Istanbul’s unique position straddling two continents makes it a fascinating place for wine lovers. The city’s rich history blends seamlessly with its growing wine scene, offering everything from scenic boat cruises with wine to intimate private tastings. Among the standout experiences are the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Wine, Feel Special On A Luxury Yacht, where you can sip a glass while watching the sunset over Istanbul’s iconic skyline, and small group yacht tours that combine history, scenery, and unlimited wine. These tours are perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, luxurious way to see the city from a different perspective.
Istanbul’s wine tours cover a wide range of experiences, from luxury yacht cruises and private tastings at city wineries, to street food pairing adventures on the Asian side. Whether you’re after a quick sunset sip or a full day of exploring Turkey’s indigenous grape varieties, there’s something here for every taste and budget. The city’s food and wine scene is constantly evolving, making it an exciting destination for wine aficionados and casual sippers alike.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top wine tours in Istanbul, each with its own charm. We’ve included options for different interests, from luxury yachting to educational tastings and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a full-day adventure, this guide will help you pick the right tour for your Istanbul trip.
1. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Wine, Feel Special On A Luxury Yacht
At number 1, this luxury yacht cruise offers a beautifully curated experience with unbeatable views of Istanbul’s skyline. For around $64, you’ll sail along the Bosphorus for about 2 hours 15 minutes, passing landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge. The highlight here is watching the sunset while sipping included soft drinks and snacking on canapés and fruits. The onboard live commentary enriches your understanding of Istanbul’s fascinating history.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting, limited to 25 guests, and the chance to relax on a luxury yacht. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the snacks and drinks. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a romantic, scenic experience with a touch of elegance. Keep in mind, if you want a more social vibe, larger groups might feel less personal.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those wanting a scenic, relaxed evening with good wine and stunning views, especially couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion.
2. Istanbul: Small Group Yacht Tour with Unlimited Wine
Number 2 on our list is a small group yacht tour that emphasizes intimacy and local storytelling. For $61 per person, you’ll enjoy about 2 hours exploring the Bosphorus, passing major sights like Rumeli Fortress, Kucuksu Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge. The tour features unlimited wine and snacks, making it a fantastic way to relax and socialize.
This experience is praised for its personalized approach and local insights. Guests love the generous wine pours and the opportunity to meet new friends in a cozy environment. The tour begins from two different locations, allowing flexibility for travelers. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts who want a laid-back day combining sightseeing and tasting.
Bottom Line: Great for those who prefer a smaller, more personal tour with unlimited wine, and who want to learn about Istanbul’s landmarks from a local perspective.
3. Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries
At number 3, this private tour offers an exclusive experience exploring three city wineries with a certified wine expert. For $208, you get about 3.5 hours of tasting six curated wines, accompanied by local bites and cheese. Your personal sommelier will explain Turkey’s native grape varieties and the wine-making traditions behind them.
What elevates this tour is its personalized approach and in-depth focus on Turkish wine. Guests rave about the guide Andrea’s knowledge and friendliness, making it ideal for wine lovers who want a deeper understanding of Turkey’s wine culture. It’s a highly curated experience perfect for small groups or couples.
Bottom Line: A top pick if you’re interested in learning about indigenous grapes and tasting Turkish wines in an intimate setting. Best suited for serious wine enthusiasts or those wanting a private experience.
4. Street Food & Wine Pairing Kadikoy Evening Tour
Number 4 is a food-focused experience that combines street food with wine pairing on Istanbul’s Asian side. For around $219, this 4-hour tour takes you through Kadikoy’s vibrant streets, with stops at Moda Park, Yeldegirmeni neighborhood, and the open market. The highlight is tasting local foods paired with four wines, carefully selected to complement the flavors.
This tour provides a full sensory experience, with walks through lively neighborhoods, tasting local delicacies, and enjoying the sunset at Moda Seafront. Guests love the authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to meet locals. It’s perfect for foodies who want a culinary journey combined with wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to explore Istanbul’s vibrant street life and enjoy authentic local cuisine and wine, especially on the Asian side.
5. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Snacks and Wine
Number 5 offers a relaxed 135-minute sunset cruise that’s perfect for a quick escape into scenic vistas. For only $55, you’ll float past landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace and the Ortakoy Mosque, with a glass of wine in hand as the sun dips below the horizon. The cruise includes snacks and live commentary, enhancing the experience.
Guests describe it as a pleasant and affordable option, with an emphasis on spectacular sunset views and casual elegance. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting a short, scenic outing without too much fuss.
Bottom Line: A good value for a short but scenic sunset cruise with wine, especially if you’re short on time but want to enjoy Istanbul from the water.
6. Istanbul Art Escape Wine and Paint at Local’s Home
Number 6 combines art and wine in a unique setting—inside a local resident’s home. For $48, you get a 2.5-hour art workshop where you paint abstract art using Turkish fabrics, all while enjoying wine. It’s a casual, interactive experience that immerses you in local culture.
Guests highlight the warm hospitality and the chance to create a personal piece of art, making it very memorable. It’s perfect for creative travelers or those wanting a relaxed cultural experience. Keep in mind, this isn’t a traditional winery visit but a local home experience.
Bottom Line: A great option if you want a hands-on, cultural activity with wine, especially for art lovers and curious explorers.
7. Bosphorus Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht with Wine
Number 7 offers a private sunset cruise for up to six people on a luxury yacht at $500 total. This is the most exclusive experience, with a 2-hour 15-minute cruise featuring passing by palaces and mansions like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, plus a bottle of wine included.
This tour is tailored for romantic couples or those celebrating special occasions. Reviews mention the romantic setting and well-organized itinerary. Since it’s private, it’s perfect for a personalized experience, but it does come at a higher price point.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, luxury experience with privacy and a focus on romance.
8. Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Tour With Wine and Music
Number 8 is a musical sunset cruise that combines stunning views with a relaxing soundtrack. For $42, you enjoy a 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus, passing landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, with wine and onboard music creating a cozy atmosphere.
This tour has a casual, enjoyable vibe and is praised for its personalized approach. It’s ideal for music lovers and those wanting a laid-back way to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re after a musical, scenic cruise that’s lighthearted and intimate.
9. Full-Day Wine Tour from Istanbul
At number 9, this full-day guided tour ventures into Thrace, visiting three wineries in the Kirklareli region. For about $457, you’ll spend 12 hours exploring the local vineyards and tasting up to 12 wines, including varietals like merlot, cabernet, and zinfandel.
Guests praise the tour for its comprehensive itinerary, expert guide, and the chance to see Turkish wine country firsthand. It’s best for serious wine enthusiasts willing to spend the day traveling outside the city. Note that the long drive might not suit everyone.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for dedicated wine lovers wanting to explore Turkey’s wine regions on a full-day excursion.
10. Istanbul: Wine Tasting with Indigenous Local Varieties
Number 10 offers a focused tasting event, showcasing Turkey’s 1,459 grape varieties, with 78 used for winemaking. For $50, you sample endemic and international wines for about 1.5 hours, gaining insight into Turkey’s native grapes.
While this experience has only a single review, it’s a great choice for those curious about indigenous wines and natural varieties. It’s a short, educational session ideal for wine geeks or adventurous tasters.
Bottom Line: Great for curious wine lovers wanting to explore Turkey’s native grape varieties in a concise session.
11. Istanbul: Wine and Paint Workshop with Turkish Fabrics
This interactive art workshop combines painting and Turkish fabrics, while enjoying a glass of wine. For $57, you learn to create abstract art in a local home setting over 2.5 hours.
Guests love the creative atmosphere and the chance to take home a piece of Turkish art. It’s perfect for art lovers or those wanting a relaxed cultural activity away from traditional tours. Note that it’s not a winery visit, but a cultural craft experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creative travelers who want to learn about Turkish textiles and art while enjoying wine in a friendly environment.
12. Turkish Wines Tasting: Endemic and Local Wines of Turkey
Number 12 showcases both endemic and international varieties, with a focus on native Turkish grapes. For $50, you taste six wines from 72 indigenous grape varieties, offering a broad perspective on Turkey’s wine landscape.
While reviews are limited, this experience is best suited for serious wine enthusiasts interested in discovering Turkey’s endemic wines. It’s a short session, perfect for those with limited time but a desire to broaden their wine horizons.
Bottom Line: A solid option for wine lovers eager to explore Turkey’s native grape varieties and diverse wine production.
How to Choose Your Ideal Wine Experience in Istanbul
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re after romantic scenery, the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Wine offers unmatched views and elegance. For a more personalized touch, the Small Group Yacht Tour and Private Sunset Cruise give you more intimacy and flexibility.
Those interested in learning about Turkish wines should consider private tastings or the Full-Day Wine Tour, which takes you beyond the city to Turkey’s wine regions. If you love food and wine pairing and want to explore Istanbul’s culinary scene, the Street Food & Wine Pairing tour on the Asian side is a lively, flavorful choice.
For a creative twist, the Wine and Paint Workshop offers a relaxing way to enjoy Turkish culture through art. And for adventurous wine geeks, the Indigenous Varieties Tasting provides a focused look at Turkey’s native grapes.
Final Thoughts
Istanbul’s diverse wine scene offers something for every traveler. From luxury yacht cruises to educational tastings and lively street food pairings, this city proves that wine is an essential part of its culture. For special occasions or romantic evenings, the private yacht cruises are unbeatable, while small group tours balance fun and learning with intimacy.
If you’re a serious wine lover, don’t miss the full-day winery trips or indigenous grape tastings. For casual visitors, the sunset cruises and art workshops provide memorable, authentic experiences without breaking the bank. Book early, especially for popular dates or private options, to secure your preferred tour. Whatever your style, Istanbul’s wine tours promise a flavorful way to explore this endlessly fascinating city.