“For the first few months, I hadn’t sold a single bottle”: The story of Sakis Papadopoulos and Riesling in Greece

“Riesling immediately captured my heart”

His relationship with the variety began in 2007, when he tasted Riesling for the very first time. As he describes it, it was an experience that completely changed the way he saw wine.

“It was an explosion of emotions. From the very first moment I tasted Riesling, I felt there was something truly unique about this variety. That’s when I realized I wanted to bring these wines to Greece and share this passion with people.”

What fascinated him the most was the complexity and versatility of Riesling. The variety can produce everything from dry wines to sweet wines, botrytized wines, and even iconic ice wines, all while maintaining its distinctive personality.

The decision to dedicate everything to Riesling

In 2010, he made a decision that many considered risky: to build an entire company focused exclusively on Riesling.

At a time when international varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominated the market, he believed Greek consumers were ready to discover something different.

“I wanted to work with only one variety. I wanted to go door-to-door across Greece talking only about Riesling.”

The journey to Germany and the door of Dr. Loosen

The turning point came when he traveled to Germany to visit the renowned Dr. Loosen winery.

The first contact, however, was far from easy. At the time, he was working in the hospitality industry, and as he explains, it was difficult for such an important winery to trust a young man from Greece with their representation.

Still, he never stopped trying.

For more than two years, he kept sending emails, making phone calls, and reaching out again and again — without success. Until eventually, his persistence reached Ernst Loosen himself.

“Ernst said something I will never forget: ‘A young man comes from Greece, a country with a great wine tradition, and you haven’t even given him a chance? Give him an opportunity.’”

That moment changed everything.

“I hadn’t sold a single bottle”

The opportunity finally came, but the real challenges were only beginning.

Sakis Papadopoulos remembers that during the first months there was absolutely no response from the market.

“For three, four, even five months, I hadn’t sold a single bottle of wine. I would go to the warehouse, sit there alone, and think: ‘What am I doing? What have I gotten myself into?’”

Despite the uncertainty, he never considered giving up.

“I’m a very persistent person. It was my vision, and I knew I would never abandon it.”

Riesling in Greece today

Twelve years later, Riesling has built a loyal audience and earned greater recognition in the Greek wine market.

According to him, wine consumers today are more willing to explore new experiences and discover varieties beyond the classic choices.

And perhaps that is the most important message behind his story: passion, patience, and consistency can eventually change not only a career — but even an entire market.

📹 Watch the full interview with Sakis Papadopoulos on OinoWay in the video below.