Umurbey Vineyard & Winehouse

Chris Vannoy
May 6, 2025
5 min read

Umurbey: The Pursuit of Purity: A Sauvignon Blanc Story from Tekirdağ

Map with latitude and longitude, featuring "UMURBEY VINEYARDS" text, horse and cart graphic, and compass rose. Coordinates: 40°55'50"N, 27°25'19"E.

Long before the boutique wine boom spread across Turkey’s coastal and inland valleys, Umurbey Winery had already laid the foundations for what would later become the chateau-style model from France that many now emulate. Founded with a clear vision that great wine begins in the vineyard, Umurbey’s story is one of quiet leadership—focused not on marketing trends or mass expansion, but on precision, patience, and purity of expression.

Though their facilities are not always open to casual visitors—you’ll need to call ahead to arrange a visit—their wines are easily accessed through the Umurbey Winehouse in Tekirdağ, which serves as both a distribution point and tasting center for curious oenophiles. For those seeking authenticity and transparency in wine production, Umurbey stands as a benchmark of dedication.

Chateau-Style Before It Was a Trend

When we talk about “chateau-style” wineries in Turkey today, the term often refers to an estate-based model: vineyards, winemaking, and often hospitality all housed in one integrated location. Umurbey was among the first in Turkey to embrace this model, long before it was trendy.

But at Umurbey, chateau-style isn’t just a label—it’s a philosophy. It’s about controlling every part of the process, from vine to bottle, with the kind of detail that requires both vision and discipline. They don’t buy bulk grapes. They don’t cut corners. Instead, they focus on developing the finest fruit, from their own vineyards, cultivated for optimal flavor and structural integrity.

This singular commitment—to estate-grown quality—remains the cornerstone of everything they do.

The Signature of Sauvignon Blanc

If there is one wine that truly represents the soul of Umurbey Winery, it is their Sauvignon Blanc.

In a country where white wines often take a back seat to the bolder reds, Umurbey’s Sauvignon Blanc makes a clear statement. Crisp, herbaceous, and beautifully aromatic, it’s a wine that manages to feel both international and distinctly local. Its profile leans toward the Loire rather than Marlborough—think grassy notes, lemon zest, green apple, and a subtle minerality that reflects the soils of Tekirdağ.

This is a Sauvignon Blanc for purists, built around freshness, precision, and balance. It’s not overly tropical, nor too lean. It occupies a refreshing middle ground that’s incredibly food-friendly—pairing beautifully with fresh seafood, grilled vegetables, or even creamy Turkish meze like haydari or fava.

In my tastings, it’s among the most elegant white wines produced in Turkey, and perhaps the most serious Sauvignon Blanc currently being made here. That’s not accidental. It’s the result of an early and sustained commitment to cultivating the grape under the right conditions and with the right ethos.

And since 2019 they have also produced a Fume Blanc' from the same excellent grapes but with some oak barrel exposure.

Green wine label with gold text for "Umurbey Vineyards Fumé Blanc 2021, Tekirdağ." Includes serving details, map, 13.6% alcohol, and warnings.

Tekirdağ Terroir: A Region That Rewards Patience

Located in the rolling hills near Tekirdağ, Umurbey benefits from a mild, coastal climate that’s moderated by the Sea of Marmara. Summers are warm, but not oppressive; nights are cooler, thanks to sea breezes and elevation. This diurnal shift preserves acidity in the grapes while allowing full ripeness—a balance that’s crucial, especially for aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc and for structured reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which also form part of Umurbey’s portfolio.

The soils here are typically loamy-clay with good drainage, encouraging root depth and vine resilience. While not as showy or high-altitude as some vineyards in Central Anatolia or the Aegean, the Tekirdağ region rewards winemakers who are patient and precise, who understand how to draw nuance from a steady, temperate growing season.

Beyond Sauvignon Blanc: Structured Reds with a Purpose

While Sauvignon Blanc may be the standout, Umurbey Winery is no stranger to red wine. Their portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc—varietals that thrive in Tekirdağ’s long, gentle ripening season.

The reds tend to be structured and restrained, leaning toward elegance over power. In my experience, they benefit from a few years of bottle aging, revealing integrated tannins, soft dark fruit, and subtle earthy notes. You’re not going to find jammy, over-extracted styles here. Instead, think of a Bordeaux-inspired balance—wines that speak slowly, but with depth.

It’s worth noting that Umurbey has not chased trends. They haven’t rushed into amphorae, orange wines, or overly oaked cuvées. Their reds are made with clarity and purpose, aimed at expressing both varietal typicity and the calming nature of their terroir.

Wine label for Umurbey Vineyards' 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. Beige background, burgundy text, vegan icon, and 18+ warning.

A Visit by Appointment—and a Winehouse in Town

As of my last visit more than a year ago, Umurbey’s winery is not open to spontaneous drop-in guests. The facilities are more focused on production than hospitality, and tours or tastings must be arranged by appointment. While this may deter casual tourists, it reflects the winery’s quiet, professional approach. Those who do make the effort to schedule a visit are typically rewarded with a deeply personal, insightful experience led by knowledgeable staff.

For easier access, however, the Umurbey Winehouse in Tekirdağ serves as the public face of the winery. Here, you can taste a curated selection of their wines in a comfortable setting that still reflects the estate’s values. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up bottles directly, including some that may not be available elsewhere.

The Winehouse itself is charming in a modest, functional way—not flashy, but warm and inviting. It embodies the same qualities I’ve found in their wines: clarity, care, and authenticity.

Why Umurbey Matters

In today’s fast-evolving Turkish wine scene—with boutique producers popping up in Cappadocia, Thrace, Urla, and beyond—it can be easy to overlook the quiet pioneers who laid the groundwork. Umurbey Winery is one such pioneer.

Their commitment to quality fruit, estate-based production, and balanced winemaking remains steadfast, even as others rush to adapt to fads or market demands. Their Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, deserves recognition not only for its quality, but for how long they’ve pursued excellence with that grape, even before it was fashionable.

For those of us who admire dedication over spectacle, Umurbey offers an example in how to make expressive wines with humility and purpose.

If you find yourself in Tekirdağ, make the stop at the Umurbey Winehouse. Call ahead if you hope to visit the vineyard itself. And above all, pay attention to this winery—not because they’re loud, but because they’ve been doing things right, for longer than most.