Robin’s tenure in California has fostered an invaluable education in grape growing and winemaking, rooted in the search of balance and crafting wines that are true to the site, vineyard, and culture.
meet the winemaker
A native of Scotland, Robin Akhurst has built an international winemaking career rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for terroir. Since arriving in Napa Valley in 2009, he has spent over a decade refining his skills across California’s diverse vineyard landscapes. Robin has led winemaking at Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine since the first release of the 2017 Blanc de Noirs, bringing his longstanding love of sparkling wine to life with a style that celebrates California and Napa Valley fruit through a traditional, hands-on approach.
Robin’s passion for wine began in Edinburgh, where he first worked as a sommelier. He later deepened his knowledge at one of London’s top independent wine merchants before pursuing a postgraduate degree in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand. From there, he embarked on a global winemaking journey, gaining hands-on experience in Languedoc, Marlborough, Burgundy, and Barossa Valley—each region helping shape his philosophy of balance, precision, and respect for
vineyard character.
In addition to his role at Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine, Robin is the Head Winemaker for Napa and
Sonoma at Adair Family Wines. He also brings his creative vision to life through his own labels, Apsara Cellars and Library Collection Wines.
Outside the cellar, Robin is a dedicated endurance athlete who competes in Ironman triathlons around the world. He finds a shared rhythm between winemaking and racing—both disciplines fueled by patience, purpose, and perseverance. He lives in Napa with his wife Aneeta, their daughters Zahra and Sienna, and their Golden Retriever, Knox, whose charm and mischief keep life lively. Whether he’s playing guitar, riding California’s backroads on his motorcycle, or training for his next race, Robin brings
the same sense of focus and joy to every pursuit as he does to his wines.
meet the winemaker
A native of Scotland, Robin Akhurst has built an international winemaking career rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for terroir. Since arriving in Napa Valley in 2009, he has spent over a decade refining his skills across California’s diverse vineyard landscapes. Robin has led winemaking at Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine since the first release of the 2017 Blanc de Noirs, bringing
his longstanding love of sparkling wine to life with a style that celebrates California and Napa Valley fruit through a traditional, hands-on approach.
Robin’s passion for wine began in Edinburgh, where he first worked as a sommelier. He later deepened his knowledge at one of London’s top independent wine merchants before pursuing a postgraduate degree in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand. From there, he embarked on a global winemaking journey, gaining hands-on experience in Languedoc, Marlborough, Burgundy, and Barossa Valley—each region helping shape his philosophy of balance, precision, and respect for vineyard character.
in addition to his role at Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine, Robin is the Head Winemaker for Napa and Sonoma at Adair Family Wines. He also brings his creative vision to life through his own labels, Apsara Cellars and Library Collection Wines.
Outside the cellar, Robin is a dedicated endurance athlete who competes in Ironman triathlons around the world. He finds a shared rhythm between winemaking and racing—both disciplines fueled by patience, purpose, and perseverance. He lives in Napa with his wife Aneeta, their daughters Zahra and Sienna, and their Golden Retriever, Knox, whose charm and mischief keep life lively. Whether he’s playing guitar, riding California’s backroads on his motorcycle, or training for his next race, Robin brings the same sense of focus and joy to every pursuit as he does to his wines.
the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes for the napa valley blanc de noirs come from the historic mitsuko’s vineyard in carneros. the fruit for the california brut are grown in river junction by fifth-generation grape growers, who were awarded the california green medal for sustainable winegrowing.
illustration by: elaine chukan brown