LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Welcome to Diyarbakır, an ancient Turkish city in Southeastern Anatolia that is gaining more attention within Turkey’s wine production and the global wine world!
Diyarbakır offers more than just history; it’s producing remarkable wines thanks to indigenous grape varieties like Öküzgözü and Boğazkere. As a significant contributor to Turkey's wine production, these grapes flourish in the hot, dry climate, resulting in reds with distinctive character and depth.
Winemaking in Diyarbakır has a rich history spanning millennia. Civilizations from the Assyrians to the Romans and Ottomans have left their mark on the region’s viticultural traditions. Despite a period of reduced production during Ottoman rule, Diyarbakır’s wine industry has experienced a significant resurgence, bridging ancient practices with modern techniques. Diyarbakır's role in Turkey's wine production is notable, contributing to the country's overall wine output with its unique grape varieties and historical significance. Other regions of Turkey, such as Central Anatolia, have also played a crucial role in the country’s rich viticultural heritage, with their distinct climate and geographical features contributing to the production of various grape varieties.
Diyarbakır's exceptional wines owe much to its geographic features. Situated on a volcanic plateau near the Tigris River, the region benefits from a unique climate. The combination of scorching summers and cool winters creates optimal conditions for producing wines with balanced flavours and bright acidity. Although this climate does not allow producers to focus on grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc or Sauvignon Blanc, it's very suitable for local grapes like Boğazkere or Öküzgözü.
Diyarbakır's elevated vineyards enjoy cooler nights, crucial for maintaining grape acidity. The intense summer heat acts as a natural deterrent to pests and diseases in vineyards, while mild winters provide favourable growing conditions.
The region's volcanic soil, rich in minerals and well-draining, encourages deep root systems. This results in grapes with concentrated flavours, contributing to the wines' complexity and structure.
Indigenous varieties like Boğazkere and Öküzgözü thrive in Diyarbakır's unique conditions, producing wines with robust flavours and distinctive characteristics.
While extreme summer heat and limited rainfall pose challenges, grape growers in Diyarbakır produce wine under these harsh conditions, showcasing the resilience of native grape varieties.
As Diyarbakır's wine industry continues to develop, it's attracting interest from both domestic and international wine enthusiasts. With strategic investment and sustainable practices, the local economy stands to benefit significantly from this growing sector.
The wine region also is focusing on preserving and promoting native grape varieties while improving production methods. Sustainability is a key priority, with local producers implementing water conservation and eco-friendly practices to support the long-term viability of Diyarbakır's unique wine culture.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Diyarbakır has a landscape where nature's artistry meets humanity's rich history, creating a vista that's truly one of a kind.
Let's start with the star of the show: the Tigris River. This is the lifeblood of the region, weaving through the plains like a silver thread in a tapestry. Along its banks, you'll find the Hevsel Gardens - a verdant oasis that's been feeding the local population for centuries.
Now, shift your gaze to the city itself, encircled by its famous basalt walls. These walls stretch for nearly 6 kilometres and became a testament to human engineering and perseverance. It's no wonder UNESCO took notice, declaring this unique blend of cultural and natural landscapes a World Heritage site.
But the show doesn't stop there. Venture north to the Karacadağ volcanic area, and you'll find yourself in a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Here, you will find a vast basalt plateau punctuated by ancient lava flows and miniature volcanic cones. It's a striking contrast to the lush plains below, creating a visually striking topography.
Diyarbakır is a city with a climate that's full of contrasts between seasons.
In summer, Diyarbakır turns into a veritable oven. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures regularly reaching a sizzling 39°C (102°F). But all this sunshine - we're talking about 13 hours a day - is exactly what the local vineyards ordered. The grapes here thrive under these intense conditions, soaking up in the sun.
Winter, on the other hand, is when Diyarbakır shows its cooler side. January is the coolest month, with nighttime temperatures often dipping to a chilly -2°C (29°F). Snow makes occasional appearances, and rain becomes a more frequent visitor, particularly in December. The days become noticeably shorter, with only 4 to 6 hours of sunlight.
This dramatic swing between hot summers, dry summers, and cold winters creates a unique environment that shapes the character of the wine grapes and makes Diyarbakir one of the most promising Turkish wine regions.
This wine region boasts a diverse soil portfolio that's like a custom-tailored suit for grapevines, each type bringing its own story and something unique to the table.
Diyarbakır is not only steeped in history; it's also home to resilient grapes that have adapted to the challenging local conditions. These wine varieties thrive in the intense sun and volcanic soil, producing wines with depth and character.
Although Diyarbakır does not focus on wines crafted from international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc or Sauvignon Blanc, it's still making waves in the wine world with its robust and expressive reds. These wines are primarily crafted from the indigenous Boğazkere and Öküzgözü grapes.
Diyarbakır produces wine with robust flavours, high tannins, and impressive structure. The region’s arid climate and high-altitude vineyards contribute to a slow ripening process, intensifying the grapes’ flavour profiles and acidity. The result is a collection of wines that strike a remarkable balance between power and freshness, embodying Diyarbakır’s rich winemaking heritage. These unique characteristics of Diyarbakır wines significantly contribute to Turkey's wine production, enhancing the country's diverse wine portfolio.
While Diyarbakır itself has limited wineries, nearby Elazığ has become a hub for wine enthusiasts, offering similar grape varieties and wine styles.
The region, particularly Elazığ, offers engaging wine tours that provide insights into the cultivation of most vineyards of Boğazkere and Öküzgözü. These experiences typically include vineyard walks, guided tastings, and discussions on local winemaking techniques.
The local wines pair exceptionally well with regional cuisine. Boğazkere's robust character complements hearty dishes like grilled lamb and spiced kebabs, while Öküzgözü's fruitier profile enhances lighter fare such as meze spreads and vegetable dishes.
While winery accommodations are limited, Diyarbakır offers boutique hotels that serve as excellent bases for exploring both the cultural landmarks and nearby wine regions.
Although Diyarbakir has a focus on small wineries, there is a burgeoning wine scene around the area. Below, we will talk about the best wineries around Diyarbakir:
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