True wine-growing sanctuaries of indigenous grapes, hand-selected by farmers for thousands of years for their drought-resistance, dry-farmed on volcanic soils and layered limestone terraces bound to the Troodos massif, has served well the refound inspiration of a handful of pioneers during the last 40 years.
Winemaking trail of Pioneers
Modern-day winemaking in Cyprus emerges along a redimensioned viticultural landscape balanced at around 7.000 Ha. The focus on ancient own-rooted varieties and the adoption of EU geographical indications has allowed also for an evolution of the protected designations of origin for altitude vineyard areas of Panayia, Pitsillia, Krasochoria Lemesou, Laona Akamas and Commandaria.
Reinterpreting Cyprus white Xynisteri and red Mavro grapes has provided an opportunity to revive other nearly extinct varieties such as Promara, Morokanella, Spourtiko, Lefkada, Vasilissa, Ofthalmo, Maratheftiko, and Yiannoudi. This ongoing pursuit of wines with unique character also embraces international varieties like Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Black Muscat, Cabernet, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.
Settled on isolated slopes and altitude vineyard plateaus, this availability of phylloxera-free vines nurtured by farming communities, has driven winemakers and wineries to further invest, experiment and create distinctive wines that enthuse with finesse and character, expressing the story of their land.
We have but made a short selection of exemplary wineries representative of the fine winemaking on the island.
Meet the Wineries
Wines crafted at altitude borne out of love of nature and endemic grapes
Mountain viticulture respecting vineyard and characteristic indigenous varieties
Winery Origins
- All Regions
- Larnaka Wineries
- Lefkosia Wineries
- Lemesos Wineries
- Pafos Wineries
