Symeon Winery, Odou: A New Voice in Cyprus Mountain Wine
Your next great Cyprus wine might come from a village most people have never heard of. Symeon Winery sits in Odou, high in the mountainous Larnaca district, and it’s one of the most exciting new projects to emerge on the island in recent years. Founded in 2023 by Nicosia dentist Symeon Symeou, it’s small, currently producing around 15,000 bottles, but the team is ambitious and the wines are already turning heads.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Odou village, mountainous Larnaca district |
| Founded | 2023, by Symeon Symeou |
| Team | Symeon Symeou, Evangelos Bakalexis, Sotiris Pavlis; consultant winemaker Spyros Zoumboulis |
| Annual production | ~15,000 bottles |
| Grapes | Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, Mavro, Cabernet Sauvignon |
The Winery and the Team
The winery is compact and mostly built underground, which keeps it naturally cool and energy efficient. Symeon and his team, Evangelos Bakalexis and Sotiris Pavlis, work with consultant winemaker Spyros Zoumboulis to craft wines with minimal intervention, using a mix of concrete tanks, egg-shaped fermenters, and oak barrels of various sizes.
Fruit comes from two main sources: local vineyards in Odou and Farmakas, and the well-regarded Vouni Panayias area in Paphos. The focus is firmly on indigenous varieties, Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and Mavro, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon from the family’s own single vineyard.
Symeon is also planning ahead. PDO wines are on the roadmap, and the team plans to add the indigenous Giannoudi and Morokanella varieties to the portfolio in the coming years.
The Wines
The current lineup covers four wines across white, orange, and red styles, with prices that make them very accessible for the quality on offer.
- 2024 Xynisteri
Pale straw yellow, with green apple, white peach, hawthorn, and a mineral, herby finish. Fermented in 600L oak tanks with three months on fine lees. Ideal with seafood. - 2024 OMG! Xynisteri Orange Wine
Grapes from Farmakas and Odou, fermented with indigenous yeast and long skin contact. Golden yellow, floral, bergamot, orange peel, and beeswax on the nose. Fresh acidity, medium to full body, saline and mineral on the finish. Outstanding with halloumi, aged hard cheeses, or baked salmon. - 2024 Mavro
Light, fruity, and refreshing. Cherry colour with raspberry, blueberry, and a hint of mint. Fermented in concrete tanks. A great everyday red for grilled meats and casual meals. - 2023 Topos
The flagship blend: 55% Mavro, 45% Maratheftiko from Odou, Farmakas, and Vouni Panayias. Aged in French and Slovenian oak. Garnet red, red plum, cherry, spice, and toasted hazelnuts. Soft tannins, long savoury finish. One of the most complete wines in the range. - 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Single vineyard, family-owned. 15 months in French oak. Deep purple, with blackcurrant, green pepper, blueberry, and dried mint. Full-bodied, firm tannins, and a persistent minty finish.
Why This Region Matters
The mountainous Larnaca wine route currently passes through ten villages and includes three other small wineries: Santa Irini in Farmakas, Christoudia in Kato Drys, and Dafermo near Lefkara. With Symeon now in the mix, there are real signs this region is stepping out from behind the more established wine areas of Limassol and Paphos.
If you’re planning a wine trip that goes beyond the usual routes, the Larnaca highlands deserve a serious look. Start with Symeon Winery in Odou and build from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Symeon Winery located?
Symeon Winery is in Odou village, in the mountainous Larnaca district of Cyprus, roughly 45 to 60 minutes by car from Larnaca city.
Who founded Symeon Winery?
The winery was founded by Symeon Symeou, a Nicosia dentist, who built the project together with Evangelos Bakalexis, Sotiris Pavlis, and consultant winemaker Spyros Zoumboulis.
How do I visit or contact Symeon Winery?
You can call them directly on 99448860 or follow their Instagram at @symeon.winery for the latest updates on visits and events.
Explore More Cyprus Wineries
- Cyprus Wine Villages: Where to Stay – plan a full mountain wine trip through the Larnaca highlands
- Indigenous Grape Varieties of Cyprus – get to know the local grapes behind Symeon’s wines
- Makarounas Boutique Winery – another small boutique producer worth adding to your list
