Kir-Yianni Estate: Leader of the Greek Wine Renaissance

In this Olympic year, Greek producer Kir-Yianni is celebrating his own stage performance. His gold medal-winning Diaporos Xinomavro 2019 was one of the three highest scoring Greek red wines at DWWA 2024, while its Naoussa Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2021 was awarded a silver medal.

Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris after leaving Boutari, the family winery founded by his grandfather in 1879. This forward-thinking maverick, known throughout Greece simply as Mr Yiannis (Kir-Yianni), has been and continues to be an inspiration to generations of Greek winemakers.

Today, his son, fifth-generation winemaker Stellios Boutaris, continues his legacy, leading Kir-Yianni as one of the country’s most innovative and exciting producers, exporting to over 50 countries. Meanwhile, his son, also named Yiannis, is gradually taking over the reins at Domaine Sigalas on Santorini, acquired in 2020 and now one of Greece’s top producers.

Stellios Boutaris, Winemaker and CEO of Kir-Yianni

Unique Greek terroir

As with all winemaking, the seeds of this success lie in the land. Kir-Yianni has spent decades working in two exceptional terroirs in northern Greece: Naoussa and Amyndeon. The latter is famous for its high-altitude Assyrtiko white, while both are important appellations for the signature Greek red grape Xinomavro.

Although only a 90-minute drive apart, these terroirs are completely different. The high plateau of Amyndeon on the northwestern side of Mount Vermion, with vineyards averaging 600 m in altitude, has sandy soils and a cool, continental climate. In contrast, the clay-loam vineyards of Naoussa are lower – around 200-250 m – on the southeastern slopes, where the climate is Mediterranean.

The vineyards of Kir-Yianni in Naoussa

Xinomavro Champions

Deep respect for these terroirs has led to innovative work: the team has identified microterroirs, experimented with trellising and focused on regenerating ungrafted pre-phylloxera Xinomavro vines.

Kir-Yianni’s extensive vineyard research program, one of the largest investments of its kind in Greece, has also benefited local growers, academic programs and Greek wine initiatives. This research has also produced an exceptional portfolio, including Ramnistaa benchmark Naoussa Xinomavro known for his consistency, and Kali Riza (‘good root’), made from selected Amyndeon plots of 40 to 60 year old pre-phylloxera Xinomavro.

Kir-Yianni’s ungrafted, pre-phylloxera Xinomavro vines in Amyndeon

For the future

Kir-Yianni’s latest groundbreaking initiatives include a dedicated sustainability team, continued investment in regenerative and organic viticulture, and becoming the first Greek producer to join International Wineries for Climate Action. All of this, combined with a clear vision and nuanced approach to terroir, is the guiding philosophy for Kir-Yianni’s future.