Yedi Bilgeler Vineyards / 7 Sages Vineyards & Vinifera Vineyard Hotel
Winery Near Ephesus: Wine Tasting at Yedi Bilgeler Vineyards & Winery & Restaurant & Hotel!
Ephesus is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, and for good reason. The ancient city is home to a wealth of historical and archaeological sites, including the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. But Ephesus is also a great place to enjoy wine.
Just a 15-minute drive from the famed ruins of Ephesus sits Yedi Bilgeler, a family-owned boutique vineyard and winery crafting exceptional wines from native Turkish grapes. With a story spanning over 2000 years and three generations, Yedi Bilgeler offers an authentic vinicultural experience rooted in Anatolian traditions.
There are a number of wineries located near Ephesus, but one of the most popular and frankly one of my favorite wineries in all of Turkey is Yedi Bilgeler Vineyards. Yedi Bilgeler is a family-owned winery that has been producing wine the last decade or so The winery is located in the Selçuk district of Izmir Province, just a short drive from Ephesus past a village with a train museum called Camlik. The location is on the ancient way between the Greco-Roman cities of Ephesus and Magnesia.
The name Yedi Bilgeler means '7 Sages' as they describe on their site:
'It is a homage and a salute to the common ancestors of humanity, the fathers of thought and philosophy, who lived in these lands. SEVEN SAGES WISDOM for us: philosophy, thought, knowledge, love of learning; chat; means sharing and enjoying with wine. We chose the names of our wines after these sages, the first 4 of whom were sages who lived in the closest settlements to our region: Thales, Bias, Solon, Chilon, Anaxagoras, Lassos and Pyhtagoras.'
Ancient Winemaking Traditions Near Ephesus
Evidence of grape cultivation and wine production in the Ephesus region dates back
over 4,000 years to the Hittites. Ancient Greeks later introduced new varietals and techniques to the area. Yedi Bilgeler pays homage to this history, with the winery name meaning “seven sages” in Turkish. The family revitalized the dormant vineyards beginning in the 2010a. Their 25 acres of vines thrive in the ideal microclimate, producing wines that honor both indigenous varietals and ancient winemaking methods.
Yedi Bilgeler Wines near Ephesus
Yedi Bilgeler works with several key grape varieties that originate in Anatolia. These include the crisp, floral Narince, intensely aromatic Muscat, and light red Öküzgözü. They also cultivate international favorites like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
By leveraging modern viticulture, Yedi Bilgeler expertly brings out the best characteristics of these vines. The winery focuses on low yields and sustainable practices to create the highest quality grapes.
Yedi Bilgeler produces a wide variety of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Some of the most popular wines produced by Yedi Bilgeler include:
ANAXAGORAS Reserve Chardonnay Arguably one of the best Chardonnay's in Turkey, limon, pear, Jasmin, the acidity and oak are well balanced, but you might prefer:
KHİLON Sauvignon Blanc or Fume' Blanc Both of these are very good with the Sauvignon Blanc being better even than the Chardonnay above. Grapefruit, mango, and citrus
PYTHAGORAS Red Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot is always a favorite and highly regarded.
SOLON ATTICA is a serious of monocepage wines featuring either Malbec (one of the best in Turkey!), Cabernet Franc or Shiraz, all are excellent, another one of my favorites is:
BİAS Petit Verdot This gets the full treatment of 15 months oak to have a smooth, long lasting finish on top of excellent tannin and acidity.
LASOS is Shiraz / Kalecik Karasi rose and is excellent as well. Its really hard to go wrong with their wines. Wine Production
From harvesting by hand to extended skin contact, Yedi Bilgeler utilizes artisanal techniques throughout the winemaking process. Grapes are pressed in a traditional wooden lagar, with juices then fermented and aged in stainless steel or French and American oak.
Yedi Bilgeler uses traditional winemaking methods, including hand-picking the grapes and fermenting them in small, oak barrels. This gives the wines a unique flavor profile that is both complex and elegant.
Specialty wines include barrel-aged wines. Yedi Bilgeler also produces ice wine, made by pressing frozen grapes for a concentrated nectar. This dedication to craft shines through in every sip.
The Tasting Experience
The best way to appreciate Yedi Bilgeler’s wines is by visiting the winery for a full tasting experience. Their welcoming cellar door offers panoramic vineyard views and guided sampling of their labels.
Try their fresh yet complex Chardonnay or rich Reserve Cabernet with notes of vanilla and spice.
Pair your wines with regional cheeses, cured meats, and Turkish delights. Visitors rave about the warm hospitality and expertise of Yedi Bilgeler’s staff.
In addition to producing wine, Yedi Bilgeler also offers wine tastings. The tastings are held in the winery's cellar or restaurant, which is a cool and atmospheric setting. The tastings are led by a knowledgeable wine guide who will explain the different wines and their flavors. Yedi Bilgeler is a great place to learn about Turkish wine and to sample some of the best wines that Turkey has to offer. The winery is located in a beautiful setting, and the wine tastings are a great way to spend an afternoon.
Vineyard Tours and Dining
Tastings can be customized into a tailored vineyard and winery tour. Stroll among the vines and witness firsthand the care that goes into each harvest.
Inside the fermentation room, see how wines transform from grape to bottle. Those wanting a full immersion can extend their experience with a gourmet multi-course meal at the vineyard’s restaurant. With views of the valley and local flavors, it’s the perfect wine country getaway.
Vinifera Hotel
Also, if you are looking for a very tranquil location to stay for a few days, their complex of vineyards, winery, restaurant also includes the Vinifera hotel where there are rooms spread out in a few buildings around a nice pool with beautiful scenic views over their vineyards.
If you are planning a trip to Ephesus, I highly recommend visiting Yedi Bilgeler Vineyards. You will learn about Turkish wine, sample some of the best wines that Turkey has to offer, and enjoy a beautiful setting.
Honoring an Ancient Craft
From growing practices to bottling methods, Yedi Bilgeler honors the millennia-old winemaking traditions of the Ephesus region. Their dedication has earned accolades at prestigious competitions like Challenge International du Vin.
For visitors to Ephesus looking to experience history through a glass, Yedi Bilgeler offers an ideal and enlightening opportunity. Sample exceptional local varietals and blends born of this fertile valley, where vines have flourished since antiquity.
Contact Yedi Bilgiler Vineyards
Döltenaltı Mevkii,
Gökçealan (Burgaz) Köyü 35920
Selçuk, Turkey
+90 232 894 82 57 +90 530 068 96 62
+90 232 894 82 71
info@yedibilgeler.com.tr
Yedi Bilgiler is located just a few kms away from Ephesus in just across the railroad tracks past Camlik Village - see the red pin at the bottom of this map:
