Nihat Koca is the wine ambassador for Nahita Dokya, the primary estate vineyards and brand at Argos of Cappadocia, in Cappadocia, Turkey. Nihat’s interest in wine began while working at a steakhouse, where he developed a passion for learning and an appreciation for the depth of wine knowledge. He was especially drawn to the challenge of understanding and successfully recommending fine wines.
He values the shared experience of wine—engaging with guests, exchanging perspectives, and creating memorable moments through tastings and cellar tours. To deepen his expertise, he pursued and passed the WSET certification on his first attempt. He began his wine ambassador career at Argos, where he continues to refine his skills and expand his knowledge.
Media Inquiries: nihat.koca@argosincappadocia.com | https://www.argosincappadocia.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique & memorable about your winery brand?
Rather than following international trends, we chose to invest in the region’s own identity. Our vineyards in Sofular and Gülşehir are rooted in volcanic soils, high-altitude landscapes, and native grape varieties that have been part of Anatolia’s history for centuries. Every decision we make is guided by the belief that the best wines are those that truly belong to their place.
For us, Nahita Dokya is more than a winery. It is a way of preserving Cappadocia’s heritage while sharing it with the world through authentic, elegant wines that reflect the land they come from. We don’t want to make wines that could come from anywhere in the world. We want to make wines that could only come from Cappadocia.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained. Sky’s the limit!
If there were no limits, my biggest dream would be to introduce Turkey’s native grape varieties to the world—especially Emir. Just as Sauvignon Blanc is closely associated with France and Gavi with Italy, I would love to see Emir become internationally recognized as one of Turkey’s signature white wines.I believe Emir has everything needed to appeal to modern wine drinkers: vibrant acidity, freshness, elegance, and exceptional food-pairing potential. My goal would be to preserve these qualities by focusing on stainless-steel fermentation rather than oak, allowing the purity of the fruit and the unique character of the grape to shine without unnecessary influence.
Beyond winemaking, I would also invest in wine education and cultural awareness in Turkey. I would like to help change the perception of wine by presenting it as part of gastronomy, history, agriculture, and culture rather than simply an alcoholic beverage. Creating educational programs, supporting young professionals, and making wine more approachable for the public would be just as important to me as producing great wines. Looking ahead, climate change would be one of my greatest priorities. I would invest in sustainable vineyard practices, research, and innovation to protect native grape varieties for future generations. My dream is not only to produce exceptional wines but also to help shape the future of Turkish wine on the global stage.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and winemaking style? Tell us its story.
If I had to choose just one wine that represents our winery and our philosophy, it would be Emir. Emir is the native white grape of Cappadocia, and no other variety expresses the region’s volcanic landscape as authentically. Grown in mineral-rich volcanic soils and at high altitude, it produces wines with vibrant acidity, remarkable freshness, and a long, clean finish.
For me, Emir is more than just a grape—it is the identity of Cappadocia in a glass. Rather than masking its character with heavy oak, we allow the fruit and the terroir to speak for themselves. The result is a wine that is elegant, refreshing, and incredibly food-friendly, while remaining true to its origin. If someone wanted to understand both our winery and the spirit of Cappadocia through a single bottle, I would always pour our Emir. It tells the story of our land, our philosophy, and our commitment to showcasing Turkey’s native grape varieties at their purest.
Bonus Questions – What are your wholehearted convictions related to the wine business?
One of my strongest beliefs is that the wine industry should never be limited by fixed ideas. We must stay open to new grape varieties, winemaking techniques, blends, and changing consumer preferences. History has shown that perceptions can change. There was a time when New World wines were underestimated, yet today they stand alongside the greatest wines in the world. I believe the future belongs to those who respect tradition but are never afraid to innovate.