Yiannis Boutaris, former mayor of Thessaloniki renowned businessman, and respected oenologist passed away in Saturday at the age of 82 after being hospitalized recently for severe health issues.
Born in 1942 in Thessaloniki, Boutaris built a successful career as the scion of a winemaking family before venturing into public service. He was a graduate in chemistry from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and held a diploma in oenology. He continued his family’s winemaking legacy through the historic I. Boutaris & Sons winery, which his grandfather established in 1879. He co-founded the wine company Kir-Yianni in 1997, which became one of Greece’s most well-known wineries, popularizing domestic wines on the international stage.
Beyond his business success, Boutaris held numerous leadership roles in Greek and international wine organizations, environmental, cultural, and tourism associations. His contributions included serving with the International Wine Center, the Greek Wine Association, and as a board member for the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. He also supported conservation as president of WWF Greece and founded Arcturos, a wildlife preservation organization focused on protecting Greece’s brown bears and other endangered species.
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure in the city with his progressive policies.
As mayor, Boutaris promoted efforts to revitalize Thessaloniki’s economy and culture by promoting tourism, embracing the city’s multicultural heritage, and advocating for transparency and inclusivity. He spearheaded efforts to strengthen Thessaloniki’s ties with its historical Jewish community, openly acknowledging the city’s Sephardic Jewish heritage and erecting a Holocaust Memorial to honor the tens of thousands of Thessaloniki Jews rounded up and exterminated during the Holocaust.
His initiatives to recognize the city’s Ottoman, Jewish and Balkan influences helped redefined Thessaloniki as a previous cultural mosaic, attracting international interest and tourism.
Boutaris was also a founding member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the Oasis Support Center for Addicts, reflecting his dedication to social issues. In 2020, he published his autobiography, Sixty Years of Vintage, detailing his life journey, family heritage in winemaking, and his struggle and triumph over alcoholism. His openness about his personal challenges inspired many in similar circumstances.
Boutaris’ legacy revolves around his role as a maverick in the country’s political scene and as a pioneer in the domestic wine industry. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, community service, and resilience that had an impact on Greek society and the international wine-producing sector.
