Nikos Lazaridis (1932–2025), a titan of Greek entrepreneurship and a pioneer of modern viticulture, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 93. His death marks the end of an era for the Greek wine industry, which he helped transform from a local craft into a globally recognized sector through the establishment of Château Nico Lazaridi in Drama.
Before becoming a central figure in Greek wine, Lazaridis built a formidable international empire in the marble industry. Under his leadership, Lazaridi Marble promoted prized Greek stones, such as the white marble of Thassos, for use in iconic global monuments, luxury hotels, and palaces.
His transition to winemaking was inspired by his time living in Tuscany, where he was captivated by Italian viticultural traditions and philosophy. This experience, combined with a deep belief in the potential of his home region of Drama, led him to pivot toward wine.
In 1987, Nikos and his brother Kostas established the first organized winemaking company in Drama. While they later separated to pursue their own ventures, this "professional divorce" catalyzed the region's growth by creating two prestigious estates. Nikos completed the flagship Château Nico Lazaridi winery in the Agora area of Drama in 1997. He further expanded his reach in 2000 with the founding of the Makedon Winery in Kavala.
Lazaridis is credited with revitalizing Drama as a prominent wine region. His innovations include: International Standards: He introduced high-quality Greek wines that blended international and local grape varieties. Wine and Art: A signature of his legacy is the "Magic Mountain" Gallery, which exhibits original artworks created specifically for the winery's labels, forging a unique cultural identity for his brand. Economic Vitality: His estates now produce over 1.3 million bottles annually, exporting to more than 20 countries.
Nikos's son, Federico Lazaridi, has taken over the reins, serving as the company’s president. Under Federico's leadership, the winery has evolved into a world-class operation by: Expanding the Portfolio: Developing new ranges like the "Black Sheep" and "Lion D'Or" families. Modernizing Standards: Implementing world-class winemaking teams and expanding wine tourism activities. Sustainable Growth: Tripling the number of export markets and focusing on the restoration of ancient vineyards, such as those on the island of Mykonos.
The passing of Nikos Lazaridis this December was felt deeply across the industry, with tributes from various Greek and international wine organizations honoring him as a visionary who "left a body of work that defines the identity of his homeland". His legacy continues as the winery remains a symbol of the "renaissance" of modern Greek wine.