Ayda Winery & Vineyards, situated near Gödence village in Seferihisar, İzmir, was founded by Ayda and Uğur Kalelioğlu. Their winemaking journey began in 2003 with the acquisition of their first vineyard. In 2015, they established Ayda Winery & Vineyards at an altitude of 400 meters, on land with a unique geological structure. Ayda Kalelioğlu, originally a dentist, pursued oenology studies in France, earning a certification in 2008. Her dedication led to the creation of a Cabernet Sauvignon–Merlot blend in 2012, which was recognised among Türkiye’s finest wines at the 2013 Master of Wine Weekend in Istanbul.
Ayda Winery – Table of Contents
Ayda Winery Location & Contacts
Ayda Bağları Winery & Vineyards – Gödence, Kuruçeşme Küme Evler Sk No. 39, 35460 Seferihisar/İzmir – Tel: +90 536 452 5285 – Ayda Winery website. The winery and restaurant are open seven days a week from 12:00 to 22:30. Wine tastings are available by reservation at +90 536 452 5285.
Ayda Winery Production
The winery remains a family-run operation, with Ayda and Uğur overseeing all aspects of production. They produce approximately 14,000 bottles annually, maintaining a boutique scale to ensure quality. The vineyards are planted on north-south terraces with 1.5m spacing between rows and 1m between vines. The soil is sandy, clayey, and stony with a pH of around 6, allowing roots to penetrate deeply to access water and nutrients.
Ayda Winery employs the “Vinification Intégrale” method, in which all fermentation stages take place in oak barrels. This technique, rare in Turkey, enhances the complexity of the wines. Additionally, the winery is certified vegan, using no animal-derived products in its production. For instance, potato protein is used as a filtration agent instead of traditional animal-based agents.
Ayda Wines
The vineyards cultivate both international and indigenous grape varieties. White grapes include Sauvignon Blanc and Narince, while red varieties encompass Cabernet Sauvignon, Foça Karası, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. The winery’s premium label, Vinaida, features wines such as the Vinaida 1 (Foça Karası), Vinaida 2 Derin (a blend of Narince and Sauvignon Blanc), and Vinaida 5 (a red blend).
Ayda Winery, operating under the premium label Vinaida, produces a diverse range of boutique wines that showcase both international and indigenous grape varieties, all crafted using meticulous techniques such as barrel fermentation and aging. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their selection of red, white, and rosé wines.
White Wines:
- Vinaida Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp white wine with flavours of grapefruit, lemon, and minerality, unoaked to preserve its fresh character.
- Vinaida 2 Derin: A blend of Narince (60%) and Sauvignon Blanc (40%), fermented on native yeasts in oak barrels, offering intense aromas of tobacco flower, citrus, and exotic stone fruits.
- Vinaida Blanc de Noir: Made from Grenache, this wine is barrel fermented and aged sur lie for nine months, presenting aromas of dehydrated strawberries, citrus, and flint.
Rosé Wines:
- Vinaida Rosé: A blend of Pinot Noir and Grenache, barrel fermented and aged seven months sur lie, featuring intense aromas of smashed berries, peach, and fresh herbs.
- Vinaida Demi-Sec Rosé: A semi-sweet rosé offering a fruit-forward profile, catering to those who prefer a touch of sweetness in their wine.
Red Wines:
- Vinaida 5: A complex blend of Foça Karası, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, fermented and matured in French oak barrels for 24 months, offering aromas of fresh red and black forest fruits.
- Vinaida Merlot: A medium-bodied red wine with flavors of red fruit, spice, and chocolate, aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
- Vinaida Shiraz: A full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and pepper, aged for 18 months in oak barrels.
- Vinaida Pinot Noir: A varietal red wine fermented in French oak barrels and aged for 12 months, offering aromas of black cherry, licorice, and earthy notes.
Ayda Winery Tasting
Ayda Winery offers wine tasting experiences, allowing visitors to tour the vineyards, learn about the production process, and sample their wines.
Ayda Winery Restaurant and Hotel
The estate features a restaurant serving dishes paired with its wines, as well as a six-room guesthouse for overnight stays.
Ayda Winery’s restaurant offers a culinary journey deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Anatolian and Aegean cuisine. The restaurant emphasises seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to craft authentic dishes. Signature offerings include dana yanaklı keşkek (wheat pounded with ox cheek), lemon-infused lamb shank, and çi börek (mini puff pastries), each thoughtfully paired with the winery’s handcrafted, vegan-certified Vinaida wines. The menu also features slow-cooked meats and creative Mediterranean fare, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavours that complement the estate-grown varietals, such as Foça Karası, Petit Verdot, and Narince.
Ayda Winery offers six thoughtfully designed guest rooms, each named after a grape variety and a close friend who supported the winery’s journey: Narince–Sezer Türsen, Sauvignon Blanc–Oğuz, Petit Verdot–Erden, Foça Karası–Sucukçu, Merlot–Bozkurt, and Syrah–Taştabanoğlu. These rooms blend rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring white linens, lace accents, and the scent of traditional white soap, evoking a sense of purity and tranquillity. The standout accommodation is the deluxe Taştabanoğlu room, with a canopy bed and antique furnishings that reflect the century-old heritage of the Taştabanoğlu family.
Guests are treated to panoramic views: the rear overlooks the lush vineyards, while the front offers glimpses of the distant sea. Nestled amidst nature, these rooms provide a serene retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the vineyard’s ambience, enjoy wine tastings, and savour locally inspired cuisine, all while experiencing the heartfelt hospitality of Ayda Winery.
Short Video of Ayda Winery
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