In Memory of Yiannis Boutaris

Yiannis Boutaris, the renowned Greek oenologist and former mayor of Thessaloniki, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 82. He had been hospitalized in a private hospital in Thessaloniki due to serious health complications.

The Boutaris family announced his passing, saying, “Yiannis Boutaris is no longer with us. He passed away this evening at the age of 82 with his family by his side. Visionary, charismatic, pioneering, and unconventional, Yiannis Boutaris represents the history and the spirit behind the renaissance of Greek wine — and beyond. An unstoppable force of nature, his presence will be forever in our hearts.”

Photo source: Kir-Yianni

Born on June 13, 1942, in Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutaris graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree in chemistry and later qualified as an oenologist.

He continued his family’s legacy in winemaking through I. Boutaris & Sons, the company founded by his grandfather in 1879. In 1996, he established his own winery, Kir-Yianni, in Naoussa and Amyndeon in northwestern Greece. His two sons now carry on his legacy.

Kir-Yianni paid tribute to its founder on social media, stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Yiannis Boutaris, our founder and iconic winemaker. A visionary, charismatic innovator, and maverick, Yiannis Boutaris leaves an inspiring legacy in both the storied history and future of Greek wine. His presence and influence will forever be part of Kir-Yianni.”

Contributions to Culture, Environment, and Society

Photo source: Kir-Yianni

Beyond winemaking, Boutaris was an influential figure in multiple fields, serving on the boards of numerous professional, environmental, and cultural organizations. His contributions included roles with the International Wine Center, the Greek Wine Federation, and the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization.

Boutaris served as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki from 2010 to 2019, shaping the city’s global reputation. In 2023, he was elected as the leading municipal councilor with Spiros Pengas’ party. He also presided over the Holocaust Museum of Greece and was a founding member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, the Addiction Support Center “Oasis”, and the wildlife protection NGO “Arcturos”.

Arcturos expressed its gratitude for Boutaris on social media, stating, “Until his final moments, he fought for nature, wildlife, biodiversity, freedom, and the right to life for all. Farewell to eternity, Kir-Yianni. We promise to continue your vision of a world where people, animals, and nature coexist harmoniously. Your light, courage, and love for the environment and humanity will guide us always.”

Championing Thessaloniki’s Global Profile

Spiros Pengas, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and International Relations; Yannis Boutaris, Mayor of Thessaloniki; and Yiannis Aslanis, TCB President.

As mayor of Thessaloniki, Boutaris focused on raising the city’s international profile and attracting visitors from around the world.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said on his lasting impact, stating, “We bid farewell to Yiannis Boutaris, a man of rare gifts who left a profound mark on entrepreneurship, civil society, culture, sports, and public life. During his nine-year tenure, he transformed Thessaloniki, opening paths to harness its deep-seated dynamism in the economy, culture, and tourism. By honoring the city’s multicultural heritage, he inspired a surge of visitors captivated by its blend of history and modernity.”

In accordance with his wishes, Yiannis Boutaris will be cremated. The Municipality of Thessaloniki will host a civil funeral service on Tuesday, November 12, in its courtyard in the afternoon. His body will lie in state from the morning, allowing citizens to pay their final respects.

In lieu of wreaths, the family of Yannis Boutaris kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to one of the following organizations: ARGO Social Co-operative Enterprise (argokoinsep.gr), Arcturos (arcturos.gr) and The Child Asylum (asylopaidiou.gr).

We, at GTP, extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.