Seray Kocaemre is a wine marketing and enotourism strategist with over 15 years of experience across the wine and hospitality industries. She leads multiple projects in collaboration with key organizations, including Wines of Türkiye and the Wine Producers Association of Türkiye, supporting wineries in building impactful brand strategies and sustainable market positioning. As the founder of FABULATOR Vino-Marketing and Enotourism Consultancy, Seray specializes in transforming wine narratives into strategic tools for brand growth and destination development. WSET Level 3 certified, she is also an active wine judge and a regular speaker at tastings, panels, and academic platforms, bridging heritage, trends, and storytelling with measurable business impact.

Seray’s approach to judging is thoughtful and market-aware. She places strong emphasis on balance, typicity, and drinkability, while also considering how a wine fits its intended price point and audience. This combination of technical understanding and commercial realism makes her a valued member of the London Wine Competition judging panel.

What inspired your journey into wine?

The land I come from — and the women who dare to break the mold.

Learning that the vine was first domesticated in what is now Türkiye was a revelation. These lands, so rich in ancient viticultural history, are still struggling to find space in the modern mind for wine. That contradiction — between legacy and perception — became my calling.

Challenging this cultural taboo requires more than expertise; it demands courage. I find mine in women who’ve reshaped the world by questioning norms — like Simone de Beauvoir, Sabiha Gökçen, and Marie Curie. Their defiance fuels my own: to reclaim, retell, and revalue the story of wine in these fabulous lands.

Favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine

Trivet in London, founded by our very own Isa Bal, MS, and the brilliant chef Jonny Lake, is my favourite UK restaurant to enjoy wine. Isa’s wine list is not only expertly curated but also deeply rooted in the history of wine — a thoughtful, inspiring journey in every glass. His approach, grounded in both mastery and cultural depth, feels especially close to heart. Paired with Jonny’s expressive, globally inspired cuisine, the experience is nothing short of unforgettable.

Favourite UK wine shop

The Wine Society is my favourite UK wine shop — a place where heritage meets discovery. From ancient world wines to orange, low- and no-alcohol styles, their range is both deep and diverse.

What is your go-to wine under £20?

Kuzubağ Çal Karası Red, which was also awarded a gold medal by the London Wine Competition last year— a wine that offers freshness, elegance, and a clear sense of place, while remaining approachable and excellent value at its best examples.

Which wine region do you think is underrated?

Turkey. Ancient world wines offer an exquisite journey through history, terroir, and diversity. With over 70 indigenous varieties and a rich tapestry of regions, the story in every glass is both timeless and thrilling.

What wine trend are you most excited about for 2026?

The wine market’s expected recovery in 2026 won’t just be economic — it will be cultural. Consumers are no longer satisfied with the familiar. They are seeking difference:  Indigenous grape varieties that carry identity and story  Emerging regions that offer new expressions of terroir  Alternative winemaking techniques that challenge tradition, and experience-driven wine journeys, where enotourism connects people to place, not just product. This shift signals a deeper openness to discovery — and a growing desire to drink with meaning, not just habit.

From a judge’s perspective, what makes the London Wine Competition stand out?

London Wine Competition stands out by judging wines as complete market-ready products — not just by taste, but by value and presentation. It’s an incredible platform for lesser-known regions and indigenous varieties to gain visibility and relevance in the UK market. A competition where story, origin, and drinkability matter just as much as scores.

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One piece of advice you’d give wineries entering the London Wine Competition

Enter wines that are distinctive, well-positioned, and ready to win both palates and shelves.

Closing paragraph

Having your wines judged by Seray Kocaemre means receiving insight from a judge with an international outlook and a strong understanding of today’s wine trade. Seray’s evaluation signals to producers, importers, and buyers that a wine is balanced, authentic, and well-positioned to succeed in a competitive global marketplace.

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