Alexandros Katsikandarakis in ..”Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”!

Alexandros Katsikandarakis has the intensity and depth of a Northern Rhône Syrah, guided by his love for wine and the people behind it. He finds meaning in travel and joy in sharing experiences through a glass of wine. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a teacher of Cretan dances, while today he’d happily go clubbing with Keanu Reeves. He believes that the less you expect from others, the less you’re disappointed. As for the meaning of life… that’s a long conversation.

1. What do you love and what do you “hate” in your profession?
What fulfills me most is connecting with people who have a genuine love and passion for wine, whether they are professionals, winemakers, or simply wine lovers. A special place in my heart is also reserved for traveling to wine regions. There is no better way to truly understand the wines, the people, and the gastronomy of a place than by visiting it and experiencing it firsthand.
And perhaps there is no greater feeling than being able afterwards to “take others on a journey,” sharing your experiences, images, and memories through a glass of wine.
Wine should never be surrounded by snobbery. True wine culture should bring people together, offering pleasure, experiences, and culture, making wine approachable and meaningful for everyone.

2. Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Hernán Crespo, because he was creative, low profile, incredibly hardworking, and carried himself with great character and integrity.

3. Dirty (Street food) or high gastronomy?
When quality prevails, both categories have their place , in the right setting and at the right time.

4. If you were a variety, which would you be and why?
I’d like to be Syrah (from the Northern Rhône, to be specific). A grape with intensity, depth, and complexity, combining power with finesse, and becoming even more captivating with time.

5. What scares you?
Sudden changes.

6. Jazz or the clarinet?
Cretan lyra!

7. What did you want to be (as a kid) when you were little?
Teacher of Cretan traditional dances.

8. Which personality would you like to go clubbing with?
With Keanu Reeves.

9. Two-seater or SUV?
SUV, for adventures in the mountains as well as trips to distant beaches.

10. Mom’s or dad’s?
Both.

11. Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
To fly, without a doubt.

12. Sun or rain?
Sun & sea.

13. Sweet or (savory)salty?
Savory always, but with a sweet touch at the end.

14. Favorite cartoon?
Son Goku (Dragonball).

15. What is your favorite time of day?
The morning.

16. Favorite app?
Google maps.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?
The less you expect from others, the less disappointed you become.

18. Who is your celebrity crush?
A tricky question..

19. Your favorite song?
Dave Brubeck – Take Five

20. When others talk about you, what would you like them to say?
Whatever they believe. You can’t keep everyone happy.

21. What do you think is the meaning of life?
That’s a long conversation… open a bottle of wine so we can begin!