Yiannis Boutaris, winemaker, Thessaloniki mayor and all-around maverick dies at 82

Yiannis Boutaris, winemaker and mayor, died late Saturday at the age of 82.

His death was announced by Kyr-Yianni, the winemaking business he founded and which is run by his two sons, in a Facebook post, in both English and Greek.

"It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Yiannis Boutaris, our founder and iconic winemaker. He passed away tonight, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family.

Larger than life, visionary, charismatic, innovator, maverick. Yiannis Boutaris is leaving his inspiring mark at both the storied history and the future of Greek Wine. And far beyond wine.

A restless force of nature known by his first name.

Kir-Yiannis will always hold a special place in hour hearts," the post said.

Boutaris, from a winemaking family, was one of Greece's most important oenologists. As mayor of Thessaloniki from 2011-19 he made...