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A view of the Sevilen vineyard in the Aegean wine region, Turkey

With a history of winemaking dating back millenia, Turkey remains one of the world's largest grape producers. They annually growing more than 1,000 types of grapes, including some 40 varieties used in wine making.

Turkey's modern wine industry was launched in the early 20th century, with wineries such as the still-popular Kavaklidere and Doluca labels leading the way. The industry has steadily grown over the decades with a current boom that has seen production more than quadruple.

With abundant sunshine and near Mediterranean conditions, the Thracian wine regions along the Sea of Marmara account for nearly 40% of Turkey's wine production.

The wine regions along the Aegean coast near Izmir make up another 20% while the remaining portions are located in various places throughout the Eastern and Central Anatolia regions.

More about Turkish wine around the Web:

Wines Of Turkey - Check out the main regions for wine production, a directory of major wineries, suggested wine routes, along with fun facts, history and trivia, and a stunning photo gallery, videos.

Turkish wine - This travel site offers a brief overview of the wine making tradition in Turkey along with details on what wines to try.

also see -> Wines of Greece