Cyprus wines

Cyprus wines are considered one of the most ancient ones in the world. Their production started in 2000 BC.

Today there is not a single Cypriot wine that would be known better than Commandaria – a sweet dessert wine, which is considered to be one of the oldest wines in the world. Commandaria is a variety of large grapes which grow on the southern slopes of the Troodos. Being collected among the latest ones in the harvesting season, it gets dry in the sun, which increases the content of sugar.

Vineyards in Cyprus are mainly concentrated in two areas: in the area of Paphos and on the southern slopes of the Troodos. Not only the local (Xynisteri, Ophtalmo, Maratheftiko and Mavro), but also imported grape varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Palomino, Riesling) are cultivated here. In total approximately 150 different sorts of grapes, that are used to produce fortified Muscat, Sherry, Malaga, scented, white, rose, and red wines as well as port wines, are cultivated on the island. Approximately 75% of production goes for export.