2022 did not start very well. Right after my return from the Christmas holidays, I got Covid and spent almost a month until I fully recovered. But the following months were intense with hard work, many business achievements, plenty of wine tastings promoting Greek wine, some fantastic dinners in restaurants with memorable dishes and many fine wines in my glass.

Then, over the Easter holidays, a last-minute road trip to Burgundy was a dream come true. Yes, luck is an element that can be found in almost every success story. However, Burgundy is anything but luck. The people, the varieties, the vineyards and the tradition are the elements that synthesize this unique spot of the wine world. The 5 days in Paris came on top, walking tens of kilometres every day exploring and admiring the beauty of the City of Light. The morning coffee and a tour of the beautiful narrow streets in the neighbourhood of Montmartre is a unique experience. After this trip, head down and back to work. Great moment when a pure soul, hairy toy poodle named Mickey became the new member of the family.

August has finally arrived, and the summer holidays have begun. Short stop for a week in Tuscany in the village of Arcidosso to leave the stress behind and then Greece. Summer holidays are much more enjoyable when you live abroad. Every minute counts, and everything has more meaning. Friends and family are important to me, and I created beautiful memories. I spent the last week in Greece visiting wineries in Nemea, Attiki, Pieria, Achinos, Halkidiki, Kavala, Naoussa and Amyntaio, tasting great wines.

It is sad to leave your hometown and return to your home abroad, but this is combined with the start of the new business year and the challenge to succeed. Like the rest of the world, Germany is facing challenges that affect our business environment and everyday life in an unexpected but negative way. Instability and insecurity are the two most basic emotions at stake in German society, but I'm from Greece, and crisis is our middle name. So 2022 ends with mixed feelings, but overall it was a remarkable year!

For 2023 I wish all your dreams may come true!