Full-Day Wine Tour From Istanbul

Exploring the wine region of Thrace from Istanbul is a captivating opportunity. This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through three acclaimed boutique wineries, where they’ll savor a range of exquisite wines. With a focus on small groups, the experience offers personalized attention and ample time to learn about the region’s rich winemaking history. Beyond the tastings, the tour includes a delightful lunch and breathtaking mountain vistas. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique day trip, this full-day experience promises to leave a lasting impression.

Good To Know

• A guided full-day tour that takes visitors to three boutique wineries in the Kirklareli wine region, located outside of Istanbul.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and wine tastings.
• Participants can sample a variety of grape varietals, such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, and learn about food pairings.
• The tour showcases the scenic mountain landscapes of the Thrace region, which has a rich winemaking history dating back to the 2nd century AD.
• The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, providing a personalized and intimate experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day guided wine tour from Istanbul takes visitors to the Kirklareli wine region, where they’ll have the opportunity to visit three boutique wineries and sample a variety of wines, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and zinfandel.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, lunch, and gratuities.

Travelers will learn about wine production, grape varietals, and ideal food pairings. The tour offers an intimate experience, with a maximum of 20 participants, and features stunning mountain views and charming hillside vineyard vistas.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Istanbul at 8:00 AM, the tour takes visitors first to the Poyrali village, followed by a visit to the Chamlija Winery situated at an impressive elevation of 2,790 feet (850 meters).

This boutique winery offers tastings of its diverse grape varietals, including pinot noir and riesling.

Next, the group travels to Vino Dessera, where they can enjoy a lunch accompanied by unlimited wine.

The final stop is at Chateau Nuzun winery, where guests learn about the organic wine-aging process in French oak barrels.

• Discover the region’s wine-making traditions dating back to the 2nd century AD.
• Admire stunning mountain views and charming hillside vineyard vistas.
• Enjoy an intimate experience with a maximum of 20 travelers.
• Savor four wine tastings at each of the three boutique wineries.

Wine Tasting Experiences

During the wine tasting experiences, visitors can expect to sample a diverse range of grape varietals from the Thrace region. At each of the three boutique wineries, guests will have the opportunity to taste four different wines. The tour includes a tasting of popular red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, as well as white wines such as Pinot Noir and Riesling. The knowledgeable guides will share insights into the winemaking process and provide guidance on ideal food pairings for the wines sampled.

Winery	Grapes Sampled
Chamlija Winery	Pinot Noir, Riesling
Vino Dessera	Sauvignon Cris
Chateau Nuzun	Organic wines aged in French oak barrels

Thrace’s Wine-Making History

What’s the rich history behind the wine-making traditions in Thrace? The region’s winemaking legacy dates back centuries, with evidence of viticulture in Thrace since the 2nd century AD.

The area’s unique terroir, influenced by the Aegean and Black Sea climates, has long produced exceptional grapes for wine production.

Some key facts about Thrace’s storied wine history:

• The ancient Greek god Dionysus, patron of wine, was worshipped extensively in Thrace.
• Roman emperor Probus encouraged widespread planting of vineyards across the region in the 3rd century AD.
• Ottoman-era Thrace was renowned for its high-quality wines, which were exported throughout the empire.
• Today, Thracian wineries continue this proud tradition, crafting world-class vintages from indigenous and international grape varieties.

Scenic Mountain Vistas

The tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through Thrace’s stunning mountain landscapes.

As the van climbs through the winding roads, guests are treated to breathtaking vistas of the region’s rugged peaks and valleys. The vineyards are nestled along the hillsides, their lush greenery or autumn hues contrasting beautifully with the gray stone and deep blue skies above.

Stops at the wineries provide ample opportunities to soak in the serene, picturesque scenery, creating an immersive and memorable experience for all.

Whether visiting in the warmer months or the winter, the mountain setting is a true highlight of this comprehensive wine tour.

Intimate Group Size

An intimate group size is a key feature of this wine tour, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience for all participants.

The tour caps attendance at a maximum of 20 travelers, allowing the guide to provide dedicated attention to each guest. This smaller group dynamic facilitates more interactive discussions, allowing travelers to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the region’s wine-making traditions.

Plus, the intimate setting enables participants to forge connections with fellow wine enthusiasts, fostering a convivial atmosphere throughout the tour.

The cozy group size also allows for greater flexibility, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through the picturesque Thrace countryside.

• Maximum of 20 travelers
• Dedicated attention from the guide
• Interactive discussions and Q&A
• Opportunities to connect with fellow wine lovers

Important Details

Travelers embarking on this full-day wine tour from Istanbul can expect a comprehensive and immersive experience. The tour operates from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a minimum age requirement of 18. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and confirmation is received at booking unless within 9 days of travel, with a non-refundable cancellation policy. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and gratuities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Tour Schedule	Additional Information
Departure Time: 8:00 AM	Minimum Age: 18
Pickup Locations: Sultanahmet or Taksim	Accessibility: Wheelchair and Stroller
Duration: Full-Day	Cancellation Policy: Non-Refundable

Guest Feedback

Reviewers offered generally positive feedback on the full-day wine tour from Istanbul. The tour’s knowledgeable guides, quality of wineries, and enjoyable lunch experience received praise.

Guests highlighted:

• The tour’s intimate feel, with a maximum of 20 travelers.
• The stunning mountain views and charming hillside vineyard vistas along the journey.
• The opportunity to learn about the region’s wine-making traditions dating back to the 2nd century AD.

However, some feedback noted long travel times between wineries and varying vineyard visibility during winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Wineries Offer Any Non-Alcoholic Beverages?

The tour’s description doesn’t mention any non-alcoholic options being available at the wineries. However, it’s likely they’ll provide water or soft drinks upon request to accommodate guests who don’t want to sample the wines.

Is There a Special Dress Code or Packing Requirements for the Tour?

There’s no special dress code for the tour, but participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket or raincoat in case of changing weather conditions.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Winery Visits?

The winery visits involve moderate walking, as guests explore the vineyards and production facilities. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended to navigate the uneven terrain. Tours are generally designed to be accessible, with flexibility for those with mobility limitations.

Can We Purchase Wines Directly From the Wineries?

Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the wineries visited during the tour. The tour allows ample time at each winery for tasting and purchasing bottles of the featured wines.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?

The tour price covers all the activities and services mentioned in the itinerary, including transportation, guide, tastings, and lunch. There are no additional costs beyond the tour price unless travelers want to purchase any wines directly from the wineries.

The Sum Up

This full-day wine tour from Istanbul offers a delightful exploration of the Kirklareli wine region. Visitors can savor exquisite wines, learn about Thrace’s rich winemaking history, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. With a maximum of 20 guests, the intimate experience provides personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. It’s an ideal way to discover the enchanting vineyards and winemaking traditions of this captivating Turkish region.