Lazaridis was the driving force behind establishing Drama as a world-class wine-producing region. Credit: Nico Lazaridi Winery
Nicos Lazaridis, one of the most influential figures in Greek entrepreneurship, has passed away at the age of 93. A man whose name became synonymous with the rebirth of the Drama vineyards, Lazaridis was the driving force behind establishing Drama, Greece as a world-class wine-producing region.
From the quarry to the world stage
Before conquering the world of wine, Lazaridis built a formidable empire in the marble industry. He was a decisive factor in the global promotion of Greek marble—most notably the prized white marble of Thassos.
Under his leadership, Lazaridi Marble was utilized in iconic projects worldwide, ranging from public monuments to luxury hotels and palaces in Europe and the Middle East, thereby establishing Greek marble as a global hallmark of prestige and quality.
The renaissance of the Drama vineyard
A bottle of wine. Credit: Nico Lazaridi Winery
Lazaridi’s transition into viticulture was inspired by his time in Tuscany, where he was captivated by the long-standing traditions and sophisticated philosophy of Italian winemakers.
In 1987, he took a bold step forward. Alongside his younger brother, Kostas, they founded the first organized viticultural and winemaking company in the Prefecture of Drama. While Kostas brought technical expertise from his earlier experiments with linear vineyards in the late 70s, it was their joint ambition that signaled a new era for the region.
Although the brothers’ paths famously diverged in the early 1990s, this professional “divorce” proved to be a catalyst for Greek wine. It gave birth to two of the country’s most prestigious wineries—NICO LAZARIDI and Domaine Costa Lazaridi—which, through different philosophies, worked complementary to put Drama on the international wine map.
Building an icon: Château Nico Lazaridi
In 1997, Nicos Lazaridis completed his flagship winery, Château Nico Lazaridi, in Agora, Drama, investing in cutting-edge technology and expansive private vineyards. This was followed in 2000 by the Makedon Winery in Kavala, at the foot of Mount Pangaio.
Through his foresight, the company created legendary labels such as Magic Mountain—perhaps Greece’s most iconic premium wine—alongside the Château Nico Lazaridi, Black Sheep, Cavalieri, and Perpetuus ranges. Today, the winery produces over 1.3 million bottles annually, with a robust export presence in more than 20 countries.
A unique pillar of Lazaridis’s philosophy was the marriage of wine and art. The winery houses the “Magic Mountain” Gallery, showcasing works by Greek and international artists who have created the estate’s distinctive labels. This initiative forged a unique brand identity that resonates far beyond the borders of Greece.
A lasting legacy
In a moving tribute, the NICO LAZARIDI winery stated:
“From marble to wine, with vision, courage, and dedication, he left behind a body of work that defines the identity of his homeland. His contribution will continue to inspire all who had the good fortune to know him.”
The family tradition continues today through his son, Federico Lazaridi, who serves as President. Federico is driving the company into a new era of modernization, international outreach, and wine tourism, ensuring his father’s vision remains vibrant.
Nico Lazaridi leaves a profound legacy: the restoration of an entire viticultural region, the creation of internationally acclaimed wines, and an enduring inspiration for the next generation of producers.
Dining and Cooking