MMG Şarapçılık / MMG Winery

Discovering MMG Vineyards: A Winemaking Adventure of the Satomet Label

Situated 14km from the town of Urla on Turkey's Çeşme Peninsula lies MMG Vineyards, a boutique wine estate owned by winemaker Meltem Güner Atalay. This is a family operation started by Prof. Dr. Metin Güner as a hobby. With its stunning hillside location and focus on both international and indigenous varietals, MMG Winery produces exceptional wines under the name 'Satomet' that encapsulate the Aegean terroir.

MMG Winery - The Vineyards

Meltem Güner Atalay established MMG Winery in 2012, fulfilling her dream of crafting quality Turkish wines. The estate's vineyards cover a total of 140 decares spread over 2 separate vineyards - one somewhat in the plain near Ovacik where Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre (one of the few in Turkey), Bornova Misketi and Chardonnay are grown.

The second vineyard is the Bademler area located at 300 m and was planted after a forest fire destroyed 3000 olive trees in 2012. Replanting took place with some older Bornova Misket and Syrah vines some that are now 30 years old, having lived in 2 regions.

The winery is boutique in every sense of the word - producing 20,000 bottles a year but doing so with great attention and care, and often trying new and different things.

They are known for their 'gece hasadi' or night time harvesting which protects the fullness of the grapes aromas (and makes it a lot more comfortable for the harvesters in the very hot summer sun of the Izmir region!)

Grapes thrive in the sandy-clay soils and benefit from the moderating coastal breezes. MMG Vineyards adheres to sustainable and minimal intervention practices. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified using natural techniques in a gravity-flow winery. The result is terroir-expressive, food-friendly wines.

MMG Winery Wine Portfolio

The MMG Vineyards portfolio includes elegant whites, refreshing rosés, and robust reds. Their reds are bold and unique, and they have notable Bornova Misketi whites in both dry and semi-sweet expressions. With its array of wines, MMG beautifully captures the Aegean's wine potential.

Bornova Misketi, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Kara Misket, Chardonnay are all produced

here with notable wines that I would recommend being.

The semi-sweet Bornova Misket - I think this is what this wine was intended to be in ancient times- sweet, super flavourful, fruity, fragrant, strong.
The Satomet Yarimada (means peninsula in Turkish) it is a blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a high alcohol content, I enjoy this blend.
The have produced a Double oak reserve CS and Merlot blend in the past which I hear is very nice. Though i've not tried this one.
There is also a Kara Misket - a dark muscat indigenious grape from which a dark blush is made, I also hear this is a try.

The MMG Winery Experience

MMG welcomes visitors for wine tastings and vineyard tours. The tasting room offers sweeping vistas as guests sample MMG’s labels and hear the estate’s story.

Knowledgeable staff provide insights into Meltem’s winemaking philosophy and production techniques. Guests can meander through the tranquil vineyards and glimpse behind the scenes in the winery.

Meltem Hanim is often around and is a vibrant active host that will tell you about her wines, if you catch her as it is always hopping when I've visited.

MMG Vineyards Conclusion

In conclusion, MMG Vineyards near Urla, Turkey, and the exquisite wines it produces under the Satomet label are a true embodiment of passion, terroir, and innovation. As you uncork a bottle of MMG wine, you're not just enjoying a drink—you're experiencing the essence of Turkish winemaking, crafted with love and dedication by Meltem Güner Atalay and her team at MMG Vineyards. Cheers to the remarkable journey of MMG Vineyards and the extraordinary wines that grace our glasses.