KIR-YIANNI PAVES THE SUSTAINABLE WAY IN GREEK WINE
Ktima (Estate) KIR-YIANNI joined “INTERNATIONAL WINERIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION” (IWCA) in late April 2024, becoming the first Greek Winery accepted in this globally renowned collaborative working group of environmentally committed wineries taking a science-based approach to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the challenges of climate change across the wine industry.
“This is a milestone for both KIR-YIANNI and the Greek Wine” as Stellios Boutaris, 5th generation winemaker and KIR-YIANNI CEO stated. “There is absolutely no doubt, collective work is the only way to address the greatest challenges to the greater extent. That is the essence of IWCA, collaboration towards a difficult but vital goal, exchanging know-how and best practices with a group of global trailblazers that have decided to act for the future of our industry”.
“We’re proud to welcome Kir-Yianni to IWCA,” commented Katie Jackson, president of IWCA, “and would like to congratulate them on the speed at which they converted from Applicant to Silver member“.
Indeed, that was a great accomplishment for our winery. Based on the mindful philosophy and solid work done since the very beginning of KIR-YIANNI, during our preparation for IWCA application, we managed to measure and verify by ISO 14064 our carbon footprint at both our Estates in Naoussa and Amyndeon –yet another “first” for Greek winemaking.
“We simply cannot make plans and announcements, unless we know where we truly stand” said Stellios Boutaris. “Measuring our carbon footprint has been a crucial prerequisite but also an indication that we take it very seriously. We understand that our journey to carbon neutrality entails a massive effort and notable resources in terms of costs, time and human power; but we are committed to our strategic decision. Actions with measurable results instead of just talking”.
As an IWCA member, at KIR-YIANNI we have the obligation to reduce each year our CO2 emissions reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, following UN “Race to Zero” campaign. A goal of great difficulty, yet a reflection of the rapid developments in our industry regarding essential requirements in trade and finance, and new criteria that are shaping the wine choices and purchase of new generations of consumers.
It must be pinpointed that one of the very first steps to tackle this venture, has been the set-up of a “Sustainability” team in November 2022 formed by KIR-YIANNI executives and scientists from vine to wine (viticulture, winemaking, operations, natural resources and electric power management, human resources and communications). Within 16 months our team has managed to achieve our first two goals -ISO 14064 and joining IWCA-, while at the same time, our vineyards in both Naoussa and Amyndeon were the first to join THE REGENERATIVE VITICULTURE FOUNDATION.
Environmentally sound and sustainable practices have been in the heart of KIR-YIANNI philosophy from day one. Before our foundation in 1997, Yiannis Boutaris, one of the most emblematic and ingenious figures in Greek Wine, had set the pace by founding the non-profit environmental NGO ARCTUROS aimed at protecting wildlife fauna and its natural habitat (9 species under protected status today).
Heading KIR-YIANNI since 2004, Stellios Boutaris integrates that unique heritage to an insightful business strategy. Today, Ktima KIR-YIANNI is one of the most dynamic Greek wineries in both domestic and foreign markets, with steady growth, sales increase and presence in over 50 countries. The annual investments over the last 3 years reached 2 million euros, while a plan exceeding 12 million euros is to be implemented in the next 5 years (2025-2029). The scope strategically focuses on systematic vineyard R&D, on energy-efficient , upscaled infrastructure in Naoussa and Amyndeon, together with expanding to new ventures like the premium traditional method sparkling wines of SCAPERDAS FRÈRES and the management of the iconic DOMAINE SIGALAS in Santorini.
Next stop for KIR-YIANNI is “CLIMATE WEEK” in New York (22-29 September 2024) at the IWCA Press Event and tasting of low emission wines.
DOWNLOAD THE IWCA PRESS RELEASE HERE
KIR-YIANNI vineyards in Naoussa and Amyndeon
;;;;;
The post KIR-YIANNI is the first Greek winery to join IWCA appeared first on Ktima Kir-Yianni.