Stories of remembrance, respect, and deep roots.
Turkey doesn’t have an overwhelming number of wine producers—around 200, to be precise. Most of them have entered the scene in the last 25 years, which means our wine industry is relatively young when you look at the average.
But there are exceptions—some rare pioneers whose roots trace back to the 1920s. Among them, both long-established producers and younger wineries have crafted special wines in memory of those who shaped their journey. These are not just bottles. They are gestures of gratitude, vessels of legacy. At WAYANA, we dedicate a space on our menu to these deeply personal wines.Let us introduce you to these moving stories—one sip at a time.
Gülcihanlı Yıllar – Tomurcukbağ
Our very first tribute wine honors Prof. Dr. Sabit Ağaoğlu, a revered academic and wine pioneer. Together with his wife, he founded Tomurcukbağ, named after their daughter. After years of dedication, their dream took form—only to be shaken by the early passing of Gülcihan Hanım. In her memory, Sabit Hoca blended multiple vintages of the Kalecik Karası grape (which he helped revive post-phylloxera) into a unique wine named Gülcihanlı Yıllar.
One of WAYANA’s most cherished wines.
Anı Şarabı – Çamlıbağ
Bozcaada is often referred to as Turkey’s wine island. In 1925, Haşim Yunatçı became its first Muslim winemaker, founding what we now know as Çamlıbağ. His great-grandson, also named Haşim Yunatçı, was the fourth-generation steward of the legacy. When he passed unexpectedly in 2020, the winery released a special Kuntra wine in his honor—its label simply reads Anı Şarabı (Memorial Wine).
We serve it at WAYANA whenever it’s available.
Figen – Asmadan
Asmadan, a young winery in Eceabat, was built on the vision and drive of Figen Hanım. Though the company background was in a different industry, she led the establishment of the winery with passion—until her life was cut short by illness. Asmadan remembered her with a Shiraz-Grenache blend named Figen, a wine born from gratitude.
Cuveé Marcel Biron – Chamlija
After the founding of the Turkish Republic, the groundwork of modern winemaking was shaped by figures like Marcel Biron, a French expert appointed by TEKEL. During his 12 years in Turkey, he played a key role in introducing international grape varieties and improving native ones. Thanks to his efforts, Papaskarası gained international recognition.
Chamlija’s tribute wine, Cuveé Marcel Biron, is made from this very grape.
HUS Juan – HUS Wines
Juan Pablo Diaz Leon, co-founder of HUS Wines, passed away suddenly at age 34. Originally from Chile, he had begun shaping the vineyard in Seferihisar with his wife, Ceylan. Their friend and vineyard partner, José, recalls:
“We named the vineyard plots together. One was planted with Carignan, and we called it ‘Juan.’ He never wanted a wine to carry his name… But when he left us, we knew this would be the most beautiful way to keep his memory alive.”
That Carignan wine, now labeled Juan, is a living tribute.
Karaoğlan Old Vines – Diren
Finally, a tribute to someone still among us: Orhan Diren, second-generation vintner at Diren Wines, founded in 1958. With formal training in oenology and decades of dedication, he shaped the winery’s direction. The Karaoğlan Old Vines—sourced from 60-year-old vines—is our newest addition to the tribute list. It honors his lifelong contribution to Turkish winemaking.
In Memory, In Gratitude
As we serve these wines, we raise our glass to those no longer with us—Gülcihan Hanım, Haşim Bey, Figen Hanım, Marcel Biron, and Juan—and toast to the continued health of Orhan Bey.
We invite our guests to remember, reflect, and connect with the people behind the labels—because every wine has a story, but some stories stay with you longer.
