Giorgos Xydakis is a native of Mykonos island, one of the most popular Cycladic islands of Greece, alas better known for its night life and party scene. Giorgos Xydakis developed his immense love for his island and its tradition, when he was watching (and tasting with) his grower grandfather making traditional wine, back in the 60’s. Even though he later went on to become a dentist, which is his main profession, his vision to bring back the (agri)culture and rich Mykonian traditions never faded out. He started his micro-winery in 2001, which was centered around an old, garden-size vineyard of local varieties. His ambition was to revive local and, mostly, forgotten Cycladic varieties, through garage-style natural vinifications. Some of the varieties included in Giorgos’ wines, have obscure names like Xeromacherou (meaning “dry knife”), Kouforogo (“hollow berry”), and Potamisi (“river”), and their history is almost lost in oblivion. Those not sourced from his organically farmed garden, come from old and abandoned or semi-uncultivated vineyards of Mykonos and surrounding Cycladic islands (Antiparos, Syros, Andros, Tinos, etc), which Giorgos spots and forages / harvests himself.
- Winery: Xydakis Microwinery
- Focus: Indigenous Cycladic varieties
- Region: Mykonos (Aegean Islands)
- Year founded: 2001
- Size: Terraced garden – Some grapes sourced from uncultivated and semi-uncultivated vineyards
- Grapes: Potamisi white, Potamisi red, Monemvasia, Serfiotiko, Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, Xeromahairou white, Xeromahairou red, Kouforogo, Ayaniotiko, Mavri Askatharia
- Viticulture: Organic (certified) and Dry / Uncultivated
- Climate: Dry Mediterranean, with mild Winters, hot and dry Summers.
- Soil: Sandy
- Vine age: Planted between 1988 and 1991
- Altitude: 100m
- Distance from coast: 1 mile
- Percentage of estate owned grapes: 50%