Wine Paradise, Selcuk Ilcesi, Turkey

Kirazli Valley (Cherry District) is one of my favorite region where some of the most beautiful vineyards can be found here. This vineyard is one of them. The Wine Paradise, is tucked away hidden behind  a creek,  away from the main road. The winery produces a number of differents wines and in fact is probably the most delicious wine in Aegean as well. This is a must- see vineyard.  It's one of those poscards shots- lush green grass surrounding with a rich blue mountain with a set of perfectly jagged peaks, snow-capped, jutting between the bacground and the sky.. So what better place to put a winery then here? The Aegean region has some of the Turkeys best wines, in my opinion, so the combination of unbeatable views and amazing wines is nothing short of bliss.

Kirazli Village is 14km to Kusadasi city center. The name Kirazli (village with cherry) comes from the cherry trees in the village. It is a traditional village where you can experience the local village life.

Hidden from the crowds behind olive groves, cherry blossoms and vineyards; Kirazli Village is one of the few non-touristy places left that offers accommodation around Ephesus. 

There are approximately 350 families living at the village,  earning their lives from farming and animal breeding. Being the first example at the country, the organic farming is supported by the government.  The main products of the village are cherry, olive, fig, grape, walnut and wine.  However  except the tropical fruits, every single type of fruit is grown around the village. 

On Sundays, Kirazli hosts Turkey's first certified organic product market. An- every year-increasing number of village restaurants are invaded by locals on weekends for their special family type breakfasts and traditional regional dishes. 

Although it is surrounded by all the touristy attractions , there are still no touristy shops in Kirazli village. However, a couple of boutique hotels are busy all year round.

There is one mosque, one primary school, one health clinic, a butcher, a bakery, and three mini markets at the village. Public minibuses run every half an hour between Kusadasi and Kirazli at day time. 

Turkey is still an agriculture country and most of the people are still farmers. Unfortunately though the farming methods -just like in most of the other countries of the world- have been altered. To increase fertility and protect the products more and more chemicals are being used at the moment. KIRAZLI is the only village in turkey which has got the Eco-friendly agriculture certificate given by the Turkish government. When you are walking on the roads and the paths of Kirazli you will see olives, herries, pears, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, cucumber, eggplants, mulberries, plums, quince, melon watermelon, grapes and vineyards etc.

DINING

When it comes to food, the generous Aegean sun and soil enables us to grow a huge variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs;  and raise cattle fed by those fresh products. Surrounded by such vegetation, at Kirazli village where organic farming is supported by the government; the food is rich,  colorful and nutritious. Several village restaurants serving  local food in their authentic atmospheres attract families, couples and friends from all around the region,  especially on weekends.   

AREA

Ephesus  (15 km / 6 miles): The most famous ancient city in Turkey, The capital city of Asia Minor.

House of Virgin Mary (20 km): Known as the last place where Virgin Mary lived her last years and passed away.

St John s Basilica: Where St John the apostle was buried. On top of his grave, one of the biggest basilicas of the world was built in 6th century AD.

The Temple of Artemis: The ruins of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The Train Museum ( 8 km / 5 miles): It is one of the best collections in the world. 42 steamers from 7 different countries are displayed here.