Kir-Yianni

KIR-YIANNI was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris (1942-2024). A visionary winemaker, a Greek Wine maverick and pioneer who following his true vigneron soul stepped down from the family wine business and pursued his own groundbreaking path. In 2004 Yiannis Boutaris passed the baton to his son Stellios.

Stellios Boutaris, 5^th generation winemaker has been recreating that unique legacy rendering Ktima (Estate) KIR-YIANNI a top wine producer of Greece. With vineyards, wineries and wine tourism facilities in Naoussa and Amyndeon, two of the most acclaimed terroirs of Northern Greece, KIR-YIANNI is known for building tradition through innovation in the most organic and insightful way.

A true master of Xinomavro from its key appellations. With the iconic RAMNISTA, Ktima KIR-YIANNI has re-introduced the region of Naoussa to the Greek market and abroad. A most decorated wine standing out for its terroir-driven varietal character and consistency in high quality, sourced by probably the most dedicated R&D investment in the vineyard that has taken place in Greece. At the same time, KALI RIZA (good root) has been locating and preserving old and most of the times ungrafted Xinomavro vines grown on the stunning plateau of the region of Amyndeon, an inspiring venture aimed at supporting local growers and at safeguarding the continuance of that precious cultural heritage.

While renowned for its Xinomavros across the range, expressions and styles (still and sparkling, blanc de noirs, rosé and reds), Ktima KIR-YIANNI has initiated the production of high-altitude whites in the region of Amyndeon as well. Realizing the potential of the cooler viticulture zone in Greece, Yiannis Boutaris made the first plantings of white  varieties in 1989. Today, the white portfolio of KIR-YIANNI is  a most intriguing discovery for the wine enthusiast spearheaded by the northern expression of Assyrtiko. From the fascinating introduction of ASSYRTIKO THE NORTH to the micro-terroir wine of ASSYRTIKO TARSANAS, a journey of vision, ongoing experimentation and growing knowledge is revealed.

Mindfulness and systematic investment in R&D from vine to wine has been at the core of Ktima KIR-YIANNI’s philosophy and growth. Today, KIR-YIANNI is a leading winery in the domestic market and the major ambassador of quality Greek wine abroad with the most expanded export network including 54 countries.

Committed to supporting local communities, 95% of KIR-YIANNI employees come from and / or live in Naoussa, Amyndeon and the broader area, while the winery backs both local vine growers at all  times with expert know-how and long-standing collaboration and research programs and graduates from the major universities in Greece. Through wine tourism, Ktima KIR-YIANNI contributes to the development of the local economy by building up awareness and interest in exploring further local destinations. Last year Ktima KIR-YIANNI in Naoussa welcomed more than 19,000 visitors from Greece and abroad.

In 2024, Ktima KIR-YIANNI has been the first Greek winery to measure and verify its CO2 emissions (ISO 14064) and to join INTERNATIONAL WINERIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION (IWCA) understanding that great challenges as climate change and the journey to carbon neutrality demand collective action. Paving the way towards a sustainable future for Greek Wine, Ktima KIR-YIANNI’s initiatives include among others, regenerative viticulture, old-vine preservation, agroecosystem balance, water and wastewater management, self-efficiency renewable energy supply, and a gradual shift towards lighter-weight bottles across the portfolio.

At the same time. KIR-YIANNI’s founder initiated ARCTUROS in 1992, the non-profit environmental NGO based in Florina, Northern Greece, aimed at the protection of wild fauna, its natural habitat and biodiversity. Started from the need to save bears and wolves from captivity, today the organization has managed to include a total of 9 species under protection status.