Chris Vannoy
- Aug 23, 2023
- 4 min read

Ayda Bağları / Ayda Winery & Vineyards

Ayda Winery - A Wonderful Mountainous Setting for Wine Tastings of their Vinaida Wines

Ayda Vineyards: A Brief History

Ayda Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the town of Gödence, Turkey quite near Izmir and Alacati ın the subprovince of Seferhisar. The winery was founded with its first vineyards planted in 2003 by Ayda and Uğur Kalelioğlu who like many here were seeking tranquility from busy Izmir. Mrs. Kalelioğlu started as an amateur, but she is known for doing all things well and has developed her wine making skill in France at the Universite' Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier where she became an oenologue under the masters program. Her first vintage was a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot coupage which gained immediate appr

oval in the Turkish wine community.

At the heart of Turkey's winemaking heritage, Ayda Vineyards is a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders. Situated in the enchanting region near Godence, the vineyard benefits from the area's fertile soil and favorable climate, fostering the perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality grapes. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes near Godence, Turkey, Ayda Vineyards stands as a captivating winery with a rich history and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. Among their prized creations, the Vinaida brand wines have garnered international acclaim for their exquisite flavors and distinct character.

The winery is located in the heart of the Aegean wine region, which is known for its rich soil and Mediterranean climate. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. They have a mountainous location with a view of the Aegean Sea from the winery that sits at 400m above sea level.

Ayda Vineyards is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Aegean region. The wines are made using traditional winemaking methods, and they are aged in oak barrels for added complexity and flavor.

Vinaida: Ayda Vineyards' Premium Brand

Under the Vinaida brand, Ayda Vineyards showcases its commitment to crafting wines that epitomize elegance and craftsmanship. Each step of the winemaking process, from grape selection to fermentation and aging, is meticulously executed by their skilled winemakers. The result is a portfolio of wines that proudly represents the region's terroir and the winery's unwavering commitment to excellence.

The grapes are hand-harvested at peak ripeness and gently handled during the winemaking process to preserve freshness and aromas. In the winery, Vinaida wines are fermented in small batches and matured in oak barrels or steel tanks. This blend of modern techniques and terroir-driven practices underpins Vinaida's refined yet expressive wines.

Vinaida White Wines

Vinaida crafts several white wine varieties that epitomize the Aegean region's terroir. Their Narince offers lively citrus and stone fruit notes, while the Sauvignon Blanc balances tropical aromas with crisp minerality. For added complexity, try the Blanc de Noir (from Grenache). These aromatic, refreshing Vinaida whites perfectly complement seafood, light appetizers, and summer sipping. There is also the indigenious Bornova Misketi grape here as well.

Vinaida Red Wines

Red wine lovers will savor Vinaida's Turkish and international red varieties. Their Foça Karası features bright red fruit lifted by the vineyards' high altitude. Shiraz/ Syrah grapes from low-yielding vines create an intensely fruited, peppery red. The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve delivers bold blackcurrant and dark cherry flavors, with well-integrated oak aging adding structure. They also grow Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Petit Verdot varieties

Vinaida is Ayda Vineyards' premium brand of wines. The wines are made from carefully selected grapes, and they are aged for longer periods of time than the winery's other wines. Vinaida wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and finesse.

The Vinaida range includes a variety of red, white, and rosé wines. Some of the most popular Vinaida wines include: Their reds listed are especially well made.

Vinaida Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco. It is aged for 12 months in oak barrels
Vinaida Merlot: This is a medium-bodied red wine with flavors of red fruit, spice, and chocolate. It is aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
Vinaida Shiraz: This is a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and pepper. It is aged for 18 months in oak barrels.
Vinaida Sauvignon Blanc: This is a crisp white wine with flavors of grapefruit, lemon, and minerality. It is unoaked.

Here is an interview (In Turkish) with Mrs Ayda Kalelioğlu, where even if you don't speak Turkish you can understand her charm, grace, diligence and committment to her winery and wine production.

Visiting Ayda Vineyards

Ayda Vineyards is open to the public for tours and tastings. The winery offers a variety of tours, including a basic tour, a winemaker's tour, and a sunset tour. Tastings are also available, and visitors can sample a variety of Ayda Vineyards wines.

The winery is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. There is also a restaurant on-site, which serves traditional Turkish cuisine.The best way to enjoy Vinaida wines is visiting the Ayda Vineyards estate. Daily tours and tastings provide an immersive experience showcasing Vinaida labels alongside stunning vineyard views. Guests can stroll the vines and cellars before sampling wines on the terrace.

The estate's restaurant serves creative Mediterranean cuisine utilizing local ingredients that pair wonderfully with Vinaida wines. From vine to bottle, Ayda Vineyards offers an opportunity to discover the very best of Aegean wine country through their acclaimed Vinaida wines. If you are interested in learning more about Ayda Vineyards or their Vinaida brand wines, I encourage you to visit the winery website or to contact the winery directly.

Conclusion

Exploring the Vinaida wines is a journey of sensory delights that takes wine enthusiasts on a captivating adventure through the tastes and aromas of the region. From luscious reds to crisp whites, and delicate rosés, the Vinaida range caters to every palate, making it a beloved choice for wine connoisseurs and novices alike.

Ayda Vineyards is a family-owned winery that produces high-quality wines in the Aegean region of Turkey. Their Vinaida brand is a premium range of wines that are known for their complexity, elegance, and finesse. If you are looking for a delicious and well-made wine, I highly recommend trying a Vinaida wine.