Restaurants Carry Türkiye's Heritage Grapes to The Future

"Founded eight years ago with a wine list composed solely of local wines, this restaurant carries its motto—“We believe that those who do not know and protect their traditions cannot have a future”—into both glass and plate, pouring wines from every region of Türkiye. Pairing menus match dishes exclusively with wines from local grapes, and a newly designed second pairing menu adds global grapes cultivated in Türkiye; as new wines appear, new pairings emerge and the visibility of local grapes grows day by day. Overseen since day one by co-founder Erim Leblebicioğlu, the list holds over 200 local wines, roughly half made from local grape varieties, embraces natural wines in response to guest demand, and highlights terroir differences—think İçli köfte dumplings with Çalkarası and Kalecik Karası, or olive oil braised Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut with Ak Üzüm." - MICHELIN Guide