Wine in Cappadocia | Best Wines, Where to Buy & Wine History

Cappadocia is not only famous for its fairy chimneys and hot air balloons, but also for its ancient wine culture that dates back thousands of years. Thanks to its volcanic soil, high altitude and unique climate, Cappadocia produces some of the most distinctive wines in Turkey.

In this guide, you’ll discover the history of wine in Cappadocia, the best local wines, where to buy wine, and wine tasting experiences you shouldn’t miss.

The History of Wine in Cappadocia

Wine production in Cappadocia dates back to the Hittite civilization (around 2000 BC). Archaeological findings show that underground cities and rock-carved cellars were used for wine production and storage.

• Volcanic tuff rocks act as natural wine cellars
• Stable temperature and humidity ensure long-term aging
• During Roman and Byzantine times, Cappadocia was a major wine-producing region

This ancient tradition continues today with modern boutique wineries.

Local Grape Varieties of Cappadocia

What makes Cappadocian wines truly special is the use of local grape varieties.

🍇 Emir Grape

• Used for white wines
• Light, fresh, and mineral-driven
• Perfectly reflects volcanic terroir

🍇 Kalecik Karası

• Popular red grape variety
• Fruity, balanced, and elegant

🍇 Öküzgözü & Boğazkere

• Full-bodied red wines
• Ideal for aging

Best Cappadocia Wines & Wineries

🍷 Turasan Wines (Ürgüp)

One of the most well-known wine producers in Cappadocia.
Top wines include:

• Turasan Emir
• Turasan Kalecik Karası
• Turasan Boğazkere

🍷 Kocabağ Wines

A boutique winery famous for high-quality Emir white wines.

🍷 Argos in Cappadocia – Seki Wines

A luxury wine experience offering:

• Ancient underground wine cellars
• Exclusive wine tastings
• Fine dining paired with local wines

Where to Buy Wine in Cappadocia

The best places to buy wine in Cappadocia include:

• Wine houses in Ürgüp
• Boutique wine shops in Avanos
• Winery-owned sales points
• Hotels and restaurants with private cellars

Many wineries offer tastings before purchase.

Wine Tasting Experiences in Cappadocia

Wine tasting in Cappadocia is more than just drinking wine:

• Tastings in rock-carved cellars
• Vineyard tours at sunset
• Wine pairing with local cheeses and regional dishes

The autumn harvest season is especially popular for wine tours.

Why Are Cappadocia Wines So Unique?

✔️ Volcanic soil
✔️ High altitude vineyards
✔️ Indigenous grape varieties
✔️ Natural underground cellars
✔️ Thousands of years of winemaking tradition

These elements make Cappadocia wines truly one of a kind.

Discover Cappadocia Through Wine Routes

If you want to explore Cappadocia through its wine culture, Advisormapp helps you plan the perfect experience:

🍷 Wine houses and tasting locations
🗺️ Smart maps and route planning
🎧 Multilingual audio guides
🍽️ Michelin Guide restaurant recommendations
🚕 Transfers and transportation services

The smartest way to explore Cappadocia’s wine culture is with Advisormapp.