No visit to Cappadocia, Turkey would be complete without going hot air ballooning. Yes, hot air ballooning was the perfect ending to a magical cross country tour of Turkey. Spaswinefood spent two magical October weeks on a "flying carpet tour" of Turkey. We had hopped onto a magic carpet (Sprinter van) with ten other travelers. Our travels started in Istanbul, with stops in and around Gallipoli, Canackkale, Troy, Bergama, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Fethiye, Kayakoy, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara areas. Nowhere, had we traveled before that there was so much to discover, in just a two week journey. While I have written about some of my wine experiences there is so much more to write about Turkey. Just as the authors of Anatonian Days and Nights discovered the mutli-faceted beauty of Turkey, we did as well. However, for now I will share a few Cappadocia highlights.
Flight over Cappadocia
We did not mind the early morning rise to go hot air ballooning. It was worth it! After lift off we were soon peacefully floating over the beautiful Cappadocia landscape. We were not the only ones taking in the sunrise. The early morning skyline was filled with hot air balloons. It was pure magic in the early morning light.
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Early morning ballooning in Cappadocia © Spaswinefood
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Let's wave to the balloon passing by © Spaswinefood
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As we sailed along in the early morning light we could see the vineyards below.
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| Early morning flight over vineyard © Spaswinefood |
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Early morning flight over Cappadocian vineyards © Spaswinefood
Discovering Cappadocia Vineyards and More
At the end of the spectacular hot air ballooning experience we were treated to some sparkling wine. Yes, the sparkling wine was mixed with cherry juice. I drank it because after all, the balloon trip was awesome.
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Sparkling wine time after ballooning in Cappadocia © Spaswinefood
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We also found that local wines were offered, as part of the welcome drink options, when we visited Cappadocia's jewelry and pottery shops. While it was nice to see wine being offered a #winelover might like a wine upgrade. That is easily doable with so many wonderful Turkish wines.
Later at #EWBC I sampled more wines from Cappadocia wineries. One of the wineries was Kocabağ Winery. Kocabağ Winery produces wines made from international and indigenous grapes. Turkey's indigenous grapes, such as Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Kalecik Karasi, Emir and Narince are the most common from this region. There was an #EWBC group that visited the Kocabağ Winery (see Wendy Crispell's article).
Also at the #EWBC Gala Banquet we had Yazgan's Emir 2011 from Emir, Cappadocia. Just like the hot air ballooning, it was exciting to discover Cappadocia and its wines.
Archeological Ruins, Hot Springs and More
Beyond exploring vineyards our Spaswinefood travels to Cappadocia included visits to Hierapolis archeological ruins, Pamukkale's hot springs and the underground city, Kaymakli Underground City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We also checked out some exciting Cappadocian eateries.
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An early morning toast after ballooning in Cappadocia © Spaswinefood
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| Kocabağ Winery Emir and Narince wines © Spaswinefood |
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| More Kocabağ Winery wines © Spaswinefood |
Archeological Ruins, Hot Springs and More
Beyond exploring vineyards our Spaswinefood travels to Cappadocia included visits to Hierapolis archeological ruins, Pamukkale's hot springs and the underground city, Kaymakli Underground City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We also checked out some exciting Cappadocian eateries.
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Hierapoli archaeological ruins © Spaswinefood
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Pamukkale's hot springs © Spaswinefood
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Since no trip to Cappadocia is complete without visiting the archeological ruins, hot springs and local eateries in the area Spaswinefood will write more on that later. You will find more on my travels in Turkey and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
October 2012
Cappadocia, Turkey
© Spaswinefood
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