With our WINERIES AT WAYANA event series, our aim has always been to build a bridge between wine lovers and the producers themselves. We soon realized that these encounters became far more meaningful when we visited the wineries beforehand. Ahead of the 31 August tasting, we spent time with Bilge Yamen at 7Bilgeler—and this piece was inpired by that visit.

Over the past fifteen years, 7Bilgeler has become one of the most influential names in Turkish wine. Its distinction lies not only in its diverse portfolio, but also in its philosophy of production. Founder Dr. Bilge Yamen left behind a 20-year medical career to dedicate himself fully to winemaking. For nearly eight years now he has worked without outside consultants, assuming full responsibility for every decision. This has ensured stylistic consistency and given 7Bilgeler a clear, recognizable identity in the market.

The story of 7Bilgeler unfolds on two parallel tracks. On one side, classical production built around internationally recognized grape varieties and blends. On the other, a more innovative and local dimension, focusing on native grapes, old vines, and fermentations made without commercial yeasts whenever the grape allows. These two wings—classic and experimental—are what make 7Bilgeler both familiar and unique.

The Classical Dimension: A Bordeaux-Inspired Backbone

The estate’s portfolio includes 19 red wines, a number that underlines how central reds are to its identity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec appear both as single-varietal bottlings and as Bordeaux-style blends.

Pythagoras and Polemos sit at the top of this line, blending all four Bordeaux grapes into an Anatolian expression of the tradition. Labels such as Hippokrates and Pittakos explore different ratios of the same framework, while the Bias series (Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc) represents more focused, single-varietal studies.

What unites these reds is Yamen’s “consultant-free” approach: a single stylistic hand that avoids heavy extraction, uses oak with restraint, and keeps terroir front and center.

Another key moment in 7Bilgeler’s rise was an early partnership with Küre Gıda, which dramatically boosted visibility and helped the reds find their way into the market more quickly. Today, the red portfolio forms the solid backbone of the brand—reinforcing its reputation at home and its resilience abroad.

The Innovative/Local Dimension: Anatolian Grapes and Experimental Whites

Running alongside the classical line is a more experimental path. Here, the aim is not only to craft distinctive wines but also to highlight the untapped potential of Anatolia.

The Vindemia series serves as the showcase: Patkara (Mersin), Karasakız (Bayramiç), Öküzgözü (Elazığ), Emir (Cappadocia), Gök Üzüm (Mut), and Misket (İzmir) all appear under the 7Bilgeler label. These bottlings are made possible through partnerships with growers who cultivate grapes in their original terroirs. Old vines and spontaneous fermentations add yet another layer of authenticity.

At the center of this wing is an especially distinctive approach to white wines. The portfolio may include only nine whites, but they are where 7Bilgeler’s difference becomes most visible. Alongside international varieties like Chardonnay (Anaxagoras) and Sauvignon Blanc (Khilon), the use of Emir and Gök Üzüm gives these whites a unique voice.

Yamen’s philosophy is clear: long skin contact in whites belongs to the past. For him it was a historical necessity rather than a stylistic choice. With modern tools, cleaner and more precise whites can be produced, free of excess intervention. The result is clarity, brightness, and purity in every glass.

Thus the reds carry the classical backbone, while the whites serve as the laboratory of innovation. Together, they form a balance that sets 7Bilgeler apart.

Market Position and Export Strategy

7Bilgeler bugün yılda yaklaşık 400 bin şişe üretiyor. Bunun %15’i ihraç ediliyor. Almanya ve Dubai mevcut pazarlar arasında; Katar, Suudi Arabistan, Avustralya ve ABD gündemde. Bu ihracat stratejisi kısa vadeli kâr getirmese de, markanın uluslararası görünürlüğünü ve kalıcılığını sağlamak açısından kritik. Bilge Yamen’in ifadesiyle bu, “varlık göstermek için alınmış stratejik bir karar.”

Currency fluctuations and exchange rate pressures have created challenges for pricing. Yet Yamen insists that continuity in export markets matters more than domestic price advantages. It is this mindset that defines 7Bilgeler’s forward-looking vision.

Two Wings, One Style

The story of 7Bilgeler cannot be reduced to a single color or a single grape. The 19 reds embody classical discipline; the nine whites and local bottlings carry the spirit of innovation. What unites them is Yamen’s single guiding hand and a philosophy of avoiding excess.

On one side, the Bordeaux heritage adapted to Anatolia. On the other, native varieties rediscovered and given space to speak. 7Bilgeler weaves both into a coherent whole.

The result is not just diversity in the portfolio but also a philosophy of balance: classical backbone + local innovation. This dual approach has made 7Bilgeler one of the most compelling stories in Turkish wine today.

Closing Note

Beyond its 15% export share, 7Bilgeler has another powerful asset: oenotourism. With a boutique hotel and a capable restaurant adjacent to the vineyards, the estate has become a magnet for wine lovers. Nearly 28% of production reaches consumers directly through this channel.

And now, with an ambitious new venture in France, 7Bilgeler is preparing to take this story to an international stage. By autumn, we hope to welcome their French wines into WAYANA’s “Diaspora Wines” menu.

We are waiting with great anticipation.