The Urla Wineries Vineyard Route (Urla Bağ Yolu), located west of İzmir and south of Urla, connects all the wine producers in this region. Within the scope of the project initiated by the Urla Wine Producers and Viticulture Association for developing wine tourism, it has started receiving the attention it deserves at home and abroad. The Urla Bağ Yolu Route was implemented in 2016 for sustainable tourism based on agriculture and gastronomy.
Urla Wineries – Table of Contents
Urla Wineries Vineyard Route Tourism
Renowned for its vineyards, Urla has become a magnet for wine tourists seeking to immerse themselves in its rich wine culture. These enthusiasts typically spend 3-4 days exploring vineyards, restaurants, and attractions. Quality winery and restaurant businesses have effectively drawn the attention of wine tourists and shifted the focus away from day visitors. Initially driven by domestic tourism, Urla has experienced a noticeable increase in foreign visitors.
The Urla Vineyard Route, supported by robust destination promotion, has extended the tourism season by 3-4 months. Starting with seven establishments, the association has expanded to include emerging businesses in response to growing demand. The rise of wine tourism in Urla reflects a clear preference among enthusiasts for the region, underscoring the success of Urla’s agro-tourism initiatives.
Urla Wineries History & Geography
During the Roman Empire, it is recorded that Emperor Domitianus ordered the Urla vineyards to be burned out of jealousy. But those who could not resist their wines and vineyards somehow managed to dissuade the emperor. It was known that 90 million litres of wine were produced annually until 100 years ago. However, winemaking gradually began to decline over time due to various changes. Fifteen years ago, wine amphorae discovered during excavations for the establishment of a farm started to revive Urla’s wine history. Urla’s wine tradition was remembered with this discovery, and multiple vineyard houses began to open.
Urla is located at the thinnest point of a fertile peninsula, surrounded by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea from the north and south. Due to its peninsula location, it is open to the prevailing winds from the sea. These winds play an active role in the development of the vine and its protection from diseases. This makes Urla an ideal location for the cultivation of quality vines.
Urla Wineries Grape Varieties
Apart from the classic international grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Nero d’Avola, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Tempranillo, several Turkish varieties, including unique revived grapes, include Beyazkere, Boğazkere, Bornova Misketi, Emir, Gaydura, Grenache, Kalecik Karası, Narince, Sultana, and Urla Karası.
Urla Bağ Yolu Members
There are nıne members in total within the project route (so far, excluding Limantepe Şarapçılık). Each member has differentiated its wine, and many have won international awards. Urla villages, set in lush trees, giant pines, historical olives, and fertile plains, are a destination where you can experience regional traditions and taste local delicacies.
The wineries are seasonal and typically open from early June to late September. Note that most wineries restrict the age of children entering all or part of the facility; likewise, in some wineries, entry for dogs might be limited; please check before arrival. Wine tasting is usually afternoons from 13:00 hours and may require reservations, especially for groups of over eight persons. Link to likecesme.com pages on the respective wineries below:
Urla Bağ Yolu ~ Urla Wine Route Association Contacts:
Rüstem Mahallesi, Huzur Sokak No: 23, Urla/İZMİR – Phone: (0232) 759 01 11. Association Website.
Contacts for the wineries:
Çakir Şarapçılık
Location: Kuşçular mh, 8036. Sk. No.54, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 232 579 0629 – Winery website
HUS Şarapçılık
Location: Kuşçular, 8018/1. Sk. No:39, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 545 571 9042 – Winery website
İkidenizarası Şarapçılık
Location: Yağcılar, 9029 Sokak No: 8 D:8A, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: 0501 352 1500 – Winery website
Limantepe Şarapcılık
Location: Rüstem, Özbek Yolu Cd., 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: 0850 441 3720 – Winery website
Mozaik Şarapçılık
Location: Kuşçular, 8015. Sk. No:6, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 232 465 0321 – Winery website
MMG Şarapçılık
Location: No:40, Gödence Yolu Cd., 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 232 776 6366 – Winery website
Perdix Şarapçılık
Location: Birgi, İzmir Çeşme Yolu No 14, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 506 099 1433 – Winery website
Urla Şarapçılık
Location: Kuşçular, 8028 Sok. No:12, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 232 759 0111 – Winery website
Urlice Şarapçılık
Location: İçmeler, 1168. Sk. No:7, 35430 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 533 161 7469 – Winery website
USCA Şarapçılık
Location: Kuşçular, 8033. Sk. No:1, 35437 Urla/İzmir – Tel: +90 232 759 0099 – Winery website
Urla Wineries Global Awards
Since 2018, wines produced by vineyards along the Urla Vineyard Route have earned awards from numerous national and international organisations. Some of these organisations are listed below:
● Turkish Wine Challenge (TWC)
● Challenging Master Classes (CMC)
● International Wine Challenge (IWC)
● Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA)
● Wine Award International
● Turkey Sommelier Association
In 2024, the collective Urla Vineyard Route was awarded the global recognition prize of “Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2024“. To address sustainability challenges, the Urla Vineyard Route implemented various solutions. It promoted alternative tourism to diversify from beach tourism, supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, İzmir Development Agency, and the European Union. Marketing efforts included pamphlets, brochures, a website, and a mobile app to attract wine tourists.
Collaborative efforts among businesses ensured mutual support despite competition, fostering regional unity. Digitalisation enhanced accessibility and communication. These measures aimed to ensure sustainable tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and equitably distribute economic benefits for the long-term development of the Urla region. Preservation of vineyards and the surrounding ecosystem is paramount. Businesses employ natural farming methods to minimise their impact on local flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration projects. They also implement sustainable practices in water resource management and waste disposal.
In villages experiencing reverse migration from urban areas, tourism revenues have revitalised communities and raised living standards. These villages, rich in historical and natural resources, have become popular tourist destinations featured in various tour programs.
Social Media Links
Urla Bağ Yolu promotional videos produced in 2017: