How Eric’s Passion for Fine Beverages Shaped Vino Turco and Anatolia Gin
Eric’s entrepreneurial journey is a mix of passion, expertise and creativity in the world of fine beverages. With 25 years in the wine industry and sommelier qualifications under his belt, Eric has built EUR LTD, a business that includes Vino Turco, which specializes in Turkish wines, and Anatolia Turkish Delight Gin, a unique spirit with a flavour profile he perfected over 5-6 years.
Eric’s business isn’t just about products - he supplies wines to about 30 restaurants, hosts wine tasting events and runs a subscription-based Wine Club. He’s especially proud of Anatolia Gin, which stands out for its authentic Turkish delight infusion.
For the past 25 years, Eric has focused on serving Italian, Spanish and French wines, with a particular expertise in Italian wines, thanks to his sommelier training. He’s completed Level 2 and Level 3 WSET certifications and specialized in Italian wines during his sommelier course. Over time, his interests have grown, leading him to explore new regions and ventures in the wine world.
Anatolia Gin was born in 2016, and working on the taste was a big challenge. “From day one to 2022, I was trying to get the taste right. It wasn’t easy,” he says. While perfecting the flavour of his gin, Eric was running Vino Turco and supplying wines to nearly 30 restaurants. He offers his knowledge of menu making and staff training, as well as holding wine tastings every month. Vino Turco offers a Wine Club with bronze, silver and gold packages.
Eric grew up in a small village in Turkey, a region surrounded by the natural beauty rich in vineyards. His family owned lands with olives and figs groves. From a young age, Eric was immersed in the winemaking process alongside the cultivation of olives, all of which were grown organically. When he was around 13 or 14, Eric was harvesting grapes for a couple of pounds an hour. Reflecting on his childhood, he realizes how much he learned from that experience, although at the time, he didn't fully grasp the significance of his natural, rural upbringing.
Balancing his professional and personal life, Eric values spending time with his family, managing school pickups and working late into the night when his child is asleep. The flexibility of running an online business allows him to work from anywhere, a significant advantage in managing his diverse responsibilities. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Eric also works as a restaurant manager, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to the industry.
To manage the growing demands of his business, Eric has recently brought on a social media manager and a salesperson. These additions aim to alleviate some of the stress and allow him to focus on strategic growth and innovation.
For those looking to get into a similar business venture, “Don’t do it!” Jokes aside, he emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching the market and assessing whether your product has real potential to sell. He also advises preparing for tough times and ensuring everything is done by the book, including securing all necessary licenses and contracts.
Looking ahead, Eric envisions Anatolia Gin becoming a well-recognized brand in the UK over the next decade. He is confident in his great pricing due to the gin coming straight from the bottler in Italy.
With Vino Turco and Anatolia Turkish Delight Gin, Eric has not only showcased his expertise but has also brought unique flavours and experiences to the market. His ability to balance a demanding career with family life and maintain a flexible work environment demonstrates a remarkable blend of professionalism and personal dedication.
Explore Eric’s ventures further through the following links:
• Vino Turco
• Anatolia Gin
For inquiries, you can reach Eric via email at info@anatoliagin.com or connect on Instagram at @anatoliagin and @vinoturco.
