Bodrum Karnas Vineyards: Food & Wine Pairing Dinner with Pickup

Summary

Food & wine pairing dinner at Bodrum’s Karnas Vineyards with locals

You’ll share stories over local wines at Bodrum’s Karnas Vineyards, taste farm-fresh dishes paired by the owners themselves, wander through ancient vines at sunset, and end your evening with homemade limoncello — moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out of the van when a woman with sun-browned hands pressed a cold glass of rosé into mine — “Karnas Zinfandel,” she said, like it was both an introduction and a welcome. The air in Karaova felt thick with that late summer warmth, and you could smell the vines before you saw them. Our guide (the owner himself, which I didn’t expect) waved us over for a slow walk through rows of grapes, stopping to break off a leaf and let us feel its roughness. He told stories about Roman times and how his family still makes jam from the garden fruit — I tried to say thank you in Turkish and got a laugh from his daughter.

The cellar was cool and smelled faintly of oak barrels and something sweet I couldn’t place. We tasted olive oil so green it almost glowed on the bread, goat cheese that crumbled between my fingers, and jams that reminded me of childhood breakfasts. The main event was this food & wine pairing dinner — four courses, all local stuff from Selia Farm or right there on the property. Each plate came with a different Karnas wine; the Shiraz had this peppery kick that lingered longer than I thought it would. Someone at our table asked about the Zinfandel being the only one in Turkey — the pride in our host’s voice was obvious.

By dessert (homemade limoncello, sharp but somehow gentle), we’d all lost track of time. The sun dipped behind the vines while we were still talking about how different everything tasted here compared to home. There was no rush to leave — just quiet laughter, clinking glasses, and that soft golden light you only get at dusk in places like Bodrum. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back in my kitchen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Food and Wine Dinner

• Pickup from hotel (approx 7 pm)
• Drive 35 minutes to Karnas Vineyards
• Welcome drink: Karnas Rose Zinfandel
• Cellar tour with vineyard owner
• Tasting local specialties (olive oil, jams, goat cheese)
• Multi-course food and wine pairing dinner
• Homemade limoncello dessert
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How far is Karnas Vineyards from Bodrum?

Karnas Vineyards are about 35 minutes north of Bodrum by car.

Is hotel pickup included for this food & wine pairing dinner?

Yes, transportation from your accommodation is included in the price.

What wines are served during the dinner?

Karnas Zinfandel (the only one in Turkey) and award-winning Shiraz are served.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Who leads the vineyard tour?

The owner of Karnas Vineyards personally leads the tour.

Is this experience suitable for children?

Children can attend if accompanied by an adult.

What is included in the meal?

A four-course dinner featuring local produce from Selia Farm and Karnas Vineyards is included.

Does this tour include wine tasting?

Yes, guided wine tasting is part of the experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes round-trip hotel pickup from Bodrum, a guided tour led by the vineyard owner through both vines and cellar, tastings of local olive oil, jams, goat cheese, a four-course farm-to-table dinner paired with house wines (including their unique Zinfandel), dessert with homemade limoncello, bottled water throughout, and return transport after dinner.