Paşaeli, Tire, Izmir, TurkeY
Paşaeli, Tire, Izmir, Turkey
Founded in 2000 by brothers Seyit and Gino Karagözoğlu, Paşaeli is a pioneering family-owned winery based in Tire, near İzmir, on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. Originally fine wine importers since 1993, the Karagözoğlus developed a deep appreciation for terroir-driven wines and began their own production with a vision to champion Turkey’s indigenous grape varieties. Today, Paşaeli crafts small-lot, single-vineyard wines that tell the story of their homeland through ancient vines and forgotten grapes.
At the heart of Paşaeli’s philosophy is a commitment to old vines and the cultural heritage they represent. From the beginning, the winery has sought out neglected heritage vineyards and partnered with growers to preserve and restore these viticultural treasures. Their vineyards, many dry-farmed and head-trained, lie across Western Turkey, shaped by the cooling influences of the Aegean and Marmara Seas and rooted in a complex mosaic of soils. Several of these vineyards are home to vines over 40 years old, with some exceeding 80 years.
Key Old Vine Sites
Çanakkale, Bayramiç – Gedik Village
Sıdalan (planted circa 1945):
This extraordinary 80+ year-old vineyard lies near the national park of Kaz Dağları (Mount Ida), rooted in sandy soils with decomposed granite at 320–350 metres altitude. The low-yielding vines are hand-harvested and produce a wine notable for its herbal aromas, flinty minerality, and saline character. Paşaeli acquired this vineyard in 2022.Çakal (planted circa 1945):
Grown as a rare field blend alongside Sıdalan, these 80+ year-old vines also thrive in sandy soils near Mount Ida. The variety’s name—Çakal—means "jackal" in Turkish, a nod to the animals drawn to the grapes due to their early ripening. Historically overlooked, Çakal’s pinkish skin offered too much colour for white wines and too little for red, rendering it commercially undesirable for many years. However, DNA analysis conducted by José Vouillamoz on behalf of Paşaeli revealed a probable parent-offspring relationship between Çakal and Sıdalan. This study marked the first DNA research ever conducted on Turkish grape varieties.Karasakız (planted mid-1980s):
These 40+ year-old bush vines grow at an altitude of 500 metres on dark brown loamy soils with volcanic granite stones, facing south toward Mount Ida. This site was purchased by Paşaeli in 2019 and produces structured, aromatic wines from this distinctive local variety.
Şarköy, Tekirdağ
Yapıncak (planted mid-1960s):
These 55+ year-old goblet-trained vines grow just 3 km inland from the Sea of Marmara, on gently sloping, well-drained loamy soils with moderate lime content. The site is cooled by maritime winds, contributing to the freshness and balance of the resulting wines. Paşaeli purchased this historic vineyard in 2017.
Paşaeli’s dedication to Turkey’s old vines is not only viticultural but cultural. These vines, many overlooked or undervalued for decades, are living links to Anatolia’s ancient winemaking history. The winery’s export focus has helped bring international attention to native varieties like Sıdalan, Yapıncak, Karasakız, and Çakal—sparking renewed respect for Turkey’s deep-rooted wine heritage.
With a total production of approximately 200,000 bottles annually, Paşaeli remains a boutique producer with a global outlook. Each bottle is a tribute to old vines, old ways, and a vision for Turkey’s viticultural future rooted in authenticity and sustainability.
David Mogford, founder