📍 Thrace

Thrace is a historic region, part of which lies in Europe, by the Sea of Marmara, in present-day Türkiye. This is the European part of the country, and today it is the centre of modern Turkish winemaking. Viticulture here is very old: it existed among the Thracians, who are linked with the cult of Dionysus, the god of wine.

The main areas are Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and the localities of Şarköy and Mürefte on the shore of the Sea of Marmara. The climate is moderate with a sea influence: warm but not too hot, with enough rain. International grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grow here, along with local ones: the reds Papazkarası and Adakarası.

These areas supply most of the grapes for the country’s wines. Both large and small wineries work in Thrace, and in recent decades interest in local varieties has grown.

Thrace belongs to Turkish wine. It shows that winemaking in these parts has continued for thousands of years. Alcohol is for adults and best taken in moderation.