Greek Wine Cellars D. Kourtakis S.A.

“Greek Wine Cellars – D. Kourtakis S.A.” was established in 1895 by Vassilis Kourtakis (1865 – 1946), the first Greek oenologist in contemporary Greece with degree in oenology. In the late 1960’s, Vassilis Kourtakis, the third generation of the Kourtakis family and today’s Chairman and Managing Director of “Greek Wine Cellars – D. Kourtakis S.A.”, took over the company’s reins. In the mid-1980’s Vassilis Kourtakis created a state-of-the-art winery in Ritsona, Viotia. The company adopted cutting-edge winemaking methods and engaged in the production of a new range of non-resinated wines. In 1985, the company launched its Apelia range. In 1992, due to rapid pace of growth of the export, occurred the need to expand its wine portfolio, thus it led the company to collaboration with Calliga winery. “Greek Wine Cellars” would take over both the production and sales of the Calliga products in Greece and abroad, thus adding a premium quality range of wines to its own portfolio. The thrive of exports expanded over 32 countries around the world. In 2000 exports accounted for nearly half of the company’s annual turnover. Rapidly the “Greek Wine Cellars” expanded; through strategic and carefully planned collaborations. In 2004, the company bought 50% of the share capital of “Oenoforos S.A.”, consequently selling the “boutique” wines of the noted and respected winemaker, Angelos Rouvalis. In late 2009 “Greek Wine Cellars” began a co-operation with the group “Grands Chais de France” to distribute the GCF products in Greece. Subsequently, “Greek Wine Cellars” added to its product range a renowned selection of imported wines, that were previously entirely absent, thereby complementing the company’s own portfolio of Greek wines. ● In 2010, “Greek Wine Cellars” became the sole distributor of the Babatzim products in both Greece and abroad. Anestis Babatzimopoulos is a gifted winemaker who produces the famous ouzo and tsipouro