Kavaklıdere: Turkey's Pioneering Wine Dynasty

Kavaklıdere was founded in 1929 by Cenap And (1894,1982) and his wife Sevda And in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood of Ankara. As Turkey's first private sector wine producer, the winery established a legacy that now stretches across four generations of family ownership. Urbanization around Ankara prompted a relocation of operations to Akyurt in 1987. The founder's brother, diplomat İnsan Tunalı, later joined and strengthened management, helping guide the company through decades of growth.

• Established 1929 in Ankara, the first private wine producer in Turkey
• Relocated main production facility to Akyurt in 1987 due to urban expansion
• Now in fourth generation of family ownership
• Diplomat İnsan Tunalı joined to reinforce leadership and management

The winery manages 650 to 750 hectares spread across seven distinct sub-regions in Anatolia. The Ankara and Akyurt vineyards sit at around 918 meters elevation under a continental climate with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The Cappadocian Côtes d'Avanos vineyards, established in 2003, reach 900 to 950 meters and feature volcanic tuff soils that deliver mineral complexity to the wines. The Aegean Pendore facility, opened in 2005, sits at elevations up to 450 meters and benefits from Mediterranean climatic influences.

• Ankara/Akyurt vineyards at approximately 918m with continental climate
• Cappadocia/Côtes d'Avanos at 900,950m on mineral-rich volcanic tuff soils
• Pendore in the Aegean at up to 450m with Mediterranean influence
• Three production facilities: Akyurt (1987), Côtes d'Avanos (2003), Pendore (2005)

Kavaklıdere works with a broad range of both indigenous Anatolian varieties and international grapes. Native varieties include Kalecik Karası, Narince, Emir, Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, and Sultaniye. International grapes in the portfolio include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The resulting portfolio spans red blends, whites, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines, with over 60 different labels in production.

• Indigenous varieties include Kalecik Karası, Narince, Emir, Öküzgözü, and Boğazkere
• International varieties include Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo
• Portfolio covers red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wine styles
• 60-plus wines produced across various labels and price tiers

One of Kavaklıdere's most significant contributions to Turkish wine culture is its role in rescuing Kalecik Karası from near-extinction during the 1990s. This indigenous red grape, native to the Kalecik district north of Ankara, had dwindled to near oblivion before the winery championed its revival. Today, Kalecik Karası is recognized as one of Turkey's most promising and characterful native varieties. Kavaklıdere's commitment to indigenous grapes has helped establish a distinct identity for Turkish wine on the international stage.

• Rescued Kalecik Karası from near-extinction in the 1990s
• Kalecik Karası originates from the Kalecik district north of Ankara
• Pioneered the broader preservation of indigenous Turkish grape varieties
• Efforts helped define a distinct national identity for Turkish wine internationally

Kavaklıdere became the first Turkish winery to acquire estates in France with the purchase of Château La Croix Lartigue in 2016, followed by Château Claud-Bellevue in 2019, both located in Bordeaux. These acquisitions mark a significant milestone in the winery's international ambitions. The winery now exports approximately 20% of its 19.5 million liter annual production to over 40 countries, bringing Turkish wine, and particularly indigenous Anatolian varieties, to a global audience.

• First Turkish winery to acquire French estates, starting with Bordeaux in 2016
• Château La Croix Lartigue acquired 2016; Château Claud-Bellevue acquired 2019
• Exports 20% of production to over 40 countries worldwide
• Annual production capacity of 19.5 million liters