About Turkish Wines

Poised on the border between Europe and Asia and arguably part of the cradle of civilization, Turkey boasts a rich and ancient history ... and a key role in the early history of wine. Then called Anatolia, Turkey was home to cultivated vineyards and a commercial wine industry as far back as 6,000 years ago. Producers are in areas of the Marmara, Aegean Coast, Northeast (Narince, Tokat), Southeast (Öküzgözü, Bogazkere), Gallipoli (Bordeaux).

Turkish Wines took a leap forward in the early 90's when imported Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from French vineyards. The Sarafin winery planted these in the Gallipoli Peninsula on of the Aegean Sea - the shores of Saros Bay to be exact - land which had been used for viticulture for hundreds of years.

Winemaking history began in the geographical area where Turkey stands today. The oldest remains relating to winemaking suggest the land between Thrace and the Caucasian mountains was the site of the earliest winemaking. However, since those days wine culture has taken root in Europe and then moved on to the New World without returning to its home for a very long time. Wine-lovers in Europe and the New World have refined their choices and narrowed down a selected list of ''Noble Grapes'', and they have enjoyed these superb wines for centuries

Turkey also brought the latest New World technology and waited for several years for the vineyards to mature, dreaming of the wines we would make. In 1996 we produced our first wine and tasted that and subsequent vintages with great excitement. Obtaining landmark quality in these varietals takes time, patience and understanding. This patience was proved in the time we took to fully develop these vineyards.