Paul Wesley: “Greece has Taught Me How to Slow Down”

By the Stories Team

As the sun painted the sky orange behind a long wooden dining table set in the sand in front of W Costa Navarino, and the resort’s executive chef prepared dinner over open fires, Paul Wesley shared the story of how Brother’s Bond Bourbon was born – from friendship and a desire to unite people around a shared moment, just like the one we were living. “Sharing Brother’s Bond in Greece is deeply meaningful to me, not just because it’s an extraordinary country with rich traditions, but because it aligns so beautifully with what our bourbon stands for: connection and rituals,” he noted.

We took the opportunity to chat with the actor-slash-bourbon maker, who reflected on the intersection of tradition and innovation in both his craft and life, how Greece’s hospitality mirrors the essence of his bourbon, and the personal journey that led him from Hollywood to crafting a spirit together with his Vampire Diaries co-star Ian Somerhalder.

You’ve often said that Brother’s Bond isn’t just a celebrity brand, but something that both you and Ian crafted and lived. What does it mean to you, to be sharing this bourbon with people in Greece?

Greek culture has always embraced the spirit of welcoming strangers as friends. That philosophy resonates with our own journey. Brother’s Bond was born out of friendship and is meant to bring people together around a table, a story, or a shared moment. To bring this to Greece – a land where storytelling and hospitality are a way of life – feels incredibly full-circle.

Have you spent time in Greece before, and what are your impressions of Costa Navarino?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to spend time in Greece over the years, visiting Paros, Antiparos, Mykonos, and Santorini. Each island had its own rhythm. What struck me most was the effortless connection between the people, the land, and the sea.

Coming to Costa Navarino brought a different kind of beauty – more rugged and earthy, yet just as moving. It’s a place that feels grounded in history and purpose. You sense a respect for nature and heritage here, and that aligns so closely with how Ian and I approach Brother’s Bond.

W Costa Navarino embodies a contemporary, cosmopolitan spirit, while bourbon carries the weight of tradition and Americana. When these two worlds meet, as they do during your visit, what kind of conversation do you think unfolds between them?

The cosmopolitan energy of W Costa Navarino and the heritage of bourbon create an interesting intersection of tradition and evolution. This conversation is about honoring where we come from while imagining where we can go.

In Greece, where mythology lives alongside modern design, that duality feels natural. A pour of Brother’s Bond at W Costa Navarino becomes a bridge between cultures.

How much of Paul the actor finds its way into Paul the bourbon-maker? Do you see a creative overlap between crafting a character and crafting a spirit?

Acting is really about a search for truth. That same instinct applies to making bourbon – trying to create the perfect blend that’s truly in line with your palate.

Between the camera and the cask, you’re leading two very different journeys. Is there a routine that helps you balance?

Balance, for me, comes from nature. Whether I’m hiking a trail with my dog or camping, I try to ground myself in the simple moments. That’s where I find most clarity.

Bourbon, in its way, teaches patience. You can’t rush it. So I remind myself that – both in life and in craft – presence is more powerful than pace. Greece has taught me how to slow down, savor, and truly be where you are.

As in today’s event at W Costa Navarino, many bartenders in Greece are now crafting cocktails with bourbon at the heart. If there were a ‘Greek signature’ Brother’s Bond cocktail, which local flavors would you want to see infused in it?

I’d love to see a cocktail that captures the depth and brightness of Greek ingredients. Maybe something that marries the richness of Brother’s Bond with Navarino Icons Honey, a citrus blend from the Peloponnese, with local herbs or bitters, or even a touch of olive brine to give it that coastal flair.

What’s one thing about making bourbon you wish more people understood—the work that goes into it?

Bourbon isn’t just about aging, it’s about the choices made at every step: the grains selected, the barrel char, the blend. With Brother’s Bond, Ian and I were involved in every part of the process. We didn’t slap our names on a bottle; we built it from the ground up. It’s a lot like Greek winemaking or olive oil pressing – it’s a labor of love behind the label.

You’ve spoken about growing up on the East Coast, with family, animals, and community shaping you early on. Is there a memory, a scent, or a moment from that past that still finds its way into your present – maybe even into your bourbon?

I grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, just outside of New York City, and also spent a great deal of my life in Poland. Fresh-cut grass and rainy nights – very soothing. Bourbon has that same grounding effect: the oak, the spice, the vanilla… it has a nostalgic quality.

You’ve made it clear you’re ready to move on from Mystic Falls. But the nostalgia your fans feel is real and probably fuels the connection to Brother’s Bond. How do you embrace that love while still making room for reinvention?

I’m grateful for that chapter in my life, but I’m definitely ready to move on. What Ian and I are building now with Brother’s Bond is about the future. We want our fans to come with us into this next chapter – not to forget the past, but to pour it into something new. In many ways, that’s what Greek culture does so well: honor the ancient while boldly embracing the modern. We’re trying to do the same – craft a legacy that respects where we’ve been but makes space for who we’re becoming.