Publish Time：
2026-06-12 09:46:01
Source：
Tourism Bureau of Izmir
The “İzmir Vineyard Route,” launched under the leadership of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, was introduced during a special program held within the scope of Olivtech – the 12th Olive, Olive Oil, Dairy Products, Wine and Technologies Fair, organized by İZFAŞ at Fuar İzmir. The project aims to preserve, promote, and carry İzmir’s deep-rooted viticultural heritage into the future through a sustainable tourism approach. The İzmir Vineyard Route currently includes 17 businesses, 1 honorary member, and 4 candidate members.
The foundations of the İzmir Vineyard Route were laid through membership in Iter Vitis, one of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. Through this membership, İzmir has taken its place among the cities representing viticultural heritage on an international scale.
Participants attending the İzmir Vineyard Route Launch included Professor Pınar Okyay, Deputy Secretary General of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality; Seferihisar Mayor İsmail Yetişkin; Selçuk Mayor Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel; Urla Mayor Selçuk Balkan; Chair of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Tourism and Fairs Commission Seyhan Müşerref Kuralı; Vice President of the Anatolian Gastronomy Tourism Association Yalçın Güçer; Çeşme Deputy Mayor Banu Ayhan; Menderes Deputy Mayor Rüzgar Sönmez; Torbalı Deputy Mayor Murat Gilgil; İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu; SKAL İzmir President Aydın Tokbaş; Chair of the Accommodation Committee of the İzmir Chamber of Commerce Ahmet Kilimci; members of the TÜRSAB Aegean Regional Executive Board; as well as company and sector representatives.
“We are the story itself”
Speaking at the opening of the program, Yalçın Güçer, Vice President of the Anatolian Gastronomy Tourism Association, highlighted İzmir’s potential in gastronomy and wine tourism.
Güçer stated: “It is highly meaningful that this geography, regarded as one of the birthplaces of viticulture and wine, is once again being represented through a strong cultural route. For nearly 15 years, there had not been an initiative on this scale. However, through determined efforts, we quickly became one of the fastest-growing networks in Europe. This route not only tells the story of our cultural heritage, but also offers a holistic approach that transforms it into an experience and an economic value. İzmir is one of the most important destinations along this route. This potential needs to become part of economic life. Because for a route to gain meaning, it must be turned into a story. We are the ones telling this story; in fact, we are the story itself. Therefore, we must create this value together, tell it together, and transform it into a lasting economic contribution together.”
She highlighted the importance of positive collaboration
In her video message, Iter Vitis President Emanuela Panke stated that İzmir has an active and dynamic wine-growing community, adding that such a positive and motivated collaboration is rarely seen in many destinations. Panke noted that the İzmir Vineyard Route would become a successful example of this positive unity and expressed her belief that İzmir would reach even greater prominence with its natural beauty and high-quality tourism offerings.
“It supports regional development”
Professor Pınar Okyay, Deputy Secretary General of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, said: “The İzmir Vineyard Route we have established stands out as a holistic model that supports local producers, encourages rural development, protects our cultural heritage, and offers visitors authentic experiences. Through this route, strong connections are being established not only around wine production, but also among gastronomy, culture, tourism, and the local economy.”
In her speech, Professor Okyay also emphasized that İzmir’s viticultural heritage would gain greater visibility on international platforms. She stated that a broad ecosystem has emerged, extending from vineyard houses and wineries to cultural heritage sites, gastronomy stops, and accommodation facilities, adding that this structure supports not only tourism but also local development and regional prosperity.
Call for collective action
Highlighting the importance of preserving and properly presenting cultural heritage, Professor Okyay said:
“As we witness how these efforts are received internationally, we better understand how decisive the way we tell our story truly is. This process becomes possible thanks to your contributions. On behalf of İzmir, I sincerely thank you all. As İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, we are here to facilitate this process. Our Tourism Branch Directorate has devoted itself wholeheartedly to this initiative. We collaborate with many different destinations through various international networks. Working together is the most important aspect of this process. As the homeland of Homer, İzmir naturally has powerful stories to tell. We know we will develop this story much further. As İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, we are here and we will continue this journey together. Our district mayors are here, and so are you. Much greater achievements will emerge from this unity.”
A shared umbrella brand
A presentation introducing the İzmir Vineyard Route was delivered by Sinem Soygül, Unit Chief of the Tourism Branch Directorate. During the presentation, the route’s objectives, membership criteria, and future plans were shared.
As part of the program, mayors and deputy mayors of the districts included in the İzmir Vineyard Route presented membership certificates to the businesses located in their regions. In addition, the Iter Vitis Honorary Membership Certificate was presented to Efes Field Life Village and received by Selçuk Mayor Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel. The Urla Vineyard Route Association also received its Iter Vitis membership certificate, presented jointly to Association President Serpil Erdurak and Urla Mayor Selçuk Balkan.
Through the İzmir Vineyard Route, producers, local governments, and tourism stakeholders will come together under a shared umbrella brand. Through tourism packages, training programs, and international collaborations to be developed, İzmir’s viticultural heritage will be carried onto the international stage.
