Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world—so it only makes sense that its largest city would be home to some pretty decent wine bars and wine-focused restaurants with great local wine.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that the importation fees and markups on international wine and booze in Turkey, in general, are quite high—which is another reason why we suggest focusing on wine bars that serve local wine over, say, French or Italian options.
Looking for the best spots to sample Turkish wine? Here are five of the best wine bars in Istanbul—the following addresses range from cozy local spots on the Asian side to bigger bars just adjacent to the more popular tourist attractions on the European side of the city so you can sample great wine wherever you find yourself.
Wayana Wine Bar in Kadıköy is widely considered to be the best wine bar in the city—and once you arrive it’ll be easy to see why. The compact indoor-outdoor venue has a solid small plate menu and it’s the only wine bar in the city that offers every single wine on its wine list by the glass; it’s a great way to get to know your favorite grapes if you’re still getting to know Turkish wine!
Solera Winery on Yeni Çarşı in Beyoğlu is exactly what most folks conjure up when envisioning a classic wine bar. The dimly lit and cozy atmosphere is coupled with a chalk board menu and highly knowledgable sommeliers available to guide you throughout the evening. The quaint space is also one of the more affordable spots in Istanbul for ordering wine by the glass or the bottle.
Tucked into Şişhane, Comedus is a wine bar and shop where you’ll find a great selection of local and international wine and beer for sale by the bottle. The charming space also has a handful of tables where you’re welcomed to enjoy a glass of wine and sample some of the shop’s best cheeses and charcuteries.
Viktor Levi Şarap Evi in Kadıköy is a charming spot for casual eats on the Asian side of the city. The wine bar and restaurant has a sprawling outdoor garden and patio that makes this a top spot for cozy date nights. Keep in mind that this spot serves its own Viktor Levi wine—so if there’s a specific label you’re looking for, you might have better luck at one of the other options on the list.
If you’re short on time in the city and are hoping to find a wine bar that isn’t too far from the main tourist hot spots, you’ll want to check out Vigneron Wine House. The cozy cave-like bar is just around the corner from the Galata Tower and offers a great selection of local wine by the bottle and glass. There’s also a great sharing menu if you’re in the mood for nibbles with your vino.
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Good hotels are in the business of cherishing their guests. Hotels - at the highest end - are all about curation, which makes the products they sell in their shops particularly desirable, whether fashion, furnishings or art. Here are some presents that every mother will love.
An amazing part of traveling is discovering a new place, but there’s something special about returning to a beloved destination—which also speaks volumes about what makes a place stand out as one of the best.
That hottest club in town is Cookbook Club! And whether mom is in one right now, thinking or starting one or joining one, these gifts will help her prep for the most delicious social gathering of the 2020s. Prepare to be lauded as the best child (or spouse) of this cookbook club member, because these gifts are perfect.
The 60th edition of the art extravaganza that’s the Venice Biennale runs until 24 November at the two main venues Giardini and Arsenale. as well as countless offsite locations, official and unofficial. There are 88 National participations this year, with four countries participating for the first time: Republic of Benin, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. Here are eleven of the must see country pavilions.
Fragrance is superb at creating a sense of place - and they are powerful sensory weapons for luxury hotels. Whether it’s a flickering, highly fragranced reminder of a perfect holiday, a signal of a forthcoming trip or an opportunity to dip into a beautifully curated world, these candles will help your mother dream of her next vacation.
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I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.
Istanbul has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world—there’s no denying it. The sky itself seems to be in a permanent state of golden hour periwinkle blue while the mosques and monuments that dot the landscape offer endless picture-perfect sights to soak in.
Finding a great bookstore while traveling can be just as satisfying as spending the day at a beloved museum or sacred monument—and that’s certainly the case in Istanbul. The city is packed with hidden second-hand bookstores and flea market-style book alleys. The thing is—the majority of these places sell books written in Turkish, which, while beautiful to look at, mightn’t be the most practical if you’re looking for something to bring back to your hotel and read (unless of course, you speak Turkish).
Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar was just named the best airport in the world in the 2024 Skytrax awards, knocking 12-time winner Singapore Changi Airport down to second place.
I didn’t mind that it was raining when I arrived in Cannes on a Tuesday afternoon in November. Strolling the small city on the French Riviera, best known for its annual celeb-studded film festival, I appreciated the sleepy beaches; the warm, salty breeze; the dearth of crowds or waits to be seated at restaurants. That evening at Le Fouquet's brasserie, as rain pitter-pattered on the ceiling of the heated terrace, the sommelier poured me a chilly Chablis to go with my crispy seared scallops. “Romantic, isn’t it?” he asked. I couldn’t help but agree.
Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast to the south of Valencia, Villajoyosa has been named the “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024,” according to European Best Destinations, which has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year. The best secret destinations in Europe is a ranking that recognizes hidden corners, spots far from the crowds, beautiful villages lost in time, and places where some of Europe’s natural beauty can be experienced by simply taking a short walk.