Hatzidakis, a prominent producer from the Greek Island of Santorini, has been actively engaging with wine enthusiasts through a significant tasting event alongside their importer, Keeling Andrew. Co-founder Konstantina Chryssou shared the winery’s history, rooted in the love story between her and Haradimos Hatzidakis, who dedicated his life to reviving a family vineyard in the wake of the 1956 earthquake.
Following Haradimos’s passing in May 2017, Konstantina faced a challenging crossroads. Despite the immense grief, she decided alongside her family to continue the winery, upholding Haradimos’s legacy. Today, her daughter Stella is at the helm, overseeing operations and crafting the wines.
The Santorini vineyards hold a special status, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are characterized by terraces made of dry stone, which stabilize the soil and retain moisture in a naturally arid climate. The winery has transitioned from a small cave to a more expansive facility integrated into the hillside, providing an ideal environment for wine aging, thanks to natural humidity and consistent temperatures.
Important to their production philosophy is the nurturing of relationships with local growers. With only a handful of vineyards owned outright, long-term partnerships are essential. While the going market rate for grapes can reach as high as €12-13 per kg, Hatzidakis maintains loyalty to their growers, compensating them €10 per kg, which has fostered strong support among the farming community.
As Konstantina notes, many producers on the island lack the resources to cultivate quality grapes independently, leading to a market where only a few established producers succeed. Hatzidakis’s choice to only work with local grapes continues to yield them better harvests, underscoring the trust they’ve established.
The winery’s approach to vinification includes meticulous sorting, cold maceration, and careful fermentation processes that leverage indigenous yeasts to enhance the unique characteristics of their wines. This dedication is evident in their recent vintage offerings:
- Hatzidakis Familia 2024: A powerful Assyrtiko with citrus and mineral notes. (93/100)
- Hatzidakis Skitali 2023: Another exemplary Assyrtiko, noted for its classy richness and texture. (95/100)
- Hatzidakis Rampelia 2022: A single-vineyard Assyrtiko, showcasing density and mineral focus. (93/100)
- Hatzidakis Nykteri 2021: A highly praised, bold wine with complexity and spice. (94/100)
- Hatzidakis Vinsanto 20 2004: A sweet, raisin-rich wine, exquisitely balanced with acidity and depth. (95/100)
This dedication to quality and community not only honors the memory of Haradimos Hatzidakis but continues to elevate Santorini’s reputation on the global wine stage. For more information about their wines, visit Hatzidakis Wines.