Konstantinos Lazarakis MW
President - Head of WSPC Education - Principal of WSPC Wine School
The president of WSPC Wines School in Athens is Konstantinos Lazarakis MW. As a distinguished Master of Wine, Konstantinos Lazarakis has been instrumental in establishing the school’s reputation for excellence in wine education. In 2006 the Institute of Masters of Wine awarded him with the Noval Award as “The MW Communicator of the Year”. For the past 25 years he has been the active advocate and ambassador of quality wines in domestic and international markets; he holds a proven track record of partnerships and synergies aimed at promoting the good reputation and esteemed work of Greek and global wine producers, as well as of acclaimed wine regions worldwide. His extensive expertise and commitment to the wine industry have been pivotal in guiding the school’s curriculum and vision. Konstantinos Lazarakis MW is renowned for being the first Greek to achieve the Master of Wine title, one of the highest accolades in the wine world. Under his leadership, WSPC Wines School offers a wide range of courses, providing students with internationally recognized qualifications. His profound knowledge and experience ensure that the courses are comprehensive, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Lazarakis’ vision for WSPC Wines School emphasizes a thorough understanding of both global and Greek wines. He has fostered strong relationships with local and international wineries, enhancing the learning experience through hands-on opportunities and real-world insights. These collaborations enable students to gain valuable exposure to different winemaking techniques and industry practices. In addition to his role at WSPC, Konstantinos Lazarakis is actively involved in the global wine community. He frequently participates in international wine competitions, judges at prestigious events, and contributes to wine publications. His contributions help to keep the school at the cutting edge of wine education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in the wine, spirits and HO.RE.CA industries. Konstantinos Lazarakis’ leadership is characterized by a dedication to high standards, innovation, and a passion for wine. His efforts have made WSPC Wines School a leading institution in wine education, respected both in Greece and internationally. His guidance ensures that the school continues to inspire and educate the next generation of wine professionals, maintaining its status as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine education.
Konstantinos Lazarakis MW was born in Piraeus. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the National & Technical University of Athens and Jazz Music at the Aeolian School of Music.
In 2002 – at the age of 32 – he became the first Master of Wine from Greece and the broader region of Southern Europe, entering a prestigious circle of acclaimed influencers and game-changers in the global wine and spirits industry.
In addition to his MW Title, Konstantinos also achieved two awards given to those who stand out for their excellence during the highly demanding MW exams: The “Bollinger Medal” for excellence in blind wine tasting and the “Villa Maria Award” for outstanding performance in the Viticulture examination. He was the 13th expert in the history of the Institute of Masters of Wine to receive these awards.
In 2004, Konstantinos founded WSPC®, the Greek subsidiary of the most influential educational organization in wines and spirits in the world, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust of London (WSET®). In 2009 WSPC® won the Riedel Award/ WSET® Educator of the Year, being recognized as the best WSET branch in the world, distinguished among 34 countries.
In 2005, Konstantinos Lazarakis MW’s book “The Wines of Greece” was published by the British publishing house Mitchell Beazley. “The Wines of Greece” was nominated among the top 4 for the “Andre Simon Memorial Award 2006.” In 2018, the updated edition of his book, “The Wines of Greece,” was released by the publishing house “Infinite Ideas.”
The global community recognized his efforts and rewarded his vision for continuous wine education by honoring him with the ‘Noval Award’ as “the MW Communicator of the Year 2006”.
Konstantinos Lazarakis has served as a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) for nine years, and as Chair of the Trips Committee for nine years.
In 2012, he was honored by the Austrian Wine Academy with the title of “Honorary Weinakademiker,” making him an Honorary Member, for his contribution to the field of Wine Education. He was the 13th person to be honored in this way.
Additionally, he holds the titles of “Fine & Rare Wine Specialist” and “Diplôme D’Honneur Des Grands Crus Classés en 1885 – Médoc & Sauternes” as the exclusive representative & Classified Ambassador from “Vins de Bordeaux.”
He is the General Manager at “AIOLOS S.A.” based in Athens and co-owner of the wine communication & advertising company “Wine Wonders LLC”.
He collaborates as a Consultant with wine-producing companies in Greece and abroad, as well as with companies in the aviation and HO.RE.CA. sectors, such as TEMES S.A. (Costa Navarino) and Aegean Airlines.
Since 2000, he has been a regular contributor to “Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book” and frequently writes for many trade and lifestyle magazines in Greece and abroad, such as the newspaper “Proto Thema” and the magazine “GRAPE.”
He is the president of the “Thessaloniki International Wine & Spirits Competition” held in Thessaloniki and was co-organizer and president of the “Balkan International Wine & Spirits Competition” held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Lastly, he is a member of the “International Food & Wine Society”, as well as a member of its “Wine Committee”.
He is married and he has a son.