The people behind the labels: Vasilis Tsaktsarlis

By Yiannis Karakasis MW

Originally published in Greek Wine Explained 2025

Vasilis Tsaktsarlis co-owns Biblia Chora, Ktima Dio Ipsi, Mikro Ktima Titos, and Mikra Thira with Evangelos Gerovassiliou. He studied Chemistry in Thessaloniki and Oenology in Bordeaux. Usually a private man, he steps into the limelight for Greek Wine Explained with a rare interview.

What has changed since you started in Greek wine?
My professional involvement in the wine industry began in the early 1990s. In those years, great efforts were made to promote Greek wine and produce high-quality wines. These efforts have continued with great intensity, and as a result, Greek wine no longer has anything to envy the wines produced elsewhere in the world.

What changes have taken place over the last 30 years?
First, the development of wines from Greek grape varieties has highlighted their unique and recognisable traits globally, leading to their cultivation in several countries. Secondly, existing PDO areas have been promoted and improved, while vineyards producing high-quality wines with distinctive features in new regions have been established.

In short, we are now creating terroir wines in Greece.

What is your impression of the 2024 vintage?
Climate change has significantly influenced agriculture in recent years, particularly in 2024. This year was marked by high temperatures and low rainfall, posing challenges for vineyards. Consequently, we have dubbed it the “year of the vine grower,” highlighting the focus on cultivation strategies that mitigate the effects of climate change and improve grape quality.

We have implemented effective irrigation techniques to ensure the vines receive sufficient water for healthy growth. Additionally, by adopting appropriate viticultural practices, we helped the vines withstand extreme heat. This included managing leaf surface area, refraining from leaf removal to shield the grapes from direct sunlight, and more. Ultimately, by using these methods alongside limited yields per hectare, we turned a challenging year into a year of high-quality wines.

What are the biggest challenges for Greek viticulture?
Greek viticulture has made remarkable progress over the last 30 years. Its primary focus should be promoting indigenous grape varieties, highlighting their unique characteristics based on their growing regions. Simultaneously, we must recognise that climate change is a reality. We need to take all necessary measures to ensure the vines thrive and produce high-quality grapes.

As a producer who has adopted 100% organic cultivation, do you see it as a prerequisite for all new endeavours?
Across all our estates, including Pangaion, Ilia, Goumenissa, Naoussa, and Thirassia, we grow vines in accordance with organic agriculture standards. Achieving this requires careful vine monitoring, appropriate viticultural practices, and a constant presence in the vineyard. When these conditions are met in a new project, organic farming becomes viable and offers numerous benefits. First, it respects the environment, the local flora and fauna and protects the people who work in the vineyards. In addition, the limited yield per hectare allows us to produce high-quality wine.