Cyprus Wines & Comandaria

Wine was a major part of Cyprus’ wealth with vines being depicted on ancient treasures that have been recently discovered as well as on certain decorative pieces in archaeological sites, for example the mosaic floors in the ancient sites in Paphos. In medieval times the renowned Commandaria wines were drunk by those passing through to the Holy Land. In local tradition Cypriots used to keep the wines in goat skins. New wineries have developed over the past decades. There is evidence that proves the presence of vines in Cyprus in Chalcolithic and Neolithic archaeological sites. The main area for wine growing lies on the southern slopes of Troodos Mountain. You can sample the local wines at various locations and sites throughout the island. The classic types of grapes found in Cyprus are Xinisteri, Muscat, Mavro and Opthalmo- all producing rich and hearty wines. The range of local wines has been expandein recent years to incorporate, fruity, delicate wines made from European strains such as Cabernets. Commandaria is known to be the oldest wine in the world and one the first ever to be given an ‘Appellation d’Origin’. This sweet wine, similar in taste to sweet sherry, is made today in exactly the same fashion as it was originally made. The grapes are picked late, dried in the sun to enhance their sugar content and then pressed, the run-off collected and then ends in the fermentation process mostly in enormous earthen-ware jars.

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