Sensus Galata

Sensus is a Turkish wine brand that runs wine bars and shops in several Turkish cities, and its Galata branch, on Büyük Hendek Caddesi a short walk from the Galata Tower, is the one most visitors to Istanbul encounter. Its philosophy is simple: the company believes that some of the world's finest wines are made in Anatolia, one of the ancient homelands of wine, and that good wine does not have to be expensive.

The focus is on Turkish wine. The list covers producers from across the country's wine regions, with grapes you are unlikely to meet elsewhere, such as the red varieties Öküzgözü, Boğazkere and Kalecik Karası, and white grapes such as Narince and Emir, alongside international varieties grown in Turkey. If Turkish wine is new to you, tell the staff what you usually enjoy and ask them to suggest something comparable.

To go with the wine there are plates of cheese and charcuterie, sourced directly from local producers, along with olives and other small dishes. The company's food team visits producers in several regions during the year to taste and select products, and many of the cheeses, jams, honeys and olive oils are also sold to take away. The shop side means you can buy a bottle you enjoyed to drink at your hotel or take home.

Reservations can be made through the website or by phone, and they are sensible on weekend evenings, when the bar fills with locals and visitors. Weekday evenings are usually calmer and better if you want time to talk with staff about the wines. Order a few different glasses to compare regions and grapes rather than a single bottle if you are exploring. Turkish wine regions include Thrace near Istanbul, the Aegean coast and central Anatolia, and comparing a glass from each is a good introduction to how varied the country's wines can be.

Sensus suits couples, small groups and anyone curious about Turkish wine. It is in the heart of Galata, a few minutes' walk from the Galata Tower and Nardis Jazz Club, so it makes a good first stop before a concert. Şişhane metro station and the Tünel funicular are within walking distance, and Karaköy tram stop is downhill, about ten minutes away on foot.