Where is Urla Karası grown?

Cultivation is largely confined to the Urla peninsula and nearby parts of Izmir province, on a small number of estates — making it one of Türkiye's least-planted indigenous reds.

How was Urla Karası rediscovered?

Producers along the Urla wine route surveyed the peninsula's old vines, propagated cuttings, and re-established commercial plantings — restoring a variety that had nearly disappeared.

What style of wine does it produce?

Typically medium- to full-bodied reds with dark fruit and a spicy lift, bottled as a single varietal or blended with Karasakız.

Urla Karası Grape — Vitikultur

Urla Karası

Red grape

Spiced • Structured

Aegean 3 wineries

Urla Karası is a black grape native to the Urla peninsula on the Aegean coast. Once close to vanishing, it has been preserved and brought back into commercial cultivation by producers along the Urla wine route.

Adapted to volcanic and rocky soils, Aegean breezes, and the cool nights of the peninsula, it is grown on relatively few estates — a distinguishing variety of the region.

Type: Red grape
Origin: Aegean
Profile: Medium to high tannin, dark fruit, distinctive spice
Best experienced in: Urla peninsula, Aegean coast
Pairs with: Grilled meats, spring lamb with artichoke

Growing conditions

Medium to high tannin, dark-fruited character, and a distinctive spicy note. Adapts well to volcanic tuff and stony calcareous soils; gains depth on sites with strong day-night temperature swings.

Where it's grown

Aegean

Stretching from the Urla peninsula to the island of Bozcaada, the Aegean coast is one of Anatolia's deepest viticultural landscapes — volcanic soils, cooling sea breezes, and indigenous varieties like Bornova Misketi and Urla Karası shape the region's terroir. Boutique wineries offer tastings, vineyard tours, and on-site stays.

Key grape varieties: Bornova Misketi, Urla Karası, Sultaniye
wineries: 31

Producers growing this grape

Aegean · Urla

Urla Şarapçılık

A pioneering Urla peninsula estate that helped revive the area's indigenous-grape tradition. Vineyard tours, tastings, and a shop are open to visitors year-round.

Grape varieties: Bornova Misketi, Urla Karası, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Aegean · Urla

Urlice Bağı

A landmark stop on the Urla wine route, with vineyard tours, a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant, and on-site events.

Grape varieties: Urla Karası, Bornova Misketi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Aegean · Urla

USCA Bağcılık

A small-batch Urla producer focused on indigenous and rediscovered Anatolian grapes. Visits are by appointment and centered on the vineyard itself.

Grape varieties: Urla Karası, Bornova Misketi, Foça Karası, Cabernet Franc

Frequently asked questions

Where is Urla Karası grown?: Cultivation is largely confined to the Urla peninsula and nearby parts of Izmir province, on a small number of estates — making it one of Türkiye's least-planted indigenous reds.
How was Urla Karası rediscovered?: Producers along the Urla wine route surveyed the peninsula's old vines, propagated cuttings, and re-established commercial plantings — restoring a variety that had nearly disappeared.
What style of wine does it produce?: Typically medium- to full-bodied reds with dark fruit and a spicy lift, bottled as a single varietal or blended with Karasakız.

Last reviewed: May 15, 2026

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