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JOYFUL EXPLORATION I SANTORINI

At Vassaltis
Vineyards, Yannis “Wine
Valambous turns
ash into ambition
and wine into is memory
a story worth
remembering.
A bold, modern in a bottle.”
voice rooted in
one of the world’s
most ancient
terroirs.

Harvest of Dreams architecture, offers unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea. volcanic soil
Rooted in
“Santorini is a unique viticultural landscape,” Yannis reflects.
and shaped by
“Our traditional growing practices always fascinate our guests. a deep respect
for tradition,
An intimate journey through the vision and voice of Yannis But it’s the aesthetic of the building and the experience of tasting Vassaltis crafts
wine while looking out at that sea—that’s what stays with them.” wines that
Valambous, founder of Vassaltis Vineyards in Santorini. His journey wasn’t just personal—it was generational. When he speak of place,
represented the new wave of Greek winemakers on the island precision, and
back in 2016, it was more than a symbolic moment. It was the quiet passion.
YANNIS VALAMBOUS didn’t set out to become a winemaker. passing of a torch lit by boldness. “My advice to anyone who
He wasn’t raised in a vineyard, nor did he inherit an old family wants to start something similar in Santorini today? Arm yourself
label. What he inherited was something less visible but far more with patience and courage. In a world that moves faster every
powerful: a quiet pull toward the land his father once loved, day, nature does not follow. A vine gives fruit once a year. One
toward a raw volcanic island with soil as wild as its sunsets, chance. One harvest. That’s all you get.” The advice comes
and a desire to create something of his own—something lasting. with the kind of stillness that only experience gives. “Great
From the ashes of dormant ambition and the crumbling edge of wine isn’t just about quality. It’s about consistency. And it takes
a previous life in finance, Vassaltis Vineyards was born. Today, it time. As for courage… you need it when everything’s against
stands as one of the most forward-thinking wineries in Greece, you. Weather. Economy. Fear. You need to stand firm, to never
a bold architectural presence on the ancient wine island of compromise, to keep going.” And keep going he has. But always
Santorini. It is not only a place where fine wines are crafted, with a foot in the present and an eye on the future. The vision for
but where vision, memory, and risk come together in a harvest Vassaltis is not only about producing exquisite wines. It’s about
shaped by dreams. “I feel absolutely vindicated,” Yannis says, communication. It’s about bridging worlds.“ Today’s traveler is
the weight of the years softened by purpose. “Even though this a global citizen,” says Yannis. “They love discovering different
is a very tough business in an equally tough environment, having cultures, but they also crave familiarity. So we introduce them
the opportunity to create something meaningful with people I to our world by drawing bridges. Maybe we compare a native
truly respect is priceless.” variety to something they know. Maybe we serve it with food
What followed his return was not romantic escapism but relentless they recognize from home. We make it approachable—without
dedication. Volcanic soil demands it. Santorini does not reward ever diluting its truth.” The land, however, is changing. And
half-measures. Its winds cut sharp, its sun shows no mercy, and so Vassaltis is adapting not just for today, but for tomorrow.
the vines must struggle to live. But that struggle is also what Sustainability, too, is central to the mission now. The winery is
gives birth to its character—and to wines unlike any other. “What actively researching ways to reduce its environmental footprint,
we’ve achieved in less than ten years… to leave our mark on this striving for a model that reflects care not just for the wine, but for
historic vineyard, perhaps the most iconic terroir in Greece— the island that gives it life. “This is something that will concern
fills us with pride. It justifies the difficult decision I made twelve us deeply in the coming years,” he says. “As for the rest of our
years ago.” The Vassaltis experience is immersive, yet never goals… they’re thrilling, yes. But they need time to ripen—just
performative. Its modern tasting room, a study in minimalist like a good wine.” •

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