Your December 2024 Turkish Wine Horoscope
It’s CHRISTMAS!!! Well almost. But my decorations are up, I’ve already dived into the rabbit hole of terribly fantastic Hallmark movies, and am thinking about which wines to serve for Christmas dinner. And speaking of wine and Christmas, never underestimate how appreciated a good bottle of wine is as a gift!
With the chillier weather here, we are fully into red wine season, but don’t forget, there’s no wrong season for white and rosé wine if you prefer those! Although I for one am hoping for a cold winter this year to encourage me to clear out some of the bottles of red from my wine room. But what will I be drinking in December? And more importantly, what will you be drinking? Read on to find out!
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
There’s a busy social calendar in store for you this month, Aquarius! You’ll be at your peak charmingness this month and invitations will be pouring in! Especially during the first half of the month. Given how in demand you’ll be, you can afford to be choosey about what you do and where you go. All this running around and socializing though might mean that you’re ready to spend a quieter holiday.
The wine for you …
While you’re looking into those finances, probably better to stick to the more economic side of wine this month. I’ve got one for you that is totally crushable AND (as of the writing of this) around 300 TL. No joke. Arda Dokuz Sekiz (white). A classic white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this is Arda’s table wine but it is surprisingly good for what it is. And because it’s so darn quaffable, will be a crowd pleaser if you decide to take it to any of those events you’ll be attending!
Check places that sell Arda generally for this, Rind may well have it, Carrefour definitely does, probably your local tekel!
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Your career (or personal project) has reached a high point, one you’ve been working like a maniac to achieve all year. This will open doors to a possible promotion, an increase in your reputation, or new opportunities.
You’ve worked hard all year, so this is well-deserved. If you have been too busy for self-care though, you may be too burned out to enjoy any of this. Make sure you’re making time to take care of yourself. Get a massage, go to the hamam, have a reflexology treatment … not only will you feel better, but your health will shine forth making you look better for all the holiday celebrations happening this month!
The wine for you …
Speaking of celebrations – you need a wine to match the mood! This month, hunt down a bottle of Akberg Emir-i Vaki Pét-Nat. Emir is an overlooked grape in the (naturally) sparkling wine category. And yet this high acidity grape is perfect for it! Akberg has taken a different approach by using the ancestral method to make a semi-sparkling wine with delicious yeasty and tropical fruit flavors. Pop open that crown cap and celebrate!
Look for it at places like Grand Cru and Solera.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
December is all about exercising calm, Aries. Keep your wits about you and be conscious this month before responding to any situation. This is not the time for hasty moves or unconsidered words.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! You’ll also be in social demand so, grab your mistletoe and enjoy yourself! The social whirl will leave you feeling light-hearted and happy, thus propelling you into the new year with a positive outlook.
The wine for you …
Ge into the fun of the season with a bottle of Paşaeli Sıdalan Pét-Nat! Bubbles don’t have to be only for celebrations. You can turn any normal day into a special occasion by opening a bottle! But, when you are in a light-hearted and happy mood, bubbles just make things that much better! Go ahead and enjoy yourself this month with some fizz!
Find it at places like Casa Botti, Comedus, Dekante, La Cave, Mensis Mahzen, Santé Wine & More, probably Grand Cru, etc.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
If you’re hosting holiday celebrations and/or guests this month, make sure you lay down some boundaries with your guests. Create some house rules and be clear about them before people arrive in order to avoid any misunderstandings, missteps, and maintain the peace.
This is good advice even if you’re not hosting anything or anyone. You like to be generous and accommodating, but saying ‘no’ is sometimes difficult for you and you can find yourself taken advantage of with jobs and burdens dumped on you. Make sure you set boundaries generally with people in your life, be it at work, at home, or with friends. 
The wine for you …
So your wine this month is actually one that does not follow the rules! The Vinkara Atelier Öküzgözü (Winehouse up til 2020, for newer vintages it’s called Atelier) blends together “young” wine with small amounts of wines made in both the Ripasso and passito methods giving this wine an entirely different personality from any other Öküzgözü you know. I’ve never heard of a wine using these multiple methods in conjunction with one another.
Neither common nor particularly rare, your best place to look for this is Vinus (where you’ll likely also find the best price). Check also La Cave, maybe Macro Center, Mahzen 26, Mensis Mahzen, maybe Metro.
Gemini (May 20 – June 20)
December brings both ups and … well not exactly downs but cautions let’s say. If you have holiday travel plans, you’ll find that things go smoothly and your journeys will be pleasant! However, during this month, you may find yourself meeting new people or in certain situations in which you’ll want to choose your words carefully. In some cases, it may be better to say nothing.
The wine for you …
On ‘up’ for you this month is the wine you have to look forward to drinking! Your wine for this month is the Chamlija Kara Sevda. The winery puts a special emphasis on the Papazkarası grape and this wine, in my opinion, is the best of them. They must like it a lot too to give it such a name! Not to mention, given the general price of wines these days, this one is not horribly priced, it’s really quite reasonable for what it is.
Look for this at places like Comedus, Mensis Mahzen, Casa Botti, Dekante, Iyi Sarap, Savoy Tekel, I think I’ve seen it at Macro Center, Santé Wine & More seems likely to have it…it’s not a hard get in any case.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
A new moon this December is an ideal time for fresh starts for you, Cancer. Ready for a new job? Dust off your resume and toss your hat into the ring! Looking for love? Sign up for a new class, activity, or dating app to meet new people! This could also be an ideal time to look for a new rental, reconnect with someone with whom you lost touch, or pay off old debts to start the year with a clean slate.
And speaking of finances…keep a tight rein on your spending this year. Spoil your friends and family with homemade gifts this holiday season instead.
The wine for you …
To help you keep that tight reign on your finances, this month try the Kuzubağ Haziran. A crowd-pleasing red blend that won’t break your wallet, you can always trust that wines from Kuzubağ are going to be good. Not to mention, what with the chillier weather that’s arrived, it would be quite enjoyable to snuggle up with a bottle of cozy red wine!
Find it at places like Mensis Mahzen, Iyi Sarap, Comedus, possibly Rind, Casa Botti, etc.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Your working environment and career will be at the top of your mind this month, Leo. For those employed the question is: Should I stay, or should I go? If you’re not happy with your current gig, this month is the time to make the change. If you’re not employed but want to be, same goes for you. Put some effort into getting applications out to some enticing looking prospects this month. 
Maybe you’re in a completely different situation though, retired or a stay at home parent but need something “more” to fill your time. Companies often need seasonal part-time help this time of the year and churches, community centers, and charities need extra volunteer hands year round.
The wine for you …
Retirement projects are what started many a winery in Turkey! So, be careful what exactly it is you choose to get into if you’re looking for a new career or project! One such family that’s made a successful go of a winery in their retirement is the couple behind Tasheli. Located in the Taurus Mountains high above Mersin, Tasheli works with a number of grapes including some of the rarer, regional grapes. This month, try the Tasheli Patkara. Have you tried Patkara yet? Personally, I think this grape prefers being a rosé (a very interesting one, no less) than red. Despite that, Tasheli is doing great things with Patkara in red varietal wines like this as well as blends.
Find it at Mensis Mahzen, Solera, Santé Wine & More, possibly Savoy Tekel, maybe Rind…
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
This month will spark a playful mood in you, Virgo! Break out the tree, Christmas decorations, and the mistletoe and get ready to feel merry and bright all month long! You might feel pockets of tension and drama arising around you – at work or from your friends and family. Remind everyone that this especially is the time of year for peace and goodwill and shut down that nonsense before they can pull you in. 
The wine for you …
Nothing is more fun or playful than a bottle of fizz…especially one that you don’t have to take too seriously. Pop the cork this month on a bottle of Kayra Leona Bubble. A “cheap and cheerful” bottle of bubbles created with simple carbonation, this is fun to drink or mix with cocktails. And it’s inexpensive enough that you can offer it around to help cool off some of those rising tensions around you!
A Kayra wine, it’s pretty widely available at places like Carrefour, Macro Center, and Migros as well as tekels and other shops.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Holiday social activities whirl around you this month and you’ll see invitations coming in gratifying numbers. However, you can’t attend every event without exhausting, bankrupting, or otherwise overextending yourself. Be discerning and choosey.
You may experience a few unpleasant surprises this month, plans unexpectedly canceled, travel delays, etc. but don’t panic. Be patient, rely on your Plan B, and everything will come out alright in the end. 
The wine for you …
Speaking of being choosey…the best winemakers carefully choose their fruit to ensure only premium grapes make it into their wine. This month, take a leaf from the winemaker behind the Kastro Tireli Low Intervention Kalecik Karası. Beginning with organic grapes, initial fruit selection in the vineyard, and finally selecting the best of the best berries in the vineyard allows Kastro Tireli to spontaneously ferment its grapes while still creating a clean wine.
Get it from places like Casa Botti, Rind, Online Mahzen, Mahzen 26, Iyi Sarap, maybe La Cave, Dekante.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 22)
While you value your private time and space, it’s time to crawl out of your shell during this month and play host to the masses. Well, not the masses. Family, friends, special guests, etc. You’ll see improved finances this month, possibly in conjunction with your new hosting duties so consider operating a small, seasonal business out of your home!
The wine for you …
December is calling you to enjoy an often (and tragically) overlooked wine: Büyülübağ Ada Karası. This medium-weight red wine is not drowning in oak but has a strong kick of black pepper and pairs well with a wide variety of nibbles and foods. Do yourself a favor and let it breath for a good 20 minutes or so to encourage those peppery aromas and flavors to release.
Get it from Mahzen 26, Mensis Mahzen, and Solera for sure, otherwise it needs a little hunting down.
Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22)
You are the zodiac’s most adventurous sign, Sagittarius. Embrace that this month as December will open the door to new possibilities and maybe even a whole new life. If you’ve been flirting with the idea of making any bold changes in/to your life, this is the month for it. Going into this new adventure, be patient. You may experience a rocky beginning but you will soon find your wings and soar!
The wine for you …
You wine this December should bring you some great inspiration for a possible life pivots! Canan Gerimli was a pharmacist once upon a time. She soon discovered that pharmacology was not for her and decided instead to open a winery! Talk about a pivot. This month, look for a bottle of her Gordias Kalecik Karası Cabernet Franc blend.
And bonus: it tastes like Christmas!
Find it at places like Mensis Mahzen and Solera.
Capricorn (December 23 – January 19)
December will have not one, but two new moons this year (on the 1st and 30th in case you were wondering). This, combined with the fact that we’re headed into winter, your season, is a great time for you to hit the reset and reboot button. Don’t blow cash recklessly, but allow yourself some pampering and self-care without feeling guilty about it. When you care for yourself, you can care better for others. Putting yourself first for a little while will give you the willpower and confidence to make a long-overdue change. 
The wine for you …
Way back in your February 2023 horoscope, you were recommended the Turasan Seneler Narince. Did you drink it? Well, this month, your wine is the Turasan Narince, the unoaked and more economical version. No reckless spending here! Just absolute, deliciousness.
Get it from places like Iyi Sarap, Solera, often can be found in grocery chains, lots of tekels, pretty widely available.
Please Help Turkey and Syria!
Turkey and Syria are still in desperate need of help after the horrific earthquakes that have decimated large areas of Turkey’s south east and northern Syria, please consider donating to one of the relief efforts if you are able:
- Animal rights organization Haytap is helping animals affected by the earthquake, and displaced people who need a place to stay with their pets. Other animal-focused groups such as Dört Ayaklı Şehir (Four-Legged City) and Work Animals Rescue Foundation, are also helping farm animals, street animals, and pets.
- Donate to civil society groups working on the ground to provide immediate relief and medium- to long-term recovery to survivors via UK-based Turkey Mozaik Foundation or US-based Turkish Philanthropy Funds.
- Donate to the volunteer response being carried out in Turkey by the trusted, independent NGOs İhtiyaç Haritası (Needs Map) or Ahbap.
- Hayata Destek (Support to Life), is a Turkish NGO experienced in providing humanitarian relief and working with underserved communities.
- World Central Kitchen provides funds and food to those still living in tents in the affected areas.
- To support rescue efforts in Syria, donate to White Helmets and SAMS.
- Field Ready Türkiye (Sahaya Hazır İnovasyon Derneği) is a team of engineers working in Gaziantep, Turkey, and northwest Syria who make cheap, low-tech airbags for search and rescue from buildings which have collapsed. “If we move fast they can make more,” a good friend who previously worked with the team writes. “The workshops in Syria also have vast experience of fixing essential medical equipment, and making insulated shelters – both greatly needed right now”
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