Excursion S.a.l.t. an anatolian family vineyard legacy tour at Bodrum

Bodrum Countryside & Karnas Vineyards

Depart the port for a scenic drive into the rolling countryside surrounding Bodrum, where vineyards and olive groves stretch across sunlit hills overlooking the Aegean landscape. After approximately 35 minutes, arrive at Karnas Vineyards, a boutique estate born from passion, vision and family devotion.

Nearly twenty-five years ago, founder Selva Ismen transformed what began as a personal dream into one of the region’s most distinctive wine estates. Inspired by time spent in Napa Valley and a love for the Zinfandel grape, she acquired 165,000 square meters of land in Çömlekçi, captivated above all by a majestic thousand-year-old olive tree standing at its heart. What was once her private stone residence gradually evolved, together with her son, Haluk Can Ismen, into a refined, château-style winery rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship.

Vineyard Walk & Olive Oil Tasting

Your S.A.L.T. experience begins with a warm welcome from members of the Ismen family. Accompanied by your hosts, stroll through the vineyards and beneath the shade of ancient olive trees, some centuries old. As you walk, you will learn about the estate’s viticulture philosophy, grape selection and environmentally conscious production methods.

Pause to taste the estate’s own olive oil, produced from the very trees that surround you, before continuing toward the family’s original residence, the Vine House.

The Vine House – Private Terrace Wine Tasting

Reserved exclusively for special guests, the Vine House was Selva Ismen’s home during the vineyard’s earliest days. Today, it remains separate from the main winery building and serves as an intimate venue for private gatherings.

On the owner’s terrace, overlooking rows of vines and the gentle contours of the Bodrum hills, you will enjoy a curated tasting of Karnas wines. As each glass is poured, your hosts share the story behind every bottle, the inspirations, the techniques and the family’s journey from dream to distinguished boutique estate.

This is not simply a tasting, but a personal exchange, an invitation into the family narrative.

Tandir Lamb Feast – A Celebration of Anatolian Tradition

As the tasting concludes, anticipation builds for the culinary finale. Throughout the morning, lamb has been slow-cooking in a traditional tandir: a deep, clay-lined well oven heated by wood fire. This centuries-old Anatolian method allows the meat to roast gently in its own juices for hours, resulting in exceptionally tender, flavorful lamb with a delicately crisp exterior.

The well is opened before you, revealing the beautifully cooked lamb, which is then served alongside seasonal salads prepared with produce from the vineyard, an assortment of fresh Turkish mezes, stuffed grape leaves and a traditional local dessert. Carefully selected Karnas wines accompany the meal.

Served al fresco on the terrace, this leisurely lunch becomes a celebration of family, memory and place, an authentic yet refined expression of Bodrum’s culinary heritage.

Your Hosts: The Ismen Family

Haluk Can Ismen, managing partner of Karnas Vineyards and Turkey’s first graduate in environmental engineering, oversees the estate’s production with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

Selva Ismen, founder and visionary, continues to share the spirit and stories behind the vineyard she created, welcoming guests with warmth and pride.

Note

Please Note: This S.A.L.T. experience involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1.25 km (0.8 miles), at times over uneven and natural vineyard terrain, with approximately 15 steps to negotiate. The vineyard portion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility; however, guests may remain at the Vine House terrace to participate in the wine tasting and lunch. The vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, though foldable wheelchairs may be stored in the baggage compartment. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, hat and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Dietary restrictions (excluding kosher) can be accommodated with advance notice of at least 48 hours. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this exclusive S.A.L.T. experience is extremely limited; we strongly recommend booking well in advance to avoid disappointment.