Dilara Sezer: Winemaking requires curiosity, patience and hard work
Meet Dilara Sezer, the next phenomenal woman in our series showcasing influential women in the wine industry! As a winemaker, wine lover, and head winemaker, Dilara’s journey into the world of wine began at a young age, making her story truly inspirational.
Discover what she loves about the industry, her passion for wines, and why she believes education is crucial in this field. Read more about her journey below.
What is wine for you?
As winemakers, we start over with each harvest. Finding the balance and producing the best wine each year while respecting the unique natural conditions is very exciting and challenging. This is an incredible experience and passion. Experiencing something that I’m passionate about, committed to, and enjoy working with…that’s what wine means to me.
How did you enter the wine industry?
I graduated from Ankara University, wine production technology and viticulture department in 2010. I entered the wine industry when I was still a student and started as an intern at one of very well known wine company in Turkey. Afterwards, I continued my career as assistant wm, winemaker and head winemaker. I am currently continuing my Oenology and Viticulture master’s degree, supported by the OIV organization.
What is your philosophy in making wine, and how is it reflected in your product?
Grapes &wine; It is a balance and whole with exploring and interpreting nature. I support the grape/region in this journey so that it can maintain its character in the most natural state possible and show itself. Combined with winemaking techniques and creativity, I have a perspective that aims to make quality, sustainable, nature-friendly and carefully produced wines.
How important do you consider education and training in the wine industry, and are there any special programs for women?
I have many female winemaker friends in Turkey who graduated from this field and they do their job very well. In Turkey, wines are mostly shaped by women. Once in the industry, making wine is an endless journey and ongoing education. You discover new things with wine every day.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the wine business?
Our job requires curiosity, patience and hard work. The first thing I see in every glass of wine is the respect for labor. Keeping this thought in mind, there is labor in all the hands of the vineyard workers who deal with the soil, their hands stained with wine, who work day and night. By showing this in abundance, women can be very successful and add strengths in this sector.
