Hatzidakis Winery, established in 1997 by Haridimos Hatzidakis and Konstantina Chryssou, is a family-owned estate located in Pyrgos Kallistis on the island of Santorini, Greece. The winery is renowned for its commitment to organic viticulture and the production of wines that authentically express the unique terroir of Santorini.
Haridimos Hatzidakis was the visionary behind Hatzidakis Winery, created complex wines from Santorini’s volcanic soils. The estate works with organic and biodynamic practices, using un-grafted, 40–150-year-old vines, and employing minimal intervention in the cellars. Focused on the Assyrtiko grape, Hatzidakis crafted wines that rival those of Jura, Loire, and Chablis. The winery has earned regognition with its wines featured at top global restaurants, including Geranium in Copenhagen and Esperanto in Stockholm.
Location and Terroir
Situated approximately 330 meters above sea level, the winery’s vineyards benefit from the island’s volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate. The unique microclimate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, combined with the mineral-rich volcanic soils, imparts distinctive flavors and aromas to the grapes. The estate cultivates 10 hectares of vineyards, with most of them being organic.
Philosophy
Hatzidakis Winery adheres to organic farming principles, emphasizing minimal intervention in both vineyard management and winemaking processes. The winery focuses on producing wines that reflect the true essence of Santorini’s terroir, utilizing traditional techniques alongside modern practices to maintain the integrity and quality of the grapes.
Notable Wines
The winery produces a diverse range of wines, including:
Santorini Familia: A white wine made from Assyrtiko grapes, known for its rich body, sharp acidity, and mineral character.
Mavrotragano: A red wine crafted from the indigenous Mavrotragano grape variety, offering complex flavors and aromas.
Sustainability
As the only certified organic grower on the island, Hatzidakis Winery applies organic farming principles to all its vineyards. The estate emphasizes sustainable practices, including minimal intervention in winemaking and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.
Uniqueness
Hatzidakis Winery is distinguished by its dedication to organic viticulture and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties. The winery’s focus on producing wines that authentically express the terroir of Santorini sets it apart in the Greek wine industry.
Recognition
Over the years, Hatzidakis Winery has gained recognition for its high-quality wines and commitment to organic farming. The winery’s wines are distributed in Greece and 12 other countries, reflecting its growing international acclaim.
In August 2017, Haridimos Hatzidakis passed away suddenly at a young age. Haridimos Hatzidakis will be terribly missed. We honour his warmth, his fantastically inspiring legacy and the important pioneering work, he did on Santorini; the beautiful authentic wines on the hyperlocal varietals nurtured from the difficult volcanic soil – work that inspired many producers of wine, both in Greece and beyond, and which pushed Greek wine to the forefront of the modern international wine world.