Wine Walks: Istanbul with a Sommelier

What to expect

Immerse yourself in local color
Our acquaintance with the city will begin in the ancient Karakoy district, where many architectural monuments are located. We will talk about the history of the area, local traditions, and contemporary life in the eastern capital. You will see the residences of Genoese merchants and the magnificent Golden Horn bay. And then we will head to the Galata Tower - one of the most recognizable symbols of the city and the popular pedestrian street Istiklal. I will talk about the Roman (Byzantine) period and the crucial capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the emergence of a multi-ethnic empire, and the last sultan.
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Basics of professional wine tasting
We will visit 3 wine bars located off the tourist paths, starting with a welcome glass on a secret terrace with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. I will talk about the geography of Turkish winemaking and how significantly wines from the Marmara region differ from those of Denizli, Ankara, Cappadocia, or Antalya, thanks to the diversity of climatic zones and terroirs. You will be able to try 9 excellent local wines and try to choose a favorite. I will teach you the basic rules of tasting, tell you how to recognize aromas, what tastes to associate with, and how to pair cheese with different types of wine.

You will be able to try:

• Round and rich Kalecik Karası
• Always different Öküzgözü and Boğaskere
• Unexpected Sauvignon Blanc
• French-style elegant Pinot Noir... and much more!