wine-producing regions?
The volcanic soil and climate here are conducive to vineyards, and winemaking traditions date back to Hittite times!
If you enjoy wine, take some time to taste the local varieties and even visit a vineyard or winery during your trip.
What makes Cappadocian wine special?
Cappadocia grows native grape varieties like Emir, a dry white wine grape found almost only in Cappadocia, as well as Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere (red grapes), among others.
The combination of local grapes and Cappadocia’s unique volcanic terrain gives these wines a distinct character—they are often mineral-forward.
Ürgüp and Uçhisar are especially known for their excellent wineries. The most famous winery is Turasan, a family-run winery in Ürgüp that’s been producing wines for decades and has a spacious cave wine cellar.
Wine tasting experiences
Wine tasting is a relaxed and enjoyable activity here, providing a nice break from the early mornings and hiking. Plus, sipping wine in a cave just feels cool!
Whether you join a private tour with vineyard visits, enjoy a sunset dinner with wine, or just sample wines at a local shop, don’t leave Cappadocia without toasting with a glass of local red or white. Cheers – or as Turks say, şerefe!
Winery tours
Consider joining a guided wine-tasting tour that will take you to multiple wineries.
A private half-day vineyard tour can drive you around the beautiful wine country, teach you about local grapes, and include tastings at Turasan Wine House and other boutique wineries.
You’ll get to stroll through vineyards, possibly even pick grapes in season, and sample reds and whites right where they’re made. These tours often provide hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide to enrich your experience.
You can also go for a private vineyard & wine tasting tour for a more exclusive experience.
Prices for organized half-day private wine tours with tastings start around ₺2,800 ($74) per person.
Wine and sunset dinners
For a romantic twist, there are experiences that pair Cappadocia’s sunsets with dinner and wine—or simply opt for a relaxing wine tasting on its own.
Imagine sitting at a scenic overlook, perhaps near Uçhisar Castle or in a valley with a full Turkish meal and a bottle of local wine as the sun sets over the fairy chimneys.
Such packages usually include transportation to a viewpoint, a multi-course meal of local specialties, and wine. It’s an unforgettable way to enjoy Cappadocia’s landscape.
Tasting rooms in Town
Alt text: Tourists enjoying tasting wine in Cappadocia
If you prefer a casual approach, you can do wine tasting in Ürgüp town.
Turasan’s winery has a tasting room where you can drop in and sample their range, often for a small fee or with the expectation that you’ll buy a bottle.
Another winery, Kocabağ, has a cave tasting room and shop in Uçhisar where you can try its wines. It is known for wines made from the Emir grape.
Buying a couple of bottles as souvenirs is a great idea—a decent bottle of Cappadocian wine costs around ₺150-₺250 ($3.95-$6.59), and many shops offer protective packaging for travel.
Looking for a bit of adventure? Try this combo tour that lets you enjoy wine tasting while exploring Cappadocia with exciting options like quad safari, horse safari, and more!
