📍 Aegean

The Aegean region is the western coast of Türkiye, facing the Aegean Sea. Its centres are Izmir and Manisa. It is one of the country's main wine zones: warm Mediterranean summers, mild winters and hills not far from the sea. Grapes have been grown here since deep antiquity, going back to the Greek cities of the coast.

The region includes the Urla district near Izmir, Manisa, and Çal in Denizli province. Urla is a well-known district with small modern wineries and vineyards on a peninsula. Manisa is famous for grapes, including table and raisin grapes, while Çal is known for the local red variety Çal Karası.

Among international grapes, Merlot and Syrah grow here and give full-bodied reds. Local varieties such as the white Bornova Misketi are used alongside them. Wines are white, red and rosé, often with soft acidity and ripe fruit.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the north, in Thrace and the Marmara area, the climate is cooler, while in central Anatolia vineyards stand at altitude and produce wines with sharp acidity.