Wineries of Turkey’s Aegean Coast

Many travelers assume Turkey has no good wine—but they couldn’t be more mistaken. Chances are, they’ve never tried the award-winning wines of the Aegean region. In fact, many bottles from here regularly take home medals at international competitions. Around Izmir, the sheer concentration of wineries is remarkable: more than half of Turkey’s wine is produced in this area. Let’s explore where to go and what to taste on Turkey’s Aegean wine route.

The best way to travel is by car, since most wineries are tucked away from main roads. Just make sure you have a designated driver—otherwise, how will you enjoy all the tastings?

Pay special attention to Urla, located just 30 minutes from Izmir. This area stands out not only for its ideal wine-growing conditions but also for its unique atmosphere. Much of this comes from passionate entrepreneurs who turned their dreams into reality by establishing wineries. Many of them are successful Turkish businesspeople who invested in their love of wine, transforming Urla into a true haven for wine enthusiasts.

The official Urla Wine Route (Urla bağ yolu) includes nine of the region’s top wineries—though there are many more. While you could technically circle the area in about an hour, it’s worth staying two or three days to slowly enjoy the vineyards, restaurants, and local charm.

Isabey: A Winery with a Balkan Touch

Located just 10 minutes from Izmir Airport, Isabey is part of the Sevilen group, founded by the Güner family. Originally immigrants from Bulgaria, the family has been making wine in Turkey since 1942, making it one of the country’s oldest wineries.

Isabey cultivates a wide variety of grapes: international favorites such as Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, as well as native Turkish varieties like Narince, Bornova Misket, Sultaniye, and Öküzgözü. The range of wines is impressive—offering both high-end bottles and affordable everyday wines found in Turkish markets. Even the budget-friendly ones stand out, thanks in part to French winemaker Florent Dumeau, who was invited to refine production. The result is consistently enjoyable wines at every price point.

Lucien Arkas: Tradition, Ecology, and Innovation

Not far from Izmir lies Lucien Arkas Vineyards. At first, the surroundings don’t look like much, but once inside, you’ll feel transported to Tuscany or Provence. The estate was designed by French architects, complete with a cypress-lined entrance, sprawling vineyards, and a tasting room decorated with antique statues.

The 90-hectare property belongs to shipping magnate Lucien Arkas, who has French roots. Over the past 20 years, the winery has become known well beyond Turkey for its organic wines. Today, LA Vineyards produces 1.5 million bottles annually from 21 grape varieties. Alongside popular Turkish grapes, they grow rare types such as Tempranillo and Marselan—almost unheard of elsewhere in Turkey.

Modern technology blends seamlessly with old traditions here. Grapes are harvested on cool nights by moonlight to preserve quality. Book a tour in advance to see Turkey’s largest oak wine vats in the cellar, then linger for a meal in the restaurant, where dishes are designed to perfectly pair with local wines.

Mozaik: Horses and Wine

Mozaik Winery, a small family-run estate, sits on the road from Izmir to Çeşme. Originally, this was just a horse farm. The Emin family still breeds thoroughbreds, but in 2006, Ali and Melis decided to plant vineyards and start making organic wines.

The couple specializes in red wines, including several Italian varieties rarely seen in Turkey. Under the label Mahrem, Mozaik produces no more than 50,000 bottles a year, depending on the harvest. You won’t often find these wines in stores—most are ordered directly from the winery by those who love bold, aromatic reds.

The winery also has a cozy tasting house, where guests can sample wines and purchase bottles right on-site.

USCA: Wine Inspired by Shakespeare

On a regular weekday, I dropped by USCA Winery in Urla and was immediately surprised by its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Even on Turkey’s southern coast—familiar with international tourists—it’s rare to see Turkish families enjoying a late morning glass of wine together.

Guided tastings with a sommelier are available daily (except Mondays) at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 PM. It’s best to book ahead. Guests can choose between a classic set of four wines (rosé, white, and two reds) or a premium set of six.

The winery was founded by attorney Serpil Erdurak, who creates remarkable wines with the help of French oenologist Antoine Bastide d’Izarra. Annual production is modest—only 50,000 to 60,000 bottles, just 3% of what larger neighboring estates produce. As a result, USCA wines are hard to find in shops. Most are sold directly on-site in the tasting room.

The collection includes 10 different wines, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Chardonnay, Öküzgözü, Bornova Muscat, and Foça Karası. Believing that “wine is poetry in a bottle,” the team names each wine after one of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Urla Winery: A Vineyard in a Botanical Garden

Save Urla Winery for the end of your Aegean wine journey. This estate is home to 2rooms, a charming two-room guesthouse where you can stay after a long day of tastings. There’s even a pool—perfect for cooling off during the summer months.

The story began when Can Ortabaş decided to establish a botanical garden here. The collection grew to more than 1,900 plant species, and in the process, several old grapevines were discovered. That discovery inspired the launch of winemaking, and today, Urla Winery has become one of Turkey’s most recognizable names thanks to its distinctive, full-bodied wines. A standout is Urla Vourla, a powerful red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Boğazkere.

Some of Urla Winery’s bottles are available in Turkish supermarket chain Migros, though prices are roughly triple those of average-quality wines. From August through November, visitors over 18 can also take part in the annual grape harvest.

Tips for Travelers

• Always schedule winery visits in advance. Hours vary, and many open only in the afternoon.
• If you’d like to stay overnight, book early. Guesthouses are usually very small—sometimes just one or two rooms—and quite popular.
• Wines are often more affordable at the winery than in shops, and some bottles are available exclusively on-site.
• Be prepared for strong winds along the Aegean coast, even in midsummer. Pack accordingly.
• Combine your wine tour of Urla with a trip to the charming seaside towns of Çeşme and Alaçatı.