Cappadocia Vineyards
Cappadocia is a region with very extensive vineyards. Anatolia is known to be the homeland of the grape. In the Cappadocia region, grape growing dates back to prehistoric times. Cappadocia’s vineyards are places where you can see this thousands-of-years-old growing tradition and, at the same time, taste more than 10 varieties grown in the region. Visiting the vineyards, especially in season, will be a wonderful experience, both as a feast of flavors and for the festival atmosphere during the grape harvest.
Although the people of the region turned to potato farming in recent times, they later returned to viticulture. The grapes grown in this area are largely used as a staple product. They are consumed as fresh fruit, used in making vinegar and grape juice, used in the pharmaceutical sector, and used for wine production. In addition, 30% of all black grape consumption is in the form of raisins. Of course, attention is paid to the variety of grape according to its intended use. For example, the variety preferred for winemaking is the Emir. This grape variety makes up one tenth of the grapes grown in the region. It usually ripens in autumn, around September. It took the name Emir because it was the raw material of a drink particularly favored by rulers. The Emir grape is very well suited to winemaking. This variety is especially preferred for producing sparkling wines.
In the region, there are small factories as well as individual workshops producing wine. In parallel with the development of wine production in Turkey, interest in the region’s grape production has also grown. This increased interest in grapes has centered mostly on the red Kalecik Karası and Papaz Karası varieties, and on the white Narince variety.
Ürgüp Grape Harvest Festival
In Nevşehir, grape growing is done mostly in Ürgüp. As we mentioned above, the grapes grown in this area are better suited to winemaking. Of course, the period when these grapes suitable for winemaking begin to be picked is also important. This period, when the grapes begin to be gathered from the vineyards, is called the grape harvest, or “bağbozumu”. The harvest usually takes place after the first two weeks of September have passed. The event begins with a traditional cortege procession. The festival then continues with folk dances and performances. In the later hours, the wine tastings begin. It is possible to experience a wide range of different wines at the Ürgüp Grape Harvest Festival. If you want to share this experience with the producers in Cappadocia, you will need to plan your trip for mid-September. Local companies will also help you take part in these festivals. I attended such an event through MDC Hotel. It really is a festival with a vibrancy you won’t see anywhere else. Watching the sunset with the energy of the festival while tasting wine with your loved ones is a unique feeling.
