Greek Wine Cellars

Greek Wine Cellars D. Kourtakis S. A. (Greek Ελληνικά Κελλάρια Οίνων -. Δ Κουρτάκης ) is a Greek producer of wines (→ Viticulture in Greece), which includes the wineries Kourtaki and Calliga and brands Apelia and Kouros. The company was formed after the purchase of Kefalonia winery Calliga by Kourtaki Wines in the 1990s. The company is based Markopoulo to Attica.

History

The company was founded in 1895 by the first qualified winemaker Dr. Vassilis Greek Kourtakis ( 1865-1946 ) as a small winery. This was initially limited to the production of the popular mainly in Attica retsina wine, which was delivered to taverns across the country. Only Dimitris Kourtakis, the son of the founder, began with the placing in 500 ml and 750 ml bottles. Today the company is run by the third generation of Vassilis Kourtakis ( grandson of the founder ).

In the 1960s and 1970s, the company was the market leader in Greece with more than 60 million bottles a year. Later, the wines were separated into two product lines: Apelia for table wines and quality wines Kouros of the islands of Crete, Samos and Santorini. Following the acquisition of Calliga - winery Greek Wine Cellars was founded as a holding company.

Business

The company employs 250 permanent employees and has Kourtakis Germany GmbH and Kourtakis Japan LTD. two foreign branches. About 30 million bottles of wine are produced every year, of which half is exported. Is delivered to 10,000 customers, including J Sainsbury and Mercian Corporation. Lufthansa extends Kourtakis wines on international flights.