Istanbul

A Conversation with Resit Soley

Preserving Heritage and Nurturing Culture

Q: Importance of Vinegrowing

R. Soley: Turkey, specifically the Anatolian Peninsula, is the cradle of vinegrowing and wine production. Stretching from southern Georgia to Armenia, Iran, Mesopotamia Resit Soley’s Mission in Turkish Viniculture, and aligning with the western regions, this area produces the finest grapes. The climate imparts unique characteristics to the grapes, making Anatolia a viticultural treasure. Despite possessing the world’s 4th or 5th largest vineyards, Turkey struggles to unlock the full potential of this valuable resource. Vinegrowing is not just a practice; it’s a cultural heritage that demands experience, patience, dedication, and a deep connection to the land. Unfortunately, these traditions are eroding as commercial paths gain prominence and younger generations lose interest in th

Preserving Heritage and Quality

Elevated to the Advisory Board Focused on Turkish Wine Culture

Resit Soley, elected to the Advisory Board of the Wine Culture Project in Turkey, is actively engaged in promoting and preserving the rich wine heritage of the country.

Q: What role do you play in Turkish viniculture, and what initiatives are you involved in?

Resit Soley: Corvus, recognized by The Guardian Newspaper among the top ten vineyards globally worth visiting, signifies acknowledgment of our efforts. Ertugrul Ozkok, in one of his articles, stated, “I make peace with Turkish wines,” highlighting the growing acceptance of Turkish wines. While we concentrate on vinegrowing, we are equally committed to producing exceptional wines. In our first harvest, we proudly crafted the best wines in Turkey, a result of the favorable island microclimate and advanced technology. However, the essence lies in continuous dedicated efforts Read more

Corvus Vineyards’ Journey

Bozcaada A Haven for Vineyards

Architect Resit Soley embarked on a mission in 2002 – to revive Bozcaada’s ancient wine and vineyard culture, which boasts a rich history spanning 3,000 years. His vision goes beyond creating the best “white” wine in Turkey The Essence of Vinegrowing; it’s about restoring Turkish wine and vineyard culture to its rightful place on the global stage.

Forgotten Heritage The Decline of Turkish Wine

The origins of wine, produced through grape fermentation, are lost in the annals of time. However, Anatolian lands, where this culture thrived millions of years ago, have witnessed its decline and, in some ways, destruction. Illicit development, religious pressures, commercial interests, misuse of pesticides, and a disconnect from cultural roots have hampered Turkey’s ability to harness its viticultural potential. Yet, there