Johnny Livanos, Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, is a trailblazer in the world of Greek wine and spirits. Raised in the heart of a bustling New York restaurant Greek-American family, Johnny goes beyond the restaurant scene to craft spirits that tell a unique story.  Having worked in his family’s iconic spots like Molyvos and Oceana in NYC, as well as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya in Washington, DC, Johnny’s experience helped shape his passion and expertise in beverages with a focus in Greece.

Johnny graduated from Cornell University’s Hospitality School, where he returns as a guest speaker to teach about hospitality, Greek wine and spirits, and entrepreneurship.  Also an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, he has always combined a passion for food and flavor and today applies that to the beverage world. Johnny is a two-time guest speaker at Bar Convent Brooklyn where he has lectured tasting seminars on the world of Greek spirits. The culmination of his life and experience in the hospitality and beverage industry is the launching of his own brand Stray Dog Wild Gin, the most award-winning gin from Greece, made with wild foraged botanicals that donates back to animal shelters.

In addition to launching Stray Dog Wild Gin, Johnny also manages US sales for Diamond Wine Importers, bringing the most iconic wines from Greece to the US.  He represents a portfolio of the most iconic Greek winemakers, telling their story and sharing their wines with the entire country.