Conversation with Zeynep Arca: Unravelling the Turkish Winemaking Tradition at Arcadia Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of Kırklareli, Arcadia Vineyards and Bakucha Vineyard Hotel & SPA stand as a testament to the growing trend in Turkish viticulture and hospitality. These establishments embody a unique blend of ancient local winemaking traditions and modern sustainable practices.
The region's terroir, rather than just its fertility, was the primary factor in establishing Arcadia Vineyards. The grape's harmony with the terroir is the most fundamental criterion in selecting grape varieties, with Arcadia utilising centuries-old grape varieties native to the Thrace region.
The vineyard's gastronomic chain is based on sustainability principles, with approximately 90% of products sourced from within a 400-kilometer radius. Special regional products like summer truffles and porcini mushrooms are harvested in season, processed, stored, and used throughout the year. Bakucha cuisine reflects the climate, history, and way of life of the region, using local products and preserving traditional dishes.
The foundation of Arcadia Vineyards was inspired by a passion for wine, love for nature, and a quest for sustainable living. The low intervention approach is a life philosophy for Arcadia Vineyards, which designs its entire structure, from agriculture to tourism, to be in harmony with nature.
Arcadia Vineyards experiments with different styles using local grape varieties, such as Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, naturally fermented reds, and Blanc de Noir. International grape varieties have been cultivated in these lands for centuries, and reliable clone study data is more easily accessible for these varieties. However, working with local varieties is valued, and Arcadia Vineyards propagates types like Papaskarası and Narince using their own methods.
Arcadia offers a unique world that combines peace with nature and cultural vibrancy. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, nature walks, massages, barbecues, open-air cinema screenings, and jazz concerts. The vineyard's name, Arcadia, is a nod to the ancient city "Arkadapolis" and the mythological meaning of Arcadia as the garden of paradise on earth.
Bakucha Vineyard Hotel & SPA, named as a combination of Bacchus, the Latin name for Dionysus, the god of wine, and "kuća," a word meaning "mansion" in Balkan languages, provides an immersive experience for guests, combining the natural vineyard landscape with wellness rooted in local culture.
Located only 1.5 hours from Istanbul Airport, Arcadia has become a sustainable village where people who want to live in harmony with nature come together. It serves as an ideal transit point for international visitors and a special stop for those who want to rest for a few days after Istanbul.
For a thorough, up-to-date history and philosophy specifically for Arcadia Vineyards and Bakucha Vineyard Hotel & SPA, we recommend consulting their official websites, contacting them directly, or finding specialized sources focused on Turkish vineyards and boutique wineries in the Kırklareli region. Unfortunately, such detailed data was not found among the retrieved search results here.
The lifestyle at Arcadia Vineyards and Bakucha Vineyard Hotel & SPA, located in Kırklareli, incorporates food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and education-and-self-development, with a focus on sustainable living and traditional practices. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's unique cuisine, learn about centuries-old winemaking techniques, explore home-and-garden designs inspired by local nature, and engage in cultural programs centered around travel and education.
