Winery

The family vineyard, located in the historical Gallipoli Peninsula National Park, is developed with quality-oriented viticulture techniques to transform the grapes grown there into wine under optimal conditions. Suvla's journey begins with the initiative of the married couple Pınar and Selim Zafer Ellialtı in the field of family viticulture and wine production.

The couple started planting the first vines in 2003, together with agricultural engineers and viticulture experts, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. The planting, initially started on 50 hectares, reached an area of 100 hectares with 15 grape varieties and received the "EU Organic Certificate" by 2023. The family vineyard is called Bozokbağ, named after their son, who was born during the vineyard's founding years. The ecosystem of organic viticulture, adopted as a certified production method, is considered a controlled, holistic system. It serves to address environmental problems caused by improper tillage and excessive use of synthetic inputs, as well as to protect pristine areas. With this approach, Suvla aims to increase productivity, preserve the natural cycle, and enhance product quality.

Methods applied in Bozokbağ's organic approach include: vermicompost, preferred to increase soil nutrient value, water retention capacity, and yield; fava beans, planted between vine rows to balance soil nitrogen levels, increase phosphorus content, and serve as green manure; immediate return of pomace from the harvest to the vineyard; and the correct training system, which facilitates optimal plant development and disease control. Undoubtedly, pest control, one of the most challenging aspects of viticulture, holds the most important place in organic viticulture. Suvla's viticulture team uses biotechnological methods developed as an alternative to chemical medications and pesticides for pest control in the family vineyard. Applied methods include the use of ladybugs as predators to control aphids, and spraying leaves with a chili pepper solution.
Organic wines contain no added sulfites and are made from certified organic grapes. Certified organic grapes are grown without the use of herbicides, insecticides, or chemical fertilizers.

Bozokbağ's grape varieties are organically produced and bottled. In addition to its own family vineyards, Suvla also processes grapes from other certified organic vineyards with which the company cooperates.
The terroir of the peninsula, located between the North Aegean and the Marmara Sea, where Bozokbağ is also situated and where viticulture has been practiced for many years, is characterized by its proximity to the sea, iodine- and resin-containing air, prevailing Karayel winds, and loamy soil structure. In the region, known for its historical significance, the relationship between vine and soil has existed for centuries.

Earth, sun, wind, human... indispensable elements for the development of vines towards a whole. Since the day of its foundation, Bozokbağ has been like a 20-year-old child, worked and cared for by dozens of women from the surrounding villages with great loyalty and hard work, summer and winter in the vineyards. Each harvest, each winter pruning, and the discipline of care throughout all four seasons are a special enthusiasm and excitement for them, as their contribution to the vineyard's development is so clearly visible.

Red grape varieties grown in the family vineyard include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache Noir, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Karasakız; white varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne. The Bozokbağ team, consisting of agricultural engineers and viticulture experts, meticulously continues year-round vineyard care by developing strict disciplines.

The establishment of the vineyards began with the planting of certified vines imported from the French nursery Mercier Nursery and planted by experts. No chemical or artificial fertilizers were used during the first three years of their development, allowing the roots to develop and strengthen naturally. The Merlot clones of the certified vines were selected from Petrus clones. The vineyard team conducts studies for new plantings to select local grape varieties suitable for the terroir and historically proven in the region.

The harvest in Bozokbağ takes place at the time of the grapes' full ripeness, matured by the last summer heat, in the cool hours immediately before sunrise, accompanied by the excited and joyful activity of the people from the region. The grapes, carefully placed in crates, are delivered to the winery's cold rooms while preserving their character, before being processed. Subsequently, they are transferred to the fermentation tanks via the special gravity system of the Suvla winery. This is where the wine's journey begins.