German born Markus Stolz moved to Athens in 2003 with his Greek born wife. He fell hard for all things Greek, ditched his career in finance, and started an import firm with a dream to bring the wines he had fallen in love with to the rest of the world. Twelve years later he's now one of the top Greek wine importers in the world as well as a renowned Greek wine blogger.
We love the undiscovered gems he imports, his commitment to supporting small family run wineries and native varieties--and his true passion for all things Greek. As he says; "Only my passport keeps telling me I am German. Passports don't have a soul, my heart belongs to Greece."
What one piece of advice would you give a wine drinker who is brand new to the wines of Greece but would like to explore and learn more?
Just dive right in. You will never be bored with Greek wines. Know that in general, Greek wines have moderate alcohol levels, high acidity, and they are never too heavy. You can basically drink a bottle, rather than just a glass.
What is your favorite place in Greece to visit?
Amyndeon in Florina, Macedonia. Most people think Greece consists of beaches and the sea, and that the weather is always hot and dry. Amyndeon is the coldest vine growing region in all of Greece. If you drive into the region, you might be forgiven to think that you have in fact entered Switzerland.
What three things are you most passionate about other than wine?
My four kids, Greece and the Mediterranean Diet.
What’s one quirky thing about you most people don’t know?
Whenever something interests me, I am all in. Like 1000% in. Downside is that few things are really that important to me.
What’s your nightcap of choice?
A sweet Vinsanto from Santorini. Because one notices the acidity, not the sweetness.
You’re sipping on a glass of your favorite wine...what music is playing?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.
What has been your favorite wine drinking experience or memory?
This is a very interesting question, as my favorite wine drinking experiences relate to the people I was sharing the wine with, rather than the wine itself. I am blessed that I have many of those moments in memory.
Last question, say you die and go to heaven. What’s in your wine glass?
Aged Xinomavro, without any doubt. It simply can’t get better than this!