Kir-Yianni has become the first Greek winery to join the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). Members of this organization aim to achieve CO₂ neutrality by 2050. Kir-Yianni also claims to be the first Greek winery to measure its own carbon footprint according to ISO-14064 standards, as announced by the producers of the Naoussa cult wine Ramnista. With Kir-Yianni's inclusion, IWCA now includes over 40 wine producers from 12 countries across five continents.
"We are proud to welcome Kir-Yianni to IWCA," says Katie Jackson, President of IWCA, "and we congratulate them on the speed with which they have progressed from applicant to Silver member."
As Silver members of the IWCA, Kir-Yianni and other members are required to undertake several commitments:
- They must create a "baseline inventory" of their greenhouse gas emissions.
- They need to adhere to various protocols.
- They are subject to external audits.
- At least 90% of their production must occur near their main winery.
- In addition to aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, they commit to achieving interim targets by 2030.
To advance from Silver to Gold membership, Kir-Yianni would need to source at least 20% of its energy consumption from self-produced renewable sources and demonstrate a consistent reduction in emissions over an extended period, such that the path to net-zero by 2050 is clearly achievable. "We simply can't make plans and announcements without knowing our actual standing. Measuring our CO₂ footprint was a crucial prerequisite, but also a sign that we take this issue very seriously. We understand that our journey to climate neutrality involves significant costs, time, and personnel, but we remain committed to our strategic decision. Actions with measurable results, not just words," says Stellios Boutaris, CEO of Kir-Yianni.
Climate change becomes tangible
In response to inquiries from the German trade magazine Weinwirtschaft, the company explained its motivations: Over the past two decades, the average air temperature has increased by 0.7°C/44.6°F per decade in Amyndeon and by 1.1°C in Naoussa. Once common snowfall—a crucial water reservoir for the vineyards—is now absent, and rainfall is noticeably less frequent but more intense. Extreme weather events are increasingly evident even in Northern Greece.
In November 2022, the company established a sustainability team consisting of scientists and executives from all operational areas, from viticulture to human resources. In March 2024, the CO₂ footprint of the two estates in Naoussa and Amyndeon was measured, and in April 2024, the company joined the IWCA.
Holistic mindfulness is key, representing a whole new culture of thinking, decision-making, and action.
"Wine is about the pleasure of indulgence, a seductive journey, and a fascinating exploration of traditions, craftsmanship, and innovation. However, it is also an agricultural product dependent on the environment. This aspect must neither be ignored nor taken lightly. We should continue to invest in research, from the vine to the glass—starting with our core, the vineyard, through the operation of our winery, resource efficiency, packaging options, and so on. Holistic mindfulness is key, representing a whole new culture of thinking, decision-making, and action," says Stellios Boutaris.
Kir-Yianni was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris and quickly grew to become one of Greece's most renowned producers. In addition to its two own estates in Northern Greece (Naoussa and Amyndeon), the company took over the management of Domaine Sigalas on Santorini at the beginning of 2020. However, Domaine Sigalas is currently not a member of the IWCA, as the company notes.
The IWCA was established in 2019 by Familia Torres (Spain) and Jackson Family Wines (USA). It is a partner in the United Nations' "Race to Zero" campaign. In 2024, the organization made its debut at ProWein. VM
