Nelion Winery is a family-owned boutique winery located near the village of Pretori in the Paphos region, just off the famous Paphos-Troodos road. Founded in 1996 by Neophytos and Eleni Ioannou, the winery’s name is an abbreviated combination of the owners’ names. From its inception, Nelion earned acclaim for exceptional wines, inspiring the family to build a modern, custom-designed facility that seamlessly blends traditional Cypriot winemaking principles with contemporary techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. The winery’s philosophy centers on quality over quantity, with a hands-on family approach ensuring that every bottle reflects their dedication to excellence.
The winery’s vineyards are meticulously tended on the slopes of the Diarizos Valley at altitudes above 700 meters, where they cultivate indigenous Cypriot grape varieties including Xynisteri, Ofthalmo, and Maratheftiko. Nelion produces approximately 25,000 to 35,000 bottles annually, focusing on eight distinct wine labels that showcase the diversity and richness of Cyprus’s terroir. The winery features a well-integrated building with a tidy cellar containing thousands of bottles and 300-liter oak barrels, creating an intimate setting that reflects the boutique nature of the operation.
Visitors to Nelion Winery can enjoy a personalized wine experience with tastings available seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. The winery offers bar-wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere, as well as premium terrace tastings of six wines accompanied by cheese and salami platters, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cypriot landscape at 750 meters above sea level. For those seeking a deeper understanding of winemaking, the comprehensive Winery and Vineyard Tour takes guests through the entire production process, from the crush pad to the vineyards, culminating in a detailed tasting session. Advance booking of 24 hours is required for tours, which accommodate small groups.
