Urla has already become a significant wine destination of our country with quality wines produced by Urla Şarapçılık, Urlice, Şatomet, Mozaik and USCA. It is a great destination to drive through, wonder around the vineyards, visit the wineries and taste the wines made with grapes special to the region.
URLA ŞARAPÇILIK
Urla Winery is the biggest and the most sophisticated producer in the area with its modern cellar and an exquisite boutique hotel overlooking the vineyards. The owners of Urla Şarapçılık and Arboretum, Sevda and Can Ortabaş created a real paradise in Urla. At Urla Şarapçılık (T: 0232 759 01 11, www.urlasarapcilik.com.tr)
Located near Urla Şarapçılık, Uzbaş Arboretumu with its 450 acre botanical garden is home to 255,000 palm trees, scoring the largest amount of palm trees in Europe. Wandering around the gardens among cypress tress in different shapes, it feels like you are in a scene from the famous Alice in Wonderland musical. Only here in Turkey, you can see and buy a variety of plants from different places in the world. If you stay at the hotel, ask Can Ortabaş to take you to an ATV safari. You must stop at the private beach of arboretum during that safari. (For Urla recommendations of Sevda Ortabaş visit http://www.yolculukterapisi.
URLİCE ŞARAPÇILIK
Urlice, owned by Reha and Bilge Öğünlü, is another pioneer of sophisticated wine making in the region. (T: 0232 754 16 67, www.urlice.com) You can explore the vineyards, visit the magnificent cellar, taste their wines, have lunch with pizza cooked in stone oven and pork sausage or enjoy the sunset over the vineyards at an early dinner (you need to call in advance for lunch & dinner reservations). We recommend you to try Urlice Cabernet Sauvignon, Urlice Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz Reserve and Urlice Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot Reserve wines.
USCA ŞARAPÇILIK
Usca is another gem included in the Urla Wine Route. With its modern & spacious vineyard and tasting room overlooking the vineyards and gardens, gothic wine cellar and brilliant wines, USCA is a must see winemaker. (www.usca.com.tr 0232 759 00 99) Their “Sonnet” wine series is inspired by the William Shakespeare’s sonnets and each bottle comes with a quote by the poet. We recommend you to try Usca Sonnet 5 Bornova Misketi, Usca Sonnet 99 Viognier & Chardonnay, Usca Sonnet 116 Chardonnay, Usca Sonnet 23 Syrah & Foça Karası, Usca Sonnet 76 Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot Reserve wines.
MOZAİK ŞARAPÇILIK
A brilliant vineyard, winemaker and horse farm, Mozaik is best known by its “Mahrem” branded Petit Verdot wine. Mahrem Corinto 2011, Mahrem Syrah 2011, Mahrem Petit Verdot- Rebo 2012, Mahrem Marselan 2012, Mahrem Ekigaina 2012 and Mahrem Tannat 2012 has all received various medals at International Wine Contests.(http://www.mozaiksarapcilik.com/index.php/en/story-of-mozaik/ 0232 465 0321)
MMG ŞARAPÇILIK
Another great boutique vinery owned by Güner family that produces châteaux style wines. Şatomet Bornova Misketi, Şatomet Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Reserve and Mourvedre Syrah Rezerve are our favorites.