On Saturday, November 9, Yiannis Boutaris passed away.

The businessman, oenologist, and former mayor of Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutaris, took his last breath tonight at a private clinic in the city, where he had been hospitalized for serious health problems recently.

Yiannis Boutaris was born on June 13, 1942, in Thessaloniki. He graduated as a chemist from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and held a diploma in oenology. He continued the rich family tradition in winemaking through the company “I. Boutaris & Son,” established by his grandfather in 1879.

He left the “Boutari” company in 1996 and founded the “Kir-Yianni” winery, known for its wines and vineyards in Giannakohori, Naoussa, and Amyntaio, now managed by his two sons.

Political and Organizational Involvement

He served as president and member of numerous professional, environmental, and cultural organizations, including the International Academy of Wine, the Greek Wine Association, the Interprofessional Organization of Vine and Wine, the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, and WWF Greece.

Elected as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki in 2010, he served two consecutive terms until 2019. In the recent municipal elections held in October 2023, he was re-elected as a top municipal councilor with Spyros Pegkas’ party, receiving a record number of votes. He was also president of the Holocaust Museum of Greece.

Boutaris was a founding member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the Support Center for Addicts “Oasis.” He also founded “Arcturos,” an organization dedicated to protecting brown bears and wildlife. He received many international and national honors.

The unconventional former mayor narrated his life in the book “Sixty Years of Harvest,” published in 2020. With his characteristic directness, Boutaris shared stories of his preordained involvement in winemaking due to family tradition, his collective action, innovations, and the conflicts that marked the sector in Greece from the post-war period to the present. He also described his battle with alcoholism, which he overcame, and his efforts to help other addicts.

Family Statement

The family made a public statement about his passing through the “Kir-Yianni” company’s account:

“Yiannis Boutaris is no longer with us. He passed away tonight at the age of 82, surrounded by his family. A visionary, charismatic, pioneering, and unconventional figure, Yiannis Boutaris is a part of history and a source of inspiration for the revival of Greek wine. He was an unstoppable force of nature who went by a simple name. Kir-Yiannis will forever be in our hearts.”

Farewell Words from Boutaris

In his interviews with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Boutaris was known for memorable quotes like, “I lived it fully… Goodbye!” and “History will judge if I was a good mayor for Thessaloniki.” He decided not to run for a third term as mayor, even as he prepared to leave the city hall and hand over to his successor, Konstantinos Zervas.

Despite being annoyed by moving his things, Boutaris did not regret his decision to step down. He believed that during his nine years as mayor, he increased Thessaloniki’s recognition due to his unconventional approach. “Everyone started talking about the city, and there were publications,” he said.

He highlighted meetings with the German ambassador Jens Plötner, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, historian Mark Mazower, and bestselling British author Victoria Hislop. He remarked, “The contacts I had with various people brought Thessaloniki to the forefront. People started talking, and there were articles worldwide about the city and its so-called ‘unconventional’ mayor. We showcased the city’s past, which includes many Roman, Turkish, and hidden Jewish monuments. No one paid attention to Thessaloniki’s history. The Rotunda is a copy of the Pantheon in Rome, and it’s unique. We highlighted the Jewish history that was swept under the rug.”

Boutaris expressed pride in creating the Holocaust Museum in Thessaloniki, a project he fought hard for, believing it would leave a lasting impact and elevate the city’s status internationally.

Regarding the violent attack he suffered at the White Tower during an event commemorating the Pontian Genocide, he stated, “Not at all. If anything, it made me more determined. It made me think about how I could expose these thugs from my position. It didn’t scare me at all.”

Tribute from Stelios Angeloudis

Current mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, commented on Boutaris’ passing: “Yiannis Boutaris, a man who left a profound mark on Thessaloniki, is no longer with us. He was a daring visionary who worked tirelessly to reconnect the city with its rich, multicultural, vibrant, and cosmopolitan past. He made bold moves, challenged established mindsets and interests, promoted extroversion, and gave the city hope and self-confidence.”

Angeloudis described Boutaris as “a friend, unconventional, and a free spirit who did not follow traditional rules. He lived many lives in one. I say goodbye with deep sadness and thank him for showing us the way to achieve the Thessaloniki we deserve.”

“Thessaloniki for All” Tribute

The municipal faction “Thessaloniki for All” expressed deep grief in bidding farewell to their councilor, former mayor Yiannis Boutaris. They noted, “Kir-Yiannis inspired, encouraged, and enriched our recent effort, led by Spyros Pegkas and many outstanding individuals, in the recent municipal elections.”

The statement added that his involvement with “Thessaloniki for All” was his final political act, which they would honor forever. “Kir-Yiannis added value and light to his beloved Thessaloniki. His light continues to guide Thessaloniki for All and each of us individually. Farewell, Kir-Yiannis.”

The announcement also mentioned their proposal to name the Thessaloniki City Council Hall as “Yiannis Boutaris Hall” and to initiate procedures to name a street in the city as “Yiannis Boutaris Street, Mayor of Thessaloniki 2011-2019.”