POV - A Day In Beautiful Çanakkale

The Gelibolu Peninsula, also known as Gallipoli, is a part of the Thrace wine region in Turkey. This region is known for blending history, mythology, and viticulture, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers.

The vineyards here benefit from cool breezes coming in from both the Aegean and Marmara Seas, and a largely temperate climate. This unique combination results in the production of wonderful wines.

Gelibolu wineries produce wines from both indigenous grapes like Karasakız and Kınalı Yapıncak, and international varieties like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Grenache. One winery, Gali winery, is known for its stunning Merlot-based wines in the style of Pomerol, a famous wine region in Bordeaux, France.

First stop at Melen Winery & Vineyards, where passion meets terroir driven wines.

Melen Winery is on of the oldest artisanal wineries in Hoşköy, Thrace region of Turkiye located on the beautiful Marmara Sea. They are known for their delicious wines and beautiful vineyard setting rich in volcanic soils. This is the type of winery whereby visitors can enjoy wine tastings and meals at the winery's restaurant, which boasts gorgeous sea views.

Melen produces a variety of red and white wines, including their popular Melen Hora white wine. They use grapes grown in the Tekirdag region, which is known for its ideal climate for viticulture.

Cem, a third-generation winemaker along with his son, led us on a journey through the winery’s history during our delicious lunch. Our host’s infectious enthusiasm and smile, along with the exceptional wines we tasted, left no doubt about his passion for winemaking. Each dish was thoughtfully paired with a complementary wine from his collection. He even shared a rare treasure: a 1955 vintage made by his father, a wine that held deep personal significance. This very bottle, he revealed, graced the table when he proposed to his wife.

Following lunch, we embarked on a tour of the St. Ioannis Greek monastery ruins located on the property. Restoration efforts are currently underway on this historical site. Interestingly, the winery’s logo draws inspiration from the seal adorning amphorae, vessels used for wine storage in the region since ancient times.

Next, a visit to Gali Wines is a winery founded in 2005 by Hakan Kavur and his wife, Nilgün, in Turkey’s Thrace region, close to the Gulf of Saros .

The Kavurs specifically designed their boutique winery and cellar using local stones, which naturally regulate humidity and temperature. The winery produces mostly Bordeaux style red wines. They are currently restoring the old bunkers from World War II to be naturally insulated cellars.

This concludes an incredible #presstour a heartily thanks to @goturkiye @melinamass @elcinozi @serhatnarsap for organizing a spectacular and unforgettable trip through #istanbul #tekirdağ & #çanakkale

Link to Instagram reel: Canakkale