-BIO-

Akin Gurbuz is a winemaker and wine consultant for several prestigious wineries in Turkey. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis. In addition, Akin Gurbuz completed his Masters in Computer and Information System at City University of New York, Brooklyn College.

Akin is the founder of Gurbuz Gida AS. an Istanbul-based company that is focusing on the production of premium Turkish wines. He is a judge for the International Wine Challenge Competitions in London. He regularly attends wine competitions, symposiums, wine tastings and wine education events around the world. He organizes and gives local and international seminars about vineyard management and winemaking for both the home-winemaker and wine industry professionals.

Akin is interested in sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices in grape growing and winemaking. He is a strong supporter of clustering in the wine business. He is a founder of the Winemakers of Thrace group and one of the founders of the Turkish Wine Bloggers group.

Akin lives in Tekirdag, Turkey with his wife Melike Gurbuz and two daughters, Alya and Alara. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Turkey.