A dazzling and truly remarkable two-day celebration has just concluded, as the emblematic institution Selene Vedema 2025, organized by Katikies Hotels Group and Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis, under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism, successfully completed its important mission for the fourth consecutive year.
On September 26 and 27, Santorini once again captured the attention of the international wine world, as the island’s most important wine festival returned stronger than ever within the atmospheric settings of the Selene Restaurant in Fira.
The restaurant’s medieval ambiance and the impressive Kanava of St. Joseph, located within the Katikies Garden Hotel, provided the perfect backdrop for rare wine and gastronomy experiences, immersive masterclasses, art exhibitions, and the most significant gathering of the island’s winemakers. The weekend held unique surprises for wine lovers worldwide, crowned by the participation of Pierre Lurton, CEO of the legendary Château d’Yquem and Château Cheval Blanc.
Masterclasses and Culinary Stars
On Friday, September 26, the medieval Kanava hosted two sold-out masterclasses led by Yiannis Karakasis MW:
“Argyros Vertical – Cuvée Monsignori & Cuvée Evdemon”, a rare vertical tasting in collaboration with Estate Argyros, with Matthaios Argyros present.
“Santorini vs. the World”, a daring blind tasting that compared the island’s finest Assyrtiko wines with iconic international labels — a bold and eye-opening experience, even for the most seasoned wine professionals.
That evening, a special 4-Hands Dinner lit up the open kitchen of Selene Restaurant, as Michelin-starred Hector Botrini, Executive Chef of Katikies Group, joined forces with two-Michelin-star Giorgos Papazacharias of Delta. Together, they created a multi-sensory gastronomic journey where creativity, technique, and flavor took center stage, paired with exceptional Greek and international wines.
Grand Walk Around Tasting
On Saturday, September 27, the Kanava became the ultimate meeting point as the Grand Walk Around Tasting of Santorini wines drew its largest participation to date.
Wine lovers from Santorini and across Greece, journalists, wine experts, and professionals gathered to taste the island’s terroir in their glasses, engage directly with producers, and uncover the secrets of the world’s unique Santorini vineyard. Notably, the exhibition continues to attract younger audiences every year, showing a growing interest in the island’s wines.
Wine Legends Dinner with Pierre Lurton
Selene Vedema 2025 reached its peak with the exclusive Wine Legends Dinner, which, in the words of Yiannis Karakasis MW, “came to connect the wines of Santorini with the greatest wines of the world.”
Guests enjoyed vintages of Château d’Yquem, Ygrec, and Château Cheval Blanc, paired with exceptional dishes designed by Hector Botrini and his team.
Pierre Lurton spoke warmly of Santorini’s beauty and its wines, sharing his experiences with guests throughout the evening. Botrini’s creations, crafted especially for the occasion, received enthusiastic praise from all attendees.
Art, Atmosphere, and Inspiration
Running alongside the festival and until October 31, the restaurant’s medieval passageway hosts the sculpture exhibition “Healing the Gap” by acclaimed artist Giorgos Kypris, curated by Mati Art Gallery. The exhibition showcases works that have shaped contemporary art in Santorini.
About Katikies Hotels
Katikies Hotels is a distinguished collection of seven luxury properties across Santorini and Mykonos. Defined by their enchanting atmosphere and spirit of hospitality, Katikies embody the romance, poetry, and unique experiences these islands inspire.
Blending architectural harmony with natural landscapes, Katikies hotels offer serene sanctuaries of authentic yet luxurious hospitality, leaving guests with unforgettable emotions and timeless memories.
About Yiannis Karakasis MW
Yiannis Karakasis MW is a Greece-based Master of Wine, author, consultant, and wine educator. He is Wine Program Director at Katikies Hotels, founder of Great Greek Wines (2019) and the First Growth Wine School in Cyprus, and author of The Wines of Santorini (shortlisted at the Andre Simon Awards).
Dining and Cooking