Nikitas Prassas represents the analytical, structured and forward-looking force behind Cinque Wine & Deli. A certified oenologist, sommelier and CEO of the network, he is widely recognised as the technocrat of Cinque — the mind that translates vision into systems, standards and scalable growth.

Where passion meets method, Nikitas ensures that every Cinque experience is consistent, measurable and future-proof, without ever losing its soul.

A journey rooted in wine, shaped by education

Born in 1996 in Lamia, Greece, Nikitas grew up immersed in wine culture. From the age of eight, he was visiting wineries across Greece, developing an early understanding of terroir, production and craftsmanship — not as theory, but as lived experience.

He graduated from The American Farm School of Thessaloniki in 2014, where he combined academic study with hands-on agricultural research, internships and work at La Tour Melas Winery in Achinos. He later moved to Athens to study Oenology at the University of West Attica, while simultaneously pursuing professional wine education through the WSET program.

During his university years, Nikitas actively participated in harvests at Domaine Skouras, Domaine Hatzimichalis and Avantis Estate, building practical experience alongside academic training.

International exposure & continuous learning

Driven by a belief in lifelong education, Nikitas has explored some of Europe’s most influential wine regions, including Bordeaux, Mosel, Rioja, Alsace, Tuscany, Penedès, Montsant, Priorat, Madeira and Porto, while also studying emerging wine destinations such as Romania and Hungary.

Today, he continues his academic journey as a postgraduate student (MBA) at the Agricultural University of Athens, strengthening his expertise in agribusiness, management and strategic development — a key pillar in Cinque’s structured expansion.

Credentials & professional profile

Nikitas holds:

• WSET Levels 1, 2 & 3

• Hestia Level 3

• Introductory Sommelier Course (Level 1)

• Certified Sommelier, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale

• Member of the Association of Greek Sommeliers since 2015

He actively participates in masterclasses in Greece and abroad and has completed additional training in event planning, marketing, logistics management and political science, as well as the MBA Essentials seminar from the London School of Economics.

In May 2023, he became a certified olive oil taster through NOAOO and the Swiss Approval Organization, further expanding Cinque’s product expertise beyond wine.

Head of Cinque Wine & Deli

Since 2015, Nikitas has served as Head Sommelier of the Cinque Wine & Deli network, curating wine lists, defining quality standards and designing the tasting experiences that have shaped Cinque’s international reputation.

In June 2023, he joined the Avantis Winery Santorini team as an Oenologist & Sommelier, further reinforcing his connection to production and terroir.

Within Cinque, he oversees:

• wine list architecture and sourcing

• post-bottling projects, including the innovative 187ml tasting bottle concept

• operational standards and experience consistency

• the full operation of Cinque Wine & Deli Monastiraki, the brand’s most complete experience

At the same time, he leads the strategic expansion of Cinque Wine & Deli through franchising, developing the business under the umbrella of Franchise Co, with a clear focus on structure, scalability and brand integrity.

A technocrat with a clear belief

Analytical by nature and visionary by execution, Nikitas believes that wine experiences can be both emotional and precisely designed.

“Cinque is a unique wine tasting center where wine tasting takes on a whole new meaning.”