Geographically, Turkey is among the most suitable countries in the world for wine grape vineyards. With its 516000 hectares of vineyard, Turkey is the fourth largest grape growing country in the world. 2% of Turkey’s agricultural lands are covered by vineyards. The yielded product value is around 30% of total fruit production.

It is estimated that approximately 40% of Turkey’s grape production is set aside for raisin, 35% for consumption of fresh grapes and 3% for wine production; and the rest is used for the production of traditional products.

Large amounts of wine had been produced for limited local consumption. But in recent years Turkey is gradually finding a niche in the world market. Turkey has positioned itself with high quality wine from indigenous local grape varieties, such as indigenous red Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Kalecik Karası and white Narince, Emir. Moreover, there are plantings of some French grapes, and even Pinot Noir and Reisling.

Turkish wine producers are providing new dimensions for the Cabernet and Chardonnay saturated international markets. Turkish wines are generally heavy and too alcoholic.

Wine grape production is concentrated in provinces such as; Canakkale, Tekirdag, Manisa, İzmir, Ankara, Denizli, Kirsehir, Nevsehir, Gaziantep, Elazig and Diyarbakir.  Governmental regulations designated certain provinces as suitable for viticulture and determined the specifications of vineyards in terms of regional variety and registration.