Sensus Wine Boutique Shop in Galata : Drinking in Istanbul

“Save water – Drink Wine” became the motto of our last girl’s weekend in Istanbul.

It all started when I was stood at the open top of the Galata tower, which is an impressive 66 meters tall. I had a raging hangover from the night before and the fresh air combined with a fear of heights, prompted thoughts that I was going to puke!

My phone was ringing which provided a temporary distraction. It was my close friend Debra

Debra – “when you have finished prancing around that tall tower, come and find us. We are drinking wine and tasting cheese in a posh boutique. We are going up in the world girl!”

Me – “Seriously! It is 11 o’clock in the morning!”

Finding Sensus in The Galata Neighbourhood

By now, I was questioning my sense of balance. Sightseeing after a night on the town is never a good idea and I was considering “hair of the dog” . Exiting Galata tower, I turned left into a side street and come across the wine boutique called Sensus.

Save Water…Drink wine

I am not normally a wine drinker. Beer is my preferred refreshment. However, the wall to wall of fine wines impressed me. Fridges are filled with a variety of domestic and foreign cheeses. There is even a canapés menu.

So have I stopped drinking beer and eating street food and started sipping on fine wines and nibbling on canopies?

No, my social status has not been elevated. The wine and cheese boutique was something new but not enough to make me change my habits. I enjoyed tasting wine and sampling new flavors but that is as far as it goes.

I recommend a visit for something different though. If you want to try Turkish wines or are looking for a quiet environment to socialize with your friends, then Sensus is a great place to be.

How to get there

From the exit of Galata tower, turn left and the boutique is on the right hand side. They also have branches in Antakya, Eskisehir and Marmaris. More information is here on their website.

Readers Question – Cast your vote. Is wine your preferred alcoholic drink?

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Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee.

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Comments

Natalie says
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I don’t know Mary, my two girlfriends are a bad influence on me 😉
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
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Yum, yum, yum – Wine & girlfriends at 11 am. What a way to start a day!
Natalie says
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I enjoyed reading your posts though cole – you got to see a good bit of Turkey. Hopefully if you return then we can meet up then
Cole @ Four Jandals says
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It’s a shame we couldn’t meet up with you while we were there as well. Definitely love a red wine over dinner 🙂
Natalie says
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I wish I had more time to explore the Galata area Jay – It is on my list for when I go back. The side streets are fantastic
Natalie says
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Also try something at least once, that way, you know that you have never missed out on something
Roving Jay says
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Good tip on the wine boutique. Wish we’d discovered it when we last went to Galata, but we went with the more staid option, and opted for fresh ground coffee and a Turkish pastry.

There’s some great little coffee shops down the side street leading up to the Tower. This area of Istanbul reminds me of Paris – and is a great place to people watch.
Jeremy Branham says
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I think you will find many people that agree with this philosophy. I admit I don’t know anything about Turkish wines but it’s always fun to try wines from different areas when you travel.
Natalie says
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Water over wine if I am extremely de-hydrated. After all it does get hot in summer, otherwise wine over water!:)
Natalie says
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Try it next time you are in Istanbul Stephanie – seems like it would be right up your street
Juliet Carney says
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Wow! Will you look at that. Another wine haven. Their motto is so interesting but I’ll definitely choose water over wine, though I’ll choose it for one day if given the chance. 😉
Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
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A wine spot I never even knew about.
Natalie says
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11am is too early for me D. normally like to leave it to at least 4pm before I start. I was on holiday though! 😉
dtravelsround says
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Love this!! Being a wine lover, and all about girlie drinking time, 11 a.m. is a fine start time!!
Natalie says
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Not really my motto Leanne – I copied it from the shop but hey if you want to give me credit for it, I don’t mind 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post
Leanne says
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I love wine; it’s my preferred alcoholic drink of choice. I am specifically fond of robust red blends. Your motto “Save water-drink wine” is awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like a lot of fun. Sensus looks like a charming place!
Natalie says
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You would get along well with Debra then Emme – she loves wine as well
Natalie says
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The way I felt after that wine tasting Alan – I swore never to drink again but it was no long before I was back on the pop!
Natalie says
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Glad you are in agreement Jack, but I knew you were a wine man anyway
Emme Rogers @ Roamancing says
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A motto I live by.
Alan says
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‘Beer after wine is fine – wine after beer will make you queer!’ – take it from a semi-retired professional!
Jack Scott says
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No arguments here!
Natalie says
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I need to start drinking more water as well, more so when I am drinking alcohol and the weather hots up.
Natalie says
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Hair of the dog is what I was going for but the wine turned into acid in my stomach I think as I felt ten times worse!
Natalie says
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Thanks Terry but I think I will be sticking with the beer!
Natalie says
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If I do drink wine then it is rose for me as well. Never heard of the ice, will have to try that one
BacktoBodrum says
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I would have agreed with the motto a few years back, but now I find I have to drink 3 glasses of water for every 1 glass of wine. – Enjoy it while you can.
Ali says
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I do like wine, but it’s probably my 3rd choice. Sounds like you had fun though, even if you were still hungover when you started drinking again!
Terry says
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Good luck with your new tastes for wine and cheese and stay away from open windows! Love the shots!
clare cheetham says
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Love the motto, and the article! Wine – of the rose variety- is definitely my favourite tipple. I drink it with masses of ice because I’ve heard it makes the calories disappear…