Cittaslow Philosophy in Yedi Bilgeler Winery—Turkey

Archeological excavations and research show that grapes and wine have played a key social and commercial role in Anatolia, dating back 6000 years. Over the past few decades, Turkey has been resurrecting its very ancient wine traditions, producing high quality wine made from native grape varieties, growing across the geographically sprad wine regions. Wine tourism offers a way to support rural areas, sustain cultural heritage and improve the economy. Wine tourism is more than visiting vineyards; it has the power to create and develop a region’s identity and increase distribution channels. Yedi Bilgeler Winery is an establishment in Turkey, Izmir, which was constructed in 2010. Yedi Bilgeler, the Seven Sages (of Greece) or Seven Wise Men was the title given by ancient Greek tradition to seven early-6th-century BC philosophers, statesmen, and law-givers who were renowned in the following centuries for their wisdom. The winery and the vineyards are at the center of Ionia and between the ancient cities of Ephesus and Magnesia. The philosophy of Cittaslow is implemented in the winery and free trainings for wine, olive oil and cheese tastings are provided for local manufacturers. The boutique hotel is also included in “Cittaslow Friends” to support and help raise awareness about the Cittaslow movement in Turkey. The aim of this paper is to present the Cittaslow philosophy in Yedi Bilgeler winery in Turkey and investigate the vineyards of the region in relation to tourism. As research methodology a literature review and the sources of secondary data were used.