Turkish wine tours in Istanbul cut straight to what matters – authentic local wine experiences without tourist traps. My favorite options include intimate private tastings that showcase small-production wines you won’t find elsewhere, and wonderfully scenic Bosphorus yacht tours that pair wines with stunning waterfront views. The small-group culinary tours are especially good, combining wine tastings with traditional mezes and local dishes in family-run establishments. A standout choice is the full-day winery experience, where you’ll meet vintners and learn about Turkey’s 6,000-year winemaking tradition firsthand. These essential wine tours showcase the best of Istanbul’s wine culture – check out our top picks below.
Key Points
- Private wine tasting tours with sommelier guides showcase Turkish wines and winemaking traditions, offering personalized experiences.
- Scenic wine-focused cruises along the Bosphorus Strait provide stunning views of Istanbul’s landmarks with unlimited wine.
- Culinary and wine pairing tours in the Kadıköy neighborhood offer an immersive experience with local street food and regional wines.
- Full-day wine tours to the Thrace region explore a variety of grape varieties and include lunch with unlimited wine.
- Cultural education and engagement through wine tastings provide an insider’s perspective on Turkish viticulture and its Ottoman heritage.
Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries
This private wine tasting tour offers an intimate and immersive experience for oenophiles visiting Istanbul.
With a rating of 4.8 based on 17 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the local wine culture through tastings at three city wineries.
Guests can expect 6 wine tastings per person, accompanied by a private sommelier guide and a selection of local cheeses and small bites.
Vegetarian alternatives are available, making the tour inclusive.
While some guests have reported mixed reviews regarding quality versus price, the host has acknowledged the feedback and emphasized the tour’s focus on showcasing Turkish wines and winemaking traditions.
With convenient pickup and drop-off options, this tour is an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a personalized exploration of Istanbul’s vibrant wine scene.
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Istanbul: Small Group Yacht Tour With Unlimited Wine
Offering a unique and immersive experience, the Istanbul: Small Group Yacht Tour With Unlimited Wine invites guests to explore the city’s scenic Bosphorus Strait from the comfort of a private yacht.
This 2-3 hour tour allows visitors to take in the stunning views of Istanbul’s historic landmarks, including the Dolmabahce Palace and the Maiden’s Tower, while enjoying unlimited wine.
The small group setting ensures a personalized experience, with the tour limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Guests can relax and unwind as they sail along the Bosphorus, sipping on a selection of Turkish wines.
The tour also includes a knowledgeable guide who provides commentary on the sights and history of the city.
Priced at $9.67 per person, the Istanbul: Small Group Yacht Tour With Unlimited Wine offers an affordable and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Istanbul from a unique perspective.
With its combination of scenic views, wine tasting, and intimate setting, this tour is a must-do for wine enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
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Street Food & Wine Pairing Kadikoy Evening Tour
Explore the vibrant Kadıköy neighborhood on the Street Food & Wine Pairing Kadikoy Evening Tour. This unique experience offers a delightful fusion of local street food and quality Turkish wines.
Led by a private culinary guide, you’ll embark on a journey through the lively streets, sampling handpicked pairings that showcase the best of Istanbul’s flavors.
The tour includes four glasses of local wines, expertly matched with the diverse street food offerings. Discover the rich cultural heritage and modern culinary scene of Kadıköy as you delight your senses.
With a 5.0 average rating from 16 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must-try for any food and wine enthusiast visiting Istanbul.
Accessible by wheelchair and stroller, the tour can be conveniently arranged with pickup from select areas or at the meeting point.
Priced from €185.00 per person, this experience offers a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Read our full review: Street Food & Wine Pairing Kadikoy Evening Tour Review
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Istanbul: Wine and Paint Workshop With Turkish Fabrics
Enjoy the vibrant artistic culture of Istanbul during the Istanbul: Wine and Paint Workshop With Turkish Fabrics. This 2.5-hour experience allows you to unlock your creativity in the home of a local, where you’ll learn to blend Turkish fabrics with abstract painting techniques.
As you sip two glasses of exquisite local wine, you’ll create a masterpiece to take home, engaging with Istanbul’s rich culture and traditions.
The workshop is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Conducted in English, the activity provides a unique opportunity to step into the everyday life of an Istanbul resident.
Between painting strokes, you’ll sip tea or Turkish coffee while gaining insights into the local culture. With inclusions like the wine, coffee, and tea, this workshop offers an unparalleled way to learn about Turkish art and tradition.
Don’t miss this chance to discover a new side of Istanbul.
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Istanbul: Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht
Elevate your Istanbul experience with the Istanbul: Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht. This exclusive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the finest Turkish wines while taking in the stunning Bosphorus scenery.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,875 reviews, the 2-3 hour experience allows you to savor a selection of premium wines paired with delectable Turkish hors d’oeuvres.
Sit back and relax on a private yacht as you cruise along the Bosphorus, with breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks. The tour includes round-trip transportation, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
At Kč 190 per person, this luxurious wine tasting is a must-try for oenophiles and sightseers alike. Enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Istanbul while elevating your palate with the finest Turkish vintages.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to elevate your Istanbul adventure.
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Full-Day Wine Tour From Istanbul
For those seeking to venture beyond Istanbul’s bustling streets and enjoy the rich winemaking heritage of the Thrace region, the Full-Day Wine Tour from Istanbul offers an exceptional opportunity.
This guided tour takes visitors to three classic wineries, where they can sample a variety of wines, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, zinfandel, and riesling.
The tour departs from Istanbul at 8:00 AM and includes stops at Poyrali village, Chamlija Winery, Vino Dessera, and Chateau Nuzun.
Travelers will enjoy a lunch with unlimited wine, as well as the chance to learn about wine production and ideal food pairings from the knowledgeable tour guide.
The tour is accessible for most travelers, with hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and gratuities included.
While some past participants noted long travel times between wineries, the overall experience is highly rated, with highlights including the quality of the wineries and the expertise of the guides.
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Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive culinary and oenological experience in Istanbul can embark on the Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour. This 7-hour excursion allows guests to skip the line and explore the city’s top highlights, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, while indulging in local food and wine tastings.
The tour, which has a 4.4-star rating from 216 reviews, is priced at $82.27 and includes pickup service. Guests will savor traditional Turkish delicacies, such as baklava and Turkish coffee, and sample a variety of wines that showcase the country’s burgeoning wine industry.
The small-group setting ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, who’ll share insights into Istanbul’s rich history and culinary traditions.
Whether you’re a foodie, oenophile, or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, the Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable way to discover the best of Istanbul.
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Bosphorus Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht With Wine
Guests seeking a more intimate and romantic experience on the Bosphorus can embark on the Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht with Wine. This 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait provides the opportunity to pass by Istanbul’s iconic palaces and monuments while enjoying a selection of wine.
The private activity ensures it’s just your group on board, creating a personalized atmosphere. The cruise departs at 5:00 PM from the Egyptian Bazaar, allowing you to witness the stunning sunset over the city. Included are two bottles of wine to be enjoyed throughout the journey.
While dinner isn’t provided, the focus is on the cruise experience itself, with the chance to take in the beauty of Istanbul at night. This experience is highly rated, with 5-star reviews praising the large boat and excellent service.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours prior. The private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus offers an unforgettable way to explore Istanbul’s waterways.
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Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home With Local Family
Although Istanbul is renowned for its stunning historical sites and vibrant cultural attractions, the city also offers a unique opportunity to experience its local wine culture through an intimate wine tasting at a family home.
The “Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home With Local Family” activity allows visitors to explore the diverse Turkish wine offerings in a comfortable and authentic setting. Guests are welcomed into a private residence where they can learn about the country’s wine-making traditions directly from the source.
During the 3-hour experience, you will sample a selection of local wines paired with traditional Turkish meze appetizers. The small-group format encourages interaction with the host family, providing an insider’s perspective on the nuances of Turkish viticulture.
This immersive cultural experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a more personalized and intimate encounter with Istanbul’s thriving gastronomic scene. Priced at €27.11 per person, the activity has earned a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating from 1,267 reviews.
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Istanbul: Wine, Food, and Ottoman Neighborhood Private Tour
For those seeking a more immersive exploration of Istanbul’s vibrant wine culture, the “Istanbul: Wine, Food, and Ottoman Neighborhood Private Tour” offers a comprehensive experience.
This 5-hour small group tour takes visitors on a journey through the historic Fener and Balat neighborhoods, where they’ll discover local wine shops, sample regional wines, and indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour provides an insider’s perspective on the city’s winemaking traditions and the influence of Ottoman heritage.
Guests will visit a family-owned winery, exploring the production process and tasting a selection of expertly crafted wines.
The tour also includes stops at specialty food purveyors, where participants can savor authentic Turkish delicacies and learn about the region’s culinary traditions.
At Kč 2,529 per person, this immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Istanbul’s vibrant wine and food culture, providing a memorable and educational journey through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
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The Sum Up
Istanbul offers a diverse array of wine tours and experiences. From private tastings at local wineries to sunset cruises with panoramic views, wine enthusiasts can explore the city’s vibrant wine scene. Whether you prefer a guided food and wine pairing tour or a hands-on workshop, Istanbul has something to suit every wine lover’s interests and preferences.