In 1997, Yiannis Boutaris has founded Ktima (Estate) Kir-Yianni. The previous year, the charismatic Greek wine maverick had stepped down from the historic Boutari family business and decided to forge his own, more “boutique” path. Since 2004, his son Stellios Boutaris, 5th generation winemaker, is carrying on and most importantly recreating this precious heritage as head. Meanwhile, Mihalis Boutaris, Yiannis’ younger son, has implemented an insightful R&D plan in the vineyard.

1970: Yiannis Boutaris acquires a plot of 48 hectares of in Naoussa, where today stands Kir-Yianni’s vineyard. He starts planting Xinomavro.

1990: 4 hectares with white varieties (native and international) planted in Amyndeon.

1997: Yiannis Boutaris founds Ktima Kir-Yianni.

1998: A small winery is bought in Amyndeon. Yiannis Boutaris used to call it “Paranga”.

2000: 10 high-altitude hectares are bought in Amyndeon, soon after to be known as Kir-Yianni’s “Samaropetra” vineyard. At the same time, Mihalis Boutaris returns from his UC DAVIS studies and begins his planning on R&D.

2002-2006: A huge investment in researching Xinomavro and Kir-Yianni’s vineyard in Naoussa takes place, resulting in the 42-block segmentation. New precision-plantings of Xinomavro take place, viti-vini experimentation projects begin.

2004: Stellios Boutaris takes over Kir-Yianni’s chair.

2010: 9 hectares are added to Kir-Yianni’s vineyard in Naoussa. A major investment is made to DOMAINE SIGALAS in Santorini.

2020: Domaine Sigalas’ management is taken over by Stellios Boutaris, marking the winemaker’s return to Santorini where he had done his first harvest ever in 1985.

2021: The impressive Kir-Yianni’s Wine Tourism center in Naoussa is completed. 10,000 visitors recorded within the first year of its operation.

2023: The state-of-the art winery in Amyndeon is completed. The Wine Tourism center there is expected to be opened in the following year.

Sustainability

Both a philosophy and a vital decision to be part of our business development onwards, entailing dedication, realism and systematic investment.

It embraces our commitment in :

•  responsible winemaking
• safeguarding the land that houses so generously our vision and work
• protecting biodiversity, flora and fauna
•  conserving natural resources

•  supporting local communities
•  ensuring our employees’ feeling of safety and economic security

In 2024, Ktima Kir-Yianni is the first Greek winery to be part of the International Wineries for Climate Change ( IWCA).