Best Wineries to Visit in Cyprus

Cypriot winemaking goes back centuries, to 6,000 years ago. Cyprus is an ideal place to grow vines as it has over 300 days of sunshine and perfect conditions at high altitudes.

Cyprus has several indigenous grape varieties. The most important red is Mavro, and the white is Xynisteri. Other notable grapes are the whites, Promara and Lefkada, and the reds, Yiannudi, Ofthalmo, and Maratheftiko. You will also find varieties from other countries, such as Chardonnay and Merlot.

If you are staying in a luxury villa in Cyprus, you can explore some of the wineries, as most offer a tour and a tasting. Many of the best wineries are ones that are family-owned, as they give a more personal touch to the experience and offer a better quality of wine.

This guide will tell you about some of the best wineries on the island. There are over 65 recognised wineries, so it has been a difficult decision, but we feel that we have chosen ones that offer the best experiences. There are big commercial wineries, but we like the small boutique wineries, which are family-owned and more personal. These wineries are in the Troodos Mountains and in coastal areas.

The Best Wineries to Visit in Cyprus

Kolios Winery

Family-run Kolios Winery is 0.62 miles (1 km) outside Statos Agios Foties, a village near the Chryserogiatissa Monastery in Paphos. Next to the winery are the vineyards at an altitude of 3,000 feet (914 metres).

The vineyards are organic, meaning that chemical fertilisers, insecticides, and herbicides are not used. Instead, the winery uses natural methods in accordance with European standards.

The grapes grow in ideal conditions. At a high altitude, they get plenty of sunshine and light, with dry, cool summers, without the heat you get at sea level. The calcareous soil also helps by optimising water management. It retains deep moisture while ensuring perfect surface drainage.

The wine is aged in oak barrels in the cool underground cellar. There is a natural spring which provides humidity to the room. A humid cellar helps to prevent premature oxidation and keeps corks hydrated.

The vineyards have been cultivated for four generations. Book in advance for a wine tasting and tour any day from Monday to Saturday. You will be shown the vineyards, the production facilities, and the cellar. You can enjoy your tasting with a delicious mezze with spectacular views of the countryside and the Troodos mountains. All the food is prepared using local, fresh ingredients, and it caters for vegetarians.

Their signature red is a dry wine called Saint Fotios, created from the Maratheftiko grape. It is deep red, has a velvety mouth feel, and the tannins are soft. It tastes of raspberries, cherries, and black fruits, and pairs well with red meats, a meze, and barbecued food.

Their signature white is Persefoni, which is made from Xynisteri grapes. It has a light body, vibrant acidity and aromas of white flowers, jasmine, and fruit. The dry version pairs well with seafood, grilled fish, and salads. The medium dry version pairs with white meats, mildly spiced cheeses, and fresh fruit.

Recently, they revived the traditional white wine, Spourtiko, and have called it the Kolios Iris. It has a green hint and a bouquet of exotic fruits, white flowers, and spices. It is refreshing, with herbal elements. It pairs with seafood, sweet fruits, and salads without lemon or vinegar.

Vouni Panayia Winery

This is another family winery situated on the border between Paphos and Limassol, heading towards the mountains. The vineyards are 3,280 feet (1,000 metres) above sea level and are spread over 25 hectares. The winery was established in 1987 by Andreas Kyriakides. It blends tradition with innovation and creates quality wines from indigenous varieties cultivated in its vineyards.

The winery has a large outdoor seating area for tastings and an indoor upstairs area. Both have lovely views of the mountains. A tasting session includes a tour of the wine production facilities and a short film showing the entire process. There is also a museum and a restaurant serving traditional, seasonal fare. You need to ring to reserve a tour and tasting.

The winery grows the white varieties of Xynisteri, Promara, Spourtiko, and Morokanela, and the reds, Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and Ntoprio Mavro.

Among the wines produced is Alina, their signature Xynisteri, known for its crisp minerality and citrus notes. The red Yiannoudi is a robust single variety, showcasing this rare local grape. The winery also produces Commandaria, a historic dessert wine.

Zambartas Winery

Zambartas Winery is a family-run winery, established in 2006 by Akis Zambartas. It has 27 hectares of vineyards, both new and old, situated around Agios Amvrosios, near Limassol, where the altitude, soil, and climate produce wines with freshness and balance. The best wines are its single-variety wines. In total, the winery makes 150,000 bottles of wine each year.

The winery first gained popularity with a rose, followed by their Maratheftiko, a red wine, and then a fresh, sophisticated Xynisteri white. They also produce the dessert wine, Commandaria, which is made from sun-dried grapes. It tastes of raisins and honey, with an aroma of oak, dried figs and carob in the background. It is sweet and sensual, with a full body. Today, Zambartas produces seven different varieties of wine.

Ayia Mavri Winery

In Koilani village, you will find the Ayia Mavri Winery. It is in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains at a height of 2,952 feet (900 metres). It was founded in 1983, but the vineyard plantations in the area date back centuries. In fact, until recently, every home in the village had its own small winery.

Ayia Mavri produces 50,000 bottles of wine each year. One of the wines it makes is Lefkada, a dry red with rich tannins and aromas of berries, plums, and spices. It is aged in French oak barrels for one year. It is a wine to be enjoyed with grilled meat and casseroles.

Another wine they make is a dessert wine, Moscato. It is naturally sweet and has an aroma of tropical fruit. It can be enjoyed with soft cheeses, melon, and desserts.

Vlassides Winery

Vlassides Winery is a modern, contemporary building in the heart of Koilani in the Limassol region of Cyprus. Part of the winery, including the storage area, is built into a hill, allowing for ideal cool temperatures for the preservation and development of the wine. The winery produces 200,000 bottles each year.

The winery is open for tours and tastings every day apart from Sundays. Visitors can see the winemaking and wine ageing areas and then get panoramic views from the tasting area.

One of the wines produced is Artion, a premium red wine which is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Merlot gives it a rich velvety character, while Cabernet Sauvignon helps it to evolve. The addition of Shiraz gives it a breath of fresh air. The wine is deep purple and has aromas of ripe, black fruits, with notes of coffee, vanilla, and sweet spices. It has a full body, strong tannins, and balanced acidity, and is best served decanted at 18°C.

Their white sparkling wine, Eddial Blanc de Blanc, is made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is made using the traditional method and aged in the bottle for a minimum of 30 months. It is full-bodied with a sophisticated bouquet of citrus, honey, brioche, and roasted nuts. It has lively acidity and a long, smooth, sweet finish.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit a Cypriot Winery?

The best time of year to visit a Cypriot winery is between late August and October, as this is when the wine is being produced. You will have the opportunity to see the wine being made with all the production machinery in action.

Essential Planning Tips for Visiting a Cypriot Winery

• Book an appointment. It is always best to book your tour and tasting in advance to ensure that you get a place. If the tour is fully booked, you may be turned away.
• Transport Logistics. Most wineries are off the beaten track, so you will need a car. Designate a driver who won't be drinking, as drink driving laws are strict. If you all want to taste the wine, hire a taxi.
• Concierge Services. Most luxury villas in Cyprus have a concierge or host. He or she will make reservations for you at the wineries.

FAQ

How do I get to a winery from my holiday villa in Cyprus? You will need a car as buses probably won't go to most of the wineries. If you all want to taste the wine, hire a taxi.

What is the cost of a tour and tasting? The cost, on average, is between £10 and £20 per person.

Can I take a tour to visit wineries? Yes, you can take a group tour or a private full-day tour. You will go to 2 to 4 wineries for a tour and tasting, including a meze lunch. A group tour costs between £95 and £120 per person. A private tour costs between £130 and £175.

Can you bring children with you to a winery? Most wineries welcome children and offer non-alcoholic drinks. You are best off ringing the winery in advance to make sure.

Can I buy the wine? The majority of wineries have a shop where you can purchase the wines you have tasted.

There are over 65 wineries in Cyprus, so it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. We have written this guide for wine lovers, as well as those just starting their wine journey. It gives you an introduction to a few of the best Cypriot wineries. For more on planning your Cyprus stay, read our guide to villa holidays in Cyprus or browse our Cyprus villas to find the perfect base for your trip.