Restaurants Carry Türkiye's Heritage Grapes to The Future

"Since its foundation in 2005, this restaurant has led the way with an award-winning wine program that spotlights Türkiye’s boutique producers: natural, orange, naturally fermented wines and pet-nats now feature prominently, and the imported list has been pared back to only upper-segment brands as blends from global grapes grown domestically take center stage. Guided from day one by Management Consultant and Wine Coordinator Sabiha Apaydın Gönenli and strongly supported by chef-owner Mehmet Gürs, the list—over 400 items with nearly 290 local wines, about 110 from local grape varieties—gives Turkish wines the widest place and continually opens space for small producers, even pouring premium wines by the glass. Pairings such as lamb with Öküzgözü and Boğazkere or the octopus plate with a light red Kara Sakız make compelling introductions to heritage grapes." - MICHELIN Guide