Cyprus is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with a winemaking history that stretches back more than 5,000 years. Long before modern vineyards and tasting rooms, wine was deeply woven into daily life, religious rituals, and trade. Today, Cyprus’ wine culture remains a proud reflection of the island’s heritage, shaped by unique grape varieties, diverse landscapes, and generations of local knowledge.
A Land Made for Wine
Cyprus’ climate and geography make it exceptionally well-suited for viticulture. Warm sunshine, cooling mountain breezes, and mineral-rich soils create ideal growing conditions. Vineyards thrive at higher elevations, particularly in the foothills and slopes of the Troodos Mountains, where cooler temperatures help preserve acidity and complexity in the grapes.
Unlike many wine regions, Cyprus relies heavily on indigenous grape varieties, giving its wines a distinctive character that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Commandaria: Cyprus’ Legendary Sweet Wine
No discussion of Cypriot wine is complete without Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest named wines still in production. This naturally sweet wine is made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes and is traditionally produced in villages southwest of the Troodos Mountains.
Commandaria is rich, complex, and steeped in history — once praised by medieval kings and crusaders. Its continued production today connects modern Cyprus to its ancient winemaking past.
Key Wine Regions of Cyprus
Troodos Mountain Villages
The heart of Cypriot wine production lies in the Troodos Mountains. Villages such as Omodos, Koilani, Vouni, and Platres are surrounded by vineyards at higher altitudes. These regions are known for producing both white and red wines with balanced structure and fresh character.
- Xynisteri is the island’s flagship white grape, producing crisp, aromatic wines well suited to Cyprus’ cuisine.
- Mavro, a traditional red grape, forms the backbone of many blends and sweet wines.
Paphos Wine Region
The Paphos region combines coastal influence with inland elevation, resulting in elegant wines with subtle complexity. This area is also home to some of Cyprus’ most modern wineries, blending innovation with tradition.
Limassol Wine Villages
The villages north of Limassol are historically linked to Commandaria production and remain central to the island’s wine identity. These areas host many family-run wineries that emphasize traditional methods and local grape varieties.
A Modern Wine Revival
In recent years, Cyprus has experienced a wine renaissance. Small boutique wineries, sustainable practices, and experimental blends have elevated the quality and international reputation of Cypriot wines. Many producers are reintroducing forgotten grape varieties while refining techniques to showcase Cyprus’ unique terroir.
Wine tourism has also grown, with visitors exploring vineyard routes, tasting rooms, and village festivals that celebrate harvest season and local traditions.
Wine as Culture, Not Just a Drink
In Cyprus, wine is not simply consumed — it is shared. It accompanies family meals, celebrations, and village gatherings. Each bottle carries the story of the land, the climate, and the people who cultivated it.
The local wines of Cyprus are a reflection of the island itself: ancient yet evolving, rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. From the historic sweetness of Commandaria to crisp mountain whites and expressive reds, Cyprus’ wine regions offer a rich tasting journey that reveals the island’s soul, one glass at a time.