The acquisition of Sigalas Estate was announced by Kir-Yianni, thus completing the transfer of the majority shareholding package from a company affiliated with Thanasis Martinos. As announced, the agreement marks a new era for the iconic Santorini winery, which now passes entirely to the Kir-Yianni family. With this acquisition, Kir-Yianni strengthens its footprint on the Greek and international wine map and establishes itself as a leading ambassador of Greek wine globally, creating a new, highly competitive structure that unites three top wine regions of the country: Naoussa and Amyntaio with Kir-Yianni Estate, and Santorini with Sigalas Estate. The common ground and goal is sustainable development, showcasing unique terroirs, and producing high-quality wines.
According to the same announcement, the business dynamics and export orientation of the Kir-Yianni family are expected to exceed a total turnover of 20 million euros, with presence in 55 countries and exports reaching 7 million euros. Investment in quality, sustainable wine tourism also constitutes a spearhead of the new structure. Indicatively, more than 35,000 visitors visited this year the three destinations (Naoussa, Amyntaio, and Santorini) of Kir-Yianni and Sigalas Estates respectively.
“The strongest vote of confidence in Santorini”
“The acquisition of Sigalas Estate is the strongest vote of confidence in Santorini,” states Stelios Boutaris, Winemaker and Managing Director of Kir-Yianni. “We have deep roots on the island, where I also made my first harvest in 1985. We believe in Santorini’s uniqueness and invest in its sustainable future, with respect for tradition and systematic investment in science and innovation. This year’s harvest gave rise to intense concern and even questioning. These are the moments when you prove whether you have a plan – and we do.”
It should be noted that Kir-Yianni’s relationship with Sigalas Estate began in 2009, supporting the vision of Paris Sigalas who elevated Santorini to the global wine firmament. Since 2020, Kir-Yianni took over management and implemented a multi-year investment plan in people, vineyards, and infrastructure. Priority was given to entrusting the new era to a team of young scientists, led by oenologist Sara Iakovidou, agronomists Stratos Guillaume Xyrafis and Kostas Tellis, as well as Yiannis Boutaris, son of Stelios Boutaris and 6th generation in wine, who began his own journey from Santorini.
Today, Sigalas Estate cultivates 450 acres in Oia and surrounding areas in the northern part of the island, having already completed new plantings of 170 acres. At the same time, innovative practices of sustainable viticulture and water management are being implemented, while a pilot program for gray water utilization is also being carried out in collaboration with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, DEYA Thiras, and the Santorini Winemakers Association. Consistent with the Kir-Yianni family philosophy, Sigalas Estate is among the pioneers of cooperation and collective action, actively supporting the Santorini Winemakers Association and all initiatives that promote the sustainable future of Santorini and Greek wine in general.
