Hubo’ Süryani Şarapçılık

In the heart of the ancient city of Mardin lies a unique gem — Hubo Syriac Winery. This is not just a bar or a shop, but a true treasury of the traditions of the Syriac Christians of the Tur Abdin region. Here you can get acquainted with authentic Syriac wine (Süryani Şarabı), produced using ancient techniques preserved in Orthodox communities in southern Turkey.

Hubo Syriac Winery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The establishment is famous for its hospitality and the highest quality of its products, as evidenced by the glowing reviews from travelers. The main feature of the local wine is the use of unique grape varieties grown on the basalt soils of Mount Izala. Often, mahleb — an aromatic powder from cherry pits — is added to the drink, giving it a unique, slightly spicy note.

The winery's interior invites you to relax: visitors can settle onto cozy sofas and slowly taste the drinks, which are served in small glasses that emphasize their strength and rich flavor. It is an ideal stop for those who want to experience centuries-old wine culture and take home a piece of the history of this mysterious region.

For those planning a visit, below is the winery's contact information. We recommend saving these details to make navigating the narrow streets of the old city easier.

The main reason to visit Hubo’ Süryani Şarapçılık is, of course, the tasting. It is customary here to serve wine in small portions in elegant glasses similar to liqueur glasses. This allows you to appreciate the full body and strength of the drink without overwhelming your palate. Be sure to try the famous Dara variety and the options with added mahleb, which are considered the signature of Syriac winemaking in Mardin.

The atmosphere of the place is perfect for leisurely conversation. After a busy day of walking the city's stone steps, it is so pleasant to relax on the soft sofas with a glass of chilled wine. Unlike many other cafes in the city where alcohol may be rare, here you will find a decent selection and can compare several types of local farmers' products in one evening.

Don't forget to stop by the shop area to choose a bottle of wine as a gift or for yourself. The staff is always ready to talk about the origin of each variety and the specifics of the harvest from Mount Izala. This is a great opportunity to purchase a unique souvenir that cannot be found in regular supermarkets and take the taste of ancient Mesopotamia home with you.

Finding the winery is quite simple: it is located in the heart of the historic Artuklu district. The famous Kırklar Church (Kırklar Kilisesi) serves as a landmark — the establishment is right across from it on First Street (1. Cadde). If you are already walking through the old town, the walk from major attractions like the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) will take no more than 15–20 minutes on foot.

If you are arriving from Mardin Airport, which is about 30–40 kilometers away, the most convenient option is to take a taxi — the trip will take about 30–45 minutes. You can also take regular minibuses (dolmuses) heading to the central Artuklu district and then walk a bit, enjoying the views of the stone facades.

For travelers from other cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul or Ankara, the best option is a flight to Mardin followed by a transfer to the historic part of the city. Remember that the streets here are ancient and narrow, so a walking tour is the best way to feel the atmosphere of the place.

The history of Syriac winemaking in this region is impressively deep: the production traditions of "Süryani Şarabı" date back to the 9th century BC. The first written mentions of high-quality wines from the vicinity of Mount Izala are found in the chronicles of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, when King Ashurnasirpal II received them as a prestigious tribute.

In ancient times, the toponym Izala was a kind of quality mark, comparable to today's prestigious wine regions in Europe. The uniqueness of the taste was ensured by basalt soils and a special forest grape that grew on the mountain slopes. In those days, the drink was transported in leather wineskins, floated down rivers along with timber, which kept it cool and fresh throughout the journey.

Today, Hubo Syriac Winery continues the work of the Tur Abdin Syriac Christians, preserving recipes that are thousands of years old. This is not just a commercial product, but an important part of the cultural identity of local communities, passed down from generation to generation as a living heritage of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.

To enjoy the atmosphere and sample several wine varieties at a leisurely pace, visitors usually need 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time for a tasting, a short rest on the comfortable sofas, and choosing a couple of bottles as souvenirs.

If you plan to combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring streets or dinner at one of the local Artuklu restaurants, it's worth allowing about 3 hours for the area. The evening here is especially charming, when the city is bathed in soft twilight and the lights of the ancient buildings come on.

The winery is open to guests daily, making it easy to fit into any travel schedule. From Monday to Saturday, the establishment is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday it closes slightly earlier — at 10:00 PM.

Since schedules may change during holidays, it is recommended to check for current information on official resources or simply drop by while walking along the city's main street.

The winery's location in the historic center makes it easy to combine a tasting with a tour of other iconic sites. A walk through the surrounding area will reveal architectural masterpieces that have shaped the appearance of this amazing city for centuries.

Be sure to visit the nearby madrasas and walk through the old bazaars to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Mesopotamia. Below is a list of interesting sites within walking distance: