THE PEOPLE OF CINQUE
Nikitas Prassas
CEO, Oenologist & Head Sommelier
Greek wine, understood from the vineyard to your glass.
Nikitas brings together the knowledge of an oenologist, the curiosity of a sommelier and the care of a host. At Cinque Wine & Deli, he shapes the wine selection and the experiences that help guests discover Greece through its wines.
A life shaped by wine
Born in Lamia in 1996, Nikitas began visiting Greek wineries at the age of eight. Those early encounters with vineyards, producers and cellars became the starting point of his professional journey.
In 2014, he graduated from the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, where agricultural research, internships and work at La Tour Melas Winery in Achinos gave him practical experience. He went on to study Oenology at the University of West Attica, alongside professional wine education through WSET.
Learning in the vineyard and cellar
During his university years, he took part in harvests at Domaine Skouras, Domaine Hatzimichalis and Avantis Estate. In June 2023, he joined Avantis Winery Santorini as an oenologist and sommelier.
This connection to wine production informs the way he selects wines, explains their character and guides a tasting.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Education & professional development
Oenology, sommelier training and continued study inform his work at Cinque.
Wine education
- Oenology studies — University of West Attica
- WSET Levels 1, 2 & 3
- Hestia Level 3
- Introductory Sommelier Course (Level 1) — Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)
Professional credentials
- Certified Sommelier — Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI)
- Member of the Association of Greek Sommeliers since 2015
- Certified olive oil taster — NOAOO and Swiss Approval Organization, May 2023
His further studies include postgraduate MBA studies at the Agricultural University of Athens and the MBA Essentials seminar at the London School of Economics. He also attends wine masterclasses in Greece and abroad and has pursued training in event planning, marketing, logistics management and political science.
A wider view of wine
His visits to Bordeaux, Mosel, Rioja, Alsace, Tuscany, Penedès, Montsant, Priorat, Madeira and Porto, as well as wine regions in Romania and Hungary, have broadened his understanding of wine culture.
At Cinque, that international perspective supports a clear focus: helping guests connect with Greek wine, its producers and the places behind each bottle.
His work at Cinque
Head Sommelier of the Cinque Wine & Deli network since 2015, Nikitas curates wine lists, sets quality standards and designs wine tasting experiences.
As CEO, he oversees wine sourcing, the 187 ml tasting bottle concept, operational standards and the running of Cinque Wine & Deli Monastiraki. He also leads the development of the Cinque franchise network with Franchise Co.
MEET THE HOST THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE
Your Greek Selection
A personal introduction to Greek wine at Cinque Monastiraki: three wines selected around your preferences, each paired with its own small food pairing.
Share what you enjoy through the tasting quiz and receive a tailored proposal with the total price before you book.
“Cinque is a unique wine tasting center where wine tasting takes on a whole new meaning.”
— Nikitas Prassas