If you’ve ever wondered what a century of family winemaking tastes like, Krasopoulin Winery in Xyliatos might just give you the answer. Tucked into the Nicosia mountains at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, this small boutique producer is turning a multi-generational farming story into award-winning wine, without losing any of the soul along the way.
The Story Behind the Winery
The vineyards have been in the family since the early 1900s, first cultivated by the owners’ great-great-grandparents. By 1950, their grandparents had taken over the land. Owner Costas Elysseou and his family stepped in around 2016 to support their grandparents, produced their first trial bottle late that year, and formally founded the winery in 2017. A rebrand followed in 2018, bringing the now-recognisable illustrated bottle labels by artist @skelly.draws.
The Vineyards
The vineyards sit at 1,000 to 1,400 meters altitude on the slopes of Madari, the second highest peak in Cyprus, spanning both the Nicosia and Limassol districts. That puts them among the highest altitude vineyards on the entire island.
The cool temperatures, long growing season, and mountain terrain give the wines their natural acidity and mineral character. The winery works exclusively with two indigenous Cypriot varieties:
- Mavro Ambelisimo (red)
- Xynisteri (white)
For more on these varieties, see our guide to indigenous grape varieties of Cyprus.
The Wines
Each wine is named as a tribute to a family member who kept these vineyards alive across generations.
PAPPOUS (Red)
Named after the grandfather who tended the vines for decades.
- Grape: Mavro Ambelisimo
- Style: Full-bodied, dry red
- Profile: Floral aromas of violets and lilies, red cherry and wild strawberry on the palate, balanced acidity, distinctive minerality, long finish
YIAYIA (White)
Named after the grandmother who worked the land alongside her husband for years.
- Grape: Xynisteri
- Style: Crisp, dry white
- Profile: Fresh lime and honeyed aromas, citrus and stone fruit on the palate, juicy acidity, clean finish
AGAPI (Rosé)
“Agapi” means love in Greek, chosen to honour the grandparents’ lifelong dedication to the land.
- Grape: Mavro Ambelisimo
- Style: Dry, crisp rosé
- Profile: Fresh fruit, delicate floral notes, smooth finish
Awards
| Competition | Year | Wine | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy | 2024 | Pappous Red 2021 | Bronze |
| Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy | 2025 | Pappous Red 2022 | Bronze |
| Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy | 2025 | Pappous Red 2023 | Bronze |
| 29th Berliner Wine Trophy | 2025 | Pappous Red 2022 | Gold |
| 29th Berliner Wine Trophy | 2025 | Pappous Red 2023 | Gold |
Two Gold medals at the Berliner Wine Trophy in the same year, for two different vintages of the same wine, is a strong result for any producer, let alone one this young and this small.
Visiting & Contact
Krasopoulin is a working family winery in a quiet mountain village, not a polished visitor attraction. For visitors who want something authentic, that’s exactly the point. The winery is also available in the UK through Love From Cyprus.
If you’re planning a mountain wine route, pair a visit here with other producers in the area. Browse our Cyprus wine regions guide and Cyprus wine villages guide to plan your itinerary.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Owner | Costas Elysseou |
| Location | Xyliatos Village, Nicosia District |
| Address | Evagora Pallikaridi, Xyliatos, 2781 |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Grape varieties | Mavro Ambelisimo, Xynisteri |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Krasopoulin Winery located? In Xyliatos village, Nicosia District, on Evagora Pallikaridi street (postcode 2781). The vineyards are on the slopes of Madari at 1,000 to 1,400 meters altitude.
What wines does Krasopoulin produce? Three wines: PAPPOUS (dry red, Mavro Ambelisimo), YIAYIA (dry white, Xynisteri), and AGAPI (dry rosé, Mavro Ambelisimo).
Has Krasopoulin Winery won any awards? Yes. Two Gold medals at the 29th Berliner Wine Trophy 2025 for the Pappous Red 2022 and 2023 vintages, plus Bronze medals at the Thessaloniki Wine & Spirits Trophy in 2024 and 2025.
