Istanbul isn’t just a city of stunning mosques, bustling bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods—it’s also a surprisingly good place for wine tasting and wine tours. Thanks to its location bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a mix of traditional wineries, scenic boat trips, and local home experiences. We love the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Wine for its combination of iconic views and relaxed elegance, as well as the Small Group Yacht Tour for its personalized vibe and unlimited wine. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset, a private tasting, or an energetic street food pairing, Istanbul’s wine scene has something to offer.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of wine experiences in Istanbul: scenic sunset boat cruises, intimate private tastings in local wineries, and lively street food and wine pairing tours. Some of the standout options include luxury yacht cruises that showcase Istanbul’s skyline and historical sites, as well as private home tastings where you get to meet local families and learn about Turkish wine culture firsthand. For a more educational approach, the Private Winery Tour offers a deep dive into native grapes and regional winemaking traditions. Explore the detailed reviews and descriptions below to find the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Wine, Feel Special On A Luxury Yacht
At number 1, this luxury yacht cruise offers an elegant way to see Istanbul’s skyline while sipping wine. Priced at around $64 per person, it’s a two-hour, fifteen-minute ride that departs in the evening—just in time to watch the sunset over the Bosphorus. The boat can hold up to 25 passengers, making it intimate but comfortable. As you glide past landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and the Bosporus Bridge, you’ll enjoy onboard soft drinks, canapés, and fruits. The live onboard commentary enhances the experience with stories about the city’s history and architecture. The reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and the relaxing vibe. This tour suits couples and small groups who want a refined, scenic experience with easy-going wine and snacks.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a romantic, stylish way to watch the sunset and learn about Istanbul’s sights, this cruise delivers. It’s priced well for the quality of the yacht and the views.
2. Istanbul: Small Group Yacht Tour with Unlimited Wine
Ranked second, this small group yacht tour combines a personalized, relaxed environment with unlimited wine and local snacks. Starting at about $61, the tour lasts roughly two hours. The tour departs from two locations and includes multiple stops along the Bosphorus—viewing palaces, mosques, and bridges like the Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Highlights include photo stops at Ortaköy and Hagia Sophia, with fresh local snacks to accompany the generous wine. Guests praise the friendly guide Simon and the intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for small groups of friends or couples seeking a more casual but still scenic experience.
This tour is perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing with plenty of wine, in a cozy setting. The reviews note it’s a “more enjoyable” alternative to larger boat cruises, with the added bonus of being able to chat comfortably.
Bottom Line: For around $60, this tour offers a personalized, fun way to enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus with unlimited wine and insider stories.
3. Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries
Number 3 on our list is a private, guided winery tour that takes you to three city wineries with certified wine experts. For approximately $208, you get about three and a half hours of tasting six carefully selected wines—covering local grapes, regional varieties, and cheese pairings. Your private sommelier shares insights about Turkey’s unique winemaking traditions, native grapes, and regional differences. Guests rave about Andrea, who is both knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience engaging and personal. The tour includes local bites and a chance to learn about the history and culture behind Turkish wines.
This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts wanting an in-depth, tailored tasting and a more relaxed, educational atmosphere. The price reflects its exclusivity, and reviews praise the quality of the wines and the expertise of the guide.
Bottom Line: If you’re serious about Turkish wines and prefer a private, in-depth experience, this tour offers excellent value and personalized attention.
4. Street Food & Wine Pairing Kadikoy Evening Tour
Number 4 features a food and wine pairing tour on Istanbul’s Asian side, priced at about $219 for four hours. This tour stands out as the only one combining street food with wine in a lively neighborhood setting. Walking through Kadikoy, you’ll explore local markets, enjoy sunset views at Moda Park, and sample four wines paired with street foods like stuffed mussels and other regional delicacies. The guide Aysenur shares stories about the local neighborhood, and guests love how authentic and flavorful the experience is. It’s perfect for foodies who want to enjoy Istanbul’s modern culinary scene alongside traditional flavors, all in a friendly, upbeat environment.
This tour is particularly suitable for those seeking a dynamic, immersive experience that combines culture, food, and wine. It’s longer and more energetic than a cruise, making it ideal for adventurous travelers.
Bottom Line: For a lively, flavor-packed evening with local food and wines, this tour delivers a true taste of Istanbul’s vibrant street scene.
5. Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Snacks and Wine
Number 5, this sunset cruise offers a more budget-friendly option, at $55 for about 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll relax aboard a boat with limited passengers, watching the sun set over both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. As you drift past landmarks like the Ortaköy Mosque and the Maiden’s Tower, you’ll sip on free wine and enjoy snacks. The reviews describe it as a “nice and pleasant cruise” with good wine and a friendly host. It’s a straightforward, scenic experience perfect for those who want a relaxing evening without a lot of fuss.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a simple, affordable way to enjoy Istanbul at sunset with wine, this cruise offers good value and peaceful scenery.
6. Istanbul Art Escape Wine and Paint at Local’s Home
At number 6, this home-based art and wine experience stands out for its cultural authenticity. For around $48, you’re invited into a local Istanbul resident’s home to create abstract art using traditional Turkish fabrics. With a glass of wine in hand, you’ll learn about Turkish culture from your host while producing a personalized masterpiece. Guests appreciate the warm atmosphere and the chance to connect with a local family. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want an intimate, creative experience that combines art, culture, and wine.
Bottom Line: A cozy, culturally enriching activity that’s perfect for those wanting to make a piece of Turkish art while enjoying good company and wine.
7. Istanbul food and wine tasting tour with a local guide
Number 7 is a full-day, private food and wine tour tailored with a local host. Priced at $460 per person, it spans 6 hours exploring both European and Asian sides. The itinerary includes a traditional Turkish breakfast at Rumeli Fortress, a walk through Karakoy’s lively streets, a ferry ride across the Bosphorus, and visits to local markets for sampling regional dishes like stuffed mussels and kokoreç. This tour is perfect for foodies wanting an immersive, personalized experience, with each stop offering insights into Turkish cuisine and wine culture. Reviews highlight the quality of the experience and the expertise of the guides.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive, private day of culinary discovery paired with regional wines, this tour is a premium, highly customizable option.
8. Bosphorus Private Sunset Cruise on a Yacht with Wine
Number 8 offers a luxurious, private sunset cruise for up to 6 people, costing $500. It’s an exclusive experience with an experienced captain, an elegant yacht, and a bottle of wine. The cruise passes important landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace, with options for indoor and outdoor seating. Reviews note the boat’s size and the professional crew, which ensures a comfortable, intimate journey. This is perfect for couples or small groups seeking privacy and a special, scenic setting.
Bottom Line: For a romantic, high-end experience with privacy, this private yacht cruise is hard to beat.
9. Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family
Number 9 is an authentic home wine tasting experience in a local Istanbul family’s living room. At $78 per person, you gain insight into Turkish hospitality, local wines, and stories behind the bottles. The experience emphasizes genuine connections, cultural exchange, and tasting regional wines in a cozy setting. Reviewers love the personal touch and the chance to see a different side of Istanbul life. It’s ideal for those seeking an intimate, cultural experience away from tourist crowds.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a warm, authentic introduction to Turkish wine and hospitality in a home setting.
10. Istanbul Guided and Private Food and Wine Tasting Tour
This extended private food and wine tour offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s culinary scene over 5-6 hours, with a cost of $450. Your guide takes you through historic sites, local markets, and secret eateries, sampling regional dishes and wines like baklava, kokoreç, and Turkish coffee. The tour is highly customizable, tailored to your preferences, and includes visits to both sides of the city. Reviews praise the personalized approach and the quality of culinary discoveries.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive, customizable day of food and wine exploration, this tour suits serious food lovers and those wanting a personalized experience.
$450.00 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a wine experience in Istanbul, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a romantic evening, the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise offers stunning views at a reasonable price. For serious wine enthusiasts, the Private Winery Tour provides an in-depth look at Turkish grapes, while travelers craving local authenticity may prefer the Home Wine Tasting. Budget-conscious visitors can opt for the Budget Sunset Cruise, while those seeking exclusivity should consider the Private Sunset Yacht.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular sunset cruises or private tours, to secure your preferred date and time.
To sum it up, Istanbul offers a wide array of wine tours tailored to different tastes and budgets. For a scenic, romantic experience, the luxury yacht cruise makes a memorable choice. For those wanting a more personal, educational journey into Turkish wines, the private winery tour is unbeatable. And if you’re after a lively, flavorful night, the street food and wine pairing offers true local flavor. Istanbul’s diverse options mean there’s a perfect wine experience awaiting every traveler—just remember to book early!