In search of a more tranquil life away from the city’s chaos, Ayda Kalelioğlu and her husband, Uğur Kalelioğlu, relocated to Urla in 1998, embracing the nature-filled lifestyle they had always envisioned. Their journey into winemaking began in 2003 when they acquired their first vineyard, turning a university-era dream into reality. Alongside their friends, they crafted their first wines as passionate amateurs.
Driven by her relentless pursuit of excellence, Ayda Kalelioğlu immersed herself in mastering the art of winemaking, supported by her family and loved ones. She first completed a certification program in France before earning a place in the highly selective master’s program at Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, which admits only 25 students annually. After completing her studies, she returned to Turkey as an oenologist, and in 2012, she created a Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot blend that was recognized among Turkey’s finest wines at the 2013 Master of Wine Weekend in Istanbul.
Today, the family continues their winemaking journey at the vineyards and winery they established in 2015 near the village of Gödence in Seferihisar, Izmir, nestled at an altitude of 400 meters.
MEET THE AYDA WINES FAMILY, WHO TURNED THEIR PASSION FOR WINE INTO REALITY...
Winemaker
Ayda Kalelioğlu
Ayda Kalelioğlu Born in Tarsus in 1961, Ayda Kalelioğlu graduated from Marmara University’s Faculty of Dentistry in 1982. While pursuing her career as a dentist, she took great pleasure in production, engaging in activities such as making preserves, cheese, olive oil, and curing olives. After moving to Urla in 1998, she turned her attention to viticulture and winemaking. Initially pursuing winemaking as a hobby, she later sought formal education to refine her skills, attending a certification program in France in 2008. She went on to complete a master’s degree at Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier in 2010 and has worked professionally as an oenologist since 2012.
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Uğur Kalelioğlu
Born in Antalya in 1958, Uğur Kalelioğlu graduated from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Law in 1979. Since 1980, he has been a practicing lawyer registered with the Izmir Bar Association. In addition to his career, he has been actively involved in viticulture and winemaking since acquiring their first vineyard in 2003.
