Selene Vedema Returns

By Yiannis Karakasis MW

Two days packed with tastings of exceptional wines from local Santorini producers, experiential masterclasses, an exclusive 6-hands menu inspired by the lengthy gastronomic history of the Selene restaurant and the opening of the photography exhibition curated by Zoe Hatzigiannaki are in wait of visitors who will call on the lovely chambers of the iconic Selene Restaurant in Fira on the 23rd and 24th September. Selene Vedema is returning “home” after years of absence.

It could only stand to reason that this unique event would be capped by the presence of internationally acclaimed honoured guests. I am thrilled to report that Jancis Robinson, the most influential wine personality of our times, returns to Santorini after 15 years together with Nick Lander, the renowned food and restaurant critic with years of writing for the Financial Times, both of whom gladly accepted to attend the revival of Vedema 2022.

Analytic presentation of scheduled events:

On Friday, 23rd September, I have the pleasure of presenting two masterclasses in the impressive St Joseph canava. The first is titled “Assyrtiko and Riesling: Grand Crus in Santorini”, which I will be co-presenting with my fellow German Master of Wine Caro Maurer MW, and in which we will be comparing the two varieties. The lineup of wines is stunning.

Anhydrous, Santorini 2021, Assyrtiko, Greece
Oeno P, Santorini 2020, Assyrtiko, Greece
Gavalas, Enalia 2019, Assyrtiko, Greece
TerraSea, TerraSea 2020, Assyrtiko, Greece
Gaia, Ammonite 2020, Assyrtiko, Greece
Weingut Van Volxem, Scharzhofberger 2019, Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel, Germany
Weingut Dr. Burklin-Wolf Ungeheurer 2017, Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz, Germany
Weingut Donnhoff, Niederhauser Hermannshohle 2016, Riesling Grosses Gewachs
Nahe, Germany
Weingut Robert Weil, Kiedricher Grafenberg 2015, Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Rheingau, Germany
Weingut Keller, Nierstein Hipping 2014, Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Rheinhessen, Germany

The second is titled “Santorini Old Vintages”, in which I will present all the information and secrets on ageing Assyrtiko wines from dry to sweet, going back to 1947!

Sigalas, Santorini 2015
Boutari, Santorini 2016
Canava Chryssou Tselepos, Santorini 2015
VSV, Pure 2015
Argyros, Santorini 2012
Gaia, Santorini 2012
Karamolegos, Santorini 2009
Venetsanos, Nykteri 2016
Hatzidakis, Nykteri 2014
Santo, Assyrtiko Reserve 2012
Koutsoyannopoulos Vinsanto 1980
Argyros Vinsanto 1947

In the afternoon of the same day, an innovative photography exhibition dedicated to Evelyn and Geroge Hatzigiannakis, curated by Zoe Hatzigiannaki, will open its doors in the impressive entrance lobby of Selene. The exhibition Expressions of Light will include the work of some of the most important contemporary Greek photographers like Panos Kokkinias, Stratos Kalafatis and Efi Haliori. They will be presenting the other face of Santorini and the Cyclades.

On Saturday, 24th September, the heart of Selene will be beating strongly, as it is the day of Vedema @ St. Joseph. The project brings together the vineyards of Santorini and its people under the same roof, meaning a tasting of Santorini wines, which aims at reviving and continuing the work of its inspirer, the patriarch of Santorinian gastronomy, George Hatzigiannakis. The wine fair that includes wines from the whole of Santorini, featuring the local producers and their wines, will be held throughout the day in the St. Joseph canava. In total, 17 producers are participating, showing approximately 70 wines.

The best finale to this magical two-day event can only be an unforgettable dinner, a dive into the history of Selene itself. A six-hand dinner, set up by the Michelin star chef of Selene Ettore Botrini, accompanied by another two acclaimed Greek chefs. Thodoris Papanikolaou and Panos Tsikas will join Ettore and take us on a gastronomic trip titled “Selene: A Voyage in Time”. A tasting menu inspired by the past of the restaurant and its creators.

Vedema is under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.

For information and reservations here.