The wind-swept lands of Çanakkale and Bozcaada have been one of the Aegean’s most characteristic viticulture centers since antiquity. This mythological geography, echoing in the verses of Homer and shaped in the Iliad, carries the memory of Anatolian viticulture to the present by tracing the roots of grapes and wine for thousands of years.
This rich heritage is the fundamental element shaping the soul of the Troy Wine Route. While preserving traditional varieties inherited from ancient times, the producers forming the route aim to transform the region into an international oenotourism center by processing the unique terroir of the island and the mainland with modern techniques.
Indigenous varieties grown in the lands of Troy are the most characteristic ambassadors of this viticultural memory:
Bozcaada Çavuşu & Vasilaki: Bozcaada Çavuşu, which received a geographical indication in 2020, is the cultural symbol of the island with its large berries and rich aromatic profile. Together with the early-ripening Vasilaki, they represent the region's low-acidity, light, and aromatic white character. From dry to passito styles, these whites carry the fresh breezes of the Troad to the glass.
Kuntra (Karasakız): Flourishing on the Bayramiç and Bozcaada line, Kuntra stands out with notes of red cherry and redcurrant. With its light body, low tannins, and smooth-drinking structure, it is the legacy at the center of elegant and young red wines, reflecting the "refined red identity" of the Troad.
Karalahna: As the most robust and structured character of Bozcaada, Karalahna offers a depth woven with black fruits, spices, and earthy tones. With its high tannins, full body, and suitability for long aging, it represents the "structure and depth" element of Troas viticulture.
The Troy Wine Route is not just a production line; it is an uninterrupted cultural memory stretching from ancient times to the present. Acting with a focus on preserving the local grape heritage, it aims to secure the region's place within the international viticulture and tourism ecosystem. Integrating gastronomy, accommodation, and cultural depth into a single pot, this structure carries the Troad geography beyond being just a route, transforming it into a dynamic and globally recognized cultural basin that bridges the traces of the past with the life of today.
Today, these vineyards combine the mythology of the past with the innovative spirit of modern winemaking. Each glass is the most delicious expression of a settled culture of thousands of years and a resilient tradition rooted in these lands.
