English Wine Guide

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WINE TASTING IN CYPRUS: AN UNEXPECTED JOY.

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This summer, I have the opportunity to explore Europe extensively, diverging from my usual routines in England. As a wine enthusiast, I am particularly excited to discover some of the continent’s lesser-known wine regions.

This series of articles will cover my wine tasting adventures in Germany, Albania, Macedonia, and Sicily. But first up – is wine tasting in Cyprus.

Cyprus is probably better known for it’s beach resorts and historical sites than it’s vineyards – but I have a feeling that this could change in years to come.

Are there vineyards in Cyprus?

Absolutely! While Cyprus may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wine, it boasts a rich and ancient winemaking tradition. The island’s history with wine stretches back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

Cyprus is home to several distinct wine regions, each offering its own unique characteristics. The Troodos Mountains, with their cooler temperatures and diverse soils, are particularly notable.

The Paphos region, on the western coast, is another significant wine-producing area. In fact, one of the vineyards in this area – Vouni Panayias, is unique as the only vineyard to have received a Platinum accolade at the Decanter World Wine Awards for it’s 2016 Xynisteri.

You can find more information on where to visit in Cyprus for wine tasting below.

What is Cyprus wine like?

Cyprus wines are as varied and intriguing as the island itself. The country’s winemakers produce a wide range of wines, from robust reds and crisp whites to delightful rosés and sweet dessert wines.

If you’ve ever had a bad experience with Retsina, a traditional Greek wine, you will be suitably impressed by Cypriot wine these days. It is far different to Retsina. In fact, since 2007, Cyrpiot wines have won a huge 591 accolades at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

In recent years, wine makers are also producing wine from a wider range of grapes including Shiraz, Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. As well as the more traditional Cypriot grapes.

What grapes are grown in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, a range of grapes are grown. There are some that are more distinctive to Cyprus as well as others that are more well known – for example, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Here are some of the more unique varieties of grapes grown in Cyprus:

Xynisteri

A white grape variety that is the backbone of many Cypriot white wines, Xynisteri produces wines that are light, fresh, and aromatic, often with citrus and floral notes. It is also a key component in the production of Commandaria. One of the most common wines to see on menus in bars and restaurants in Cyprus is white wine made with Xynisteri.

Mavro

A red grape variety that is widely planted across the island, Mavro is used to produce both red and rosé wines. It typically yields wines with soft tannins and fruity flavors, often blended with other varieties to add depth and complexity.

Maratheftiko

A rare and ancient red grape variety, Maratheftiko is highly prized for its rich color and intense flavors. Wines made from Maratheftiko are often robust and aromatic, with notes of dark berries, spices, and herbs. 84 of the awards that Cypriot wines have won at Decanter have been for wines produced using Maratheftiko grapes.

What is Commanderia?

Commandaria is a legendary dessert wine that holds the title of the world’s oldest named wine still in production. Its origins date back to the ancient Greeks and were later popularized in the 12th century. Famously Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) served Commanderia at his wedding in Limassol. When toasting, he described Commanderia as “the wine of kings and the king of wines.”

Commandaria is made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, which are left to dry in the sun to concentrate their sugars before being fermented.

It is illegal in Cyprus to add any extra sugar to wine, hence Commanedria gets it’s sweetness from the natural process of sun drying the grapes.

This process gives the wine its distinctive sweetness and rich, complex flavor, with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and spices. Commandaria is traditionally aged in oak barrels, further enhancing its depth and character.

At Lambouri Vineyard, I tried a Commanderia served in a fascinating bottle. Apparently this was the same bottle that Jack Sparrow drank out of in Pirates of the Carribean – so the answer to his famous question “why is the rum always gone?” is that it was never there in the first place!

Where to go wine tasting in Cyprus

There are seven distinct wine routes in Cyprus. In fact, a large portion of the island offers somewhere to go wine tasting.

If staying in Limassol, you could consider the Commanderia Wine Route – 14 villages, with 4 wineries which all show off the historic art of making Commanderia wine.

Or, the villages of Limassol wine route – known as Krasochoria of Lemesos (Limassol). This is the area that I spent most time in and it is simply stunning. There are 20 wine villages with 16 wineries, all clinging to the hill side of the Troodos Mountains. Many of the wineries in this area are a bit more experimental, with new wines being created all the time.

From Paphos, the Vouni Panagias – Ambelitis Wine Route is the best to explore. The ten wineries in this area are particularly known for their Xynisteri white wine.

Wineries are often open for visitors for formal or informal tastings. But, as some are small and family run it can be best to contact in advance to arrange an appointment.

Wine tasting tours in Cyprus

If you’d prefer to organize a tour to go wine tasting in Cyprus- you can find tours from Limassol and Paphos below:

• From Paphos: A full day of wine tasting in the Paphos region on this top rated tour
• From Paphos: A visit to the Troodos Mountains, which includes a wine tasting
• From Limassol: A day of good eating and wine in the mountains

A map of wineries in Cyprus

This map highlights some of the wineries on the various wine routes around Cyprus where you go can go wine tasting.

My experience of wine tasting in Cyprus

I spent one month in Cyprus, where I was lucky enough to tuck into plenty of wine. Most often, I enjoyed Xynisteri – white wine, served ice cold in restaurants. Of the red wines that I tried, I’d say that the Shiraz Blend from Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery was my top pick – spicy notes, and very drinkable.

I also visited a few wineries, including Lambouri Vineyard which was a favourite.

At Lambouri, I was offered a tasting of seven wines with bread and olive oil for 10 Euros. For the price, the experience was incredible. I can imagine that many vineyards around Cyprus offer a tasting for a similar price point – I only wish I had more time to visit! Until next time.

Where to next?

A few of my favourite things

Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.

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