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November 2025

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  Quite some time ago (again, I drink faster than I can type) I received an exciting invitation to a wine masterclass in Istanbul: Georgian Wine in Focus. Organized by Sabiha Apaydın in coordination with the Georgian Wine Association, the masterclass introduced participants to some of the Georgian wines available in Turkey.  Yes! Before you ignore this post because it talks about wine not available here, these wines are! Am I 100% sure where? Sadly, no. Because the shop that did have them, doesn't seem to anymore. But, the usual suspects to check would be La Cave, Mensis Mahzen, maybe Gözde Tekel, it's possible you might even see these at

  I'm so excited that my first piece for Food Wine Travel Magazine was published today!  Discover Turkey's Unexplored Mediterranean Wine Region Beneath my feet lies an ancient wine press, carved deep into the mountain’s limestone bedrock countless centuries ago. Around me, gnarled bush vines twist out of the rocky soil, some 80 or more years old. From this high plateau, more than 5,000 feet above sea level, the air feels fresher. The sky stretches endlessly overhead, a burning blue. Not far to the south, the bright turquoise of the Mediterranean echoes the sky. While I could be in the vineyards of Priorat, Cinque Terre, or Provence, I’m not. I’m in a

  Disclaimer: I received these wines as samples but all opinions are my own. While I've seen them on social media, I have yet to try any wines from the relatively new winery: Sarı Vadi Bağları. I was therefore delighted when the winery reached out to me and sent me samples of two of their wines.  Sarı Vadi Bağları  What began as a journey to California to source rice lead to a life in wine. Turgay Yetis business life revolved around rice. Surprisingly to many, rice is a large part of the agricultural sector in Turkey's upper Thrace. Turgay established a business in Sacramento, establishing paddies and cultivating rice. All the while, nearby

  Disclaimer: I received these wines as samples but all opinions are my own. Explore Sagavin’s two distinct Syrah wines. Discover how vineyard origin and winemaking style shape their bold flavors, and learn the story behind this passionate, small Turkish winery. Recently, Sagavin Bağcılık ve Şarapçılık kindly sent me several of its wines. I enjoyed pairing Sagavin's white, rosé, and one of its reds with an Indian eggplant dish. I was really surprised that the red came out the winner in that experiment! Now, it's time to delve into the last two wines: Sagavin Syrahs. The winery makes two different Syrah wines, sourcing grapes for both from different places within İzmir.

  These wines were provided as samples - all opinions are my own. The lovely folks at Akberg recently reached out to me and sent me some samples. I love samples! Thank you Akberg! This presented me with a fantastic chance to try some of their new vintages and new wines. Not all of which are included here, a couple need their own posts! But the four I'm featuring here uncover flavors - and a new grape! - from the winery.  But first! A little about the winery.  Akberg Akberg winery already had a long history in Turkey before the 2020 vintage that put it on the map. For years, Akberg has produced

  Cooler temperatures and grey skies mean that it is time to get cozy with warm sweaters and big wines! I used to like really full-bodied, tannic reds with lush fruit flavors when I wanted something for cold weather days. These days, though, I find these wines over-blown and too "in your face". I vastly prefer a medium-bodied red with more moderate tannins and a savory-earthy forward flavor profile. All our tastes change throughout the years. While I used to love Cabernet Sauvignon, I'd be happy to never again see another bottle of it.  What's your go-to comfort wine? Will the universe bring you something this month that will challenge