We visited this winery in 2024 and were really impressed! Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris after he left his family’s historic Boutari Wine Group. A visionary winemaker, Yiannis played a key role in the revival of Greek wine. The estate has championed indigenous varieties long before they gained international acclaim and has been instrumental in defining the potential of the native red Xinomavro. Today, Kir-Yianni is led by Yiannis’ son, fifth-generation winemaker Stellios Boutaris, who has strengthened Kir-Yianni’s modern reputation through a clear focus on sustainability, site-specific winemaking and continuous research and development. In recent years, the estate has deepened their environmental commitment by implementing no-tillage farming, composting of pomace, native cover crops, integrated pest management, and using drip irrigation only when necessary. In 2024, Kir-Yianni became the first Greek winery to measure its carbon footprint at both the Naoussa and Amyndeon wineries and joined the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) as a Silver Member, underscoring their pledge to continuous environmental improvement. The estate’s Assyrtiko The North captures this high‑altitude character beautifully. Sourced from young vines in Agios Panteleimonas, it offers a bright, zesty expression of the grape, quite different from the volcanic power of Santorini. Vibrant citrus and stone‑fruit aromas, crisp acidity and a clean mineral edge, supported by a short period on fine lees for extra texture. It’s an energetic, refreshing white that works brilliantly by the glass and pairs effortlessly with seafood, salads and lighter Mediterranean dishes
