At 502 Vineyards, every wine begins with a story—a story of the land, the vines, and the passion our family pours into every step of the winemaking process.

For us, crafting wine isn’t just about technique; it’s about nurturing something meaningful that reflects our connection to the region and its history.

From hand-harvested grapes to carefully selected barrels, we focus on creating wines that balance tradition with a modern touch. Let us take you behind the scenes and share how our signature wines come to life.

It All Starts in the Vineyard

Great wines begin with great grapes. That’s why we carefully tend to each of our vineyard plots in Gümüşhacıköy, ensuring that the soil, climate, and vines are in harmony. Native varieties like Merzifon Karası, Narince, and Kalecik Karası thrive in our region, alongside select international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Every grape is hand-harvested at the perfect moment to capture its natural flavors and aromas. It’s a labor of love that sets the foundation for everything that comes next.

The Art of Fermentation

Fermentation is where the magic begins. For many of our wines, we embrace wild fermentation, letting the natural yeasts on the grapes and in the air do their work. This approach captures the essence of our vineyards, creating wines that are vibrant and full of character.

For other wines, we use carefully chosen commercial yeasts to highlight specific flavor profiles. Each choice is deliberate, guided by what will bring out the best in the grape.

Aging: The Barrel’s Role

Barrel aging is where our wines truly come into their own. We use a mix of French and Hungarian oak barrels to shape the flavor, texture, and structure of our wines.

French Oak: Adds elegance and subtle notes of vanilla and spice.
Hungarian Oak: Enhances bold flavors with hints of toast and chocolate.

Each barrel is selected to complement the grape variety. For example, Merzifon Karası develops depth and richness in oak, while Narince shines in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, floral character.

Blending for Balance

Blending is where winemaking becomes artistry. For our 502 Blend, we bring together Merzifon Karası, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, carefully balancing the fruit, tannins, and acidity to create a harmonious wine. Each blend is an opportunity to craft something unique—something that reflects our family’s vision for what wine should be.

Bottling with Care

Before bottling, our wines undergo minimal intervention. Many are bottled unfiltered to retain their natural texture and flavor. We also limit sulfite additions, ensuring the wine stays as close to its original expression as possible.

Why We Do It This Way

For our family, winemaking is a personal journey. Every choice we make—from the barrels we select to the blends we create—is guided by a desire to share the beauty of our land and the care we put into our craft.

When you open a bottle of 502 wine, you’re not just tasting the result of a process. You’re experiencing a piece of our story, the warmth of our family, and the rich heritage of Gümüşhacıköy.

Behind the Barrel: How 502 Crafts Its Signature Wines