Why Cyprus's Native Grapes Matter More Than EverThe Heroic Rediscovery of Lost VarietiesThe Major White Varie
Kamanterena Winery is the modern home of SODAP, Cyprus’ historic wine cooperative founded in 1947 by around 10,000 vine‑growing families from 144 villages across the island. Set among the vineyards of the Paphos hills, between the villages of Stroumbi and Polemi, Kamanterena was purpose‑built as a large, technologically advanced winery so that growers could turn their grapes into consistently high‑quality wines under one roof. Today it is considered one of the most complete and modern wineries in Cyprus, and remains the heart of the SODAP story, where cooperative heritage meets serious winemaking ambition. From this base, SODAP produces a wide range of wines and spirits, from everyday labels to more focused regional bottlings from the Paphos vineyards. Varieties include both local grapes such as Xynisteri and Maratheftiko and international favourites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Riesling. The Island Vines and Mountain Vines project has helped establish SODAP’s reputation abroad, with regular medals at major competitions including the International Wine Challenge in London, Decanter World Wine Awards, the International Wine & Spirit Competition and others. Beyond still wines, Kamanterena is also behind well‑known Cypriot names such as Commandaria Saint Barnabas, Muscat, Santa Marina, Danae, Arsinoe, Zivania, Ouzo Extra Fine and several […]
Kamantarena No.1, Stroumbi 8550, Cyprus
Rodothea Winery is a family-owned winery located in the village of Pera Orinis in the Nicosia District of Cyprus. Established relatively recently in 2018 by the Tsigarides family, the winery released its first vintages in September 2019 and is recognized for its rural character and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, the Pentadaktylos mountain range, and the Troodos mountains. The initiative was spearheaded by Yiannis Tsigarides, a younger family member who aimed to create a sustainable operation equipped with modern facilities, including stainless steel tanks for fermentation and storage, presses, destemmers, and a small cellar for barrel aging and bottled wine storage. Notably, the winery incorporates energy-saving resources such as photovoltaic panels, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Rodothea Winery specializes in producing wines from both indigenous and international grape varieties, with a focus on freshness and distinct character. Their portfolio includes Xynisteri (a white wine from the Nicosia region), Chardonnay (sourced from Paphos), a rosé made from the aromatic local Lefkada grape, and reds such as Mataro and a bold Shiraz-Lefkadha blend. The Xynisteri is noted for its light, uncomplicated style with notes of lemon blossom, stone fruit, and salinity, while the Chardonnay displays surprising banana and baked apple […]
Agias Paraskevis, Pera 2650
The Spilia Bio Winery is a small, family-run organic winery located in the high-altitude village of Spilia in Cyprus’s Troodos Mountains. It focuses on traditional winemaking methods and produces a range of artisanal products, including wines, zivania, and vinegar, all crafted from locally grown grapes. The winery’s commitment to organic practices aligns with the village’s rustic charm and sustainable ethos. Visitors to Spilia can enjoy wine tastings at the winery and explore the village’s cultural sites, such as the Skarparis Museum, making it a holistic destination for those interested in Cypriot rural heritage and traditional viticulture. While specific wine varieties and detailed production techniques are not extensively documented in the search results, the winery is recognized for its quality products and role in preserving Spilia’s agricultural traditions
Flora’s house spilia, Nicosia, Cyprus, 2841
thewinelist.cy is a Limassol wine shop you can visit in person, with the added convenience of ordering online for delivery across Cyprus. The selection is thoughtfully organized by style (white, red, rosé, sparkling and Champagne), with extras like dessert wines, magnums, gifts, and a solid spirits range, so it works just as well for everyday bottles as it does for special occasions. One thing that stands out is how they handle storage: the team notes that wines are kept at 16–18°C in proper lighting conditions, which is exactly what you want for bottle quality. Many wines also include helpful details like region, vintage, and food pairing ideas, and the site shares simple articles for anyone who enjoys learning as they shop.
Gladstonos 137, Limassol 3031, Cyprus
Agios Konstantinos serves as a key village within Cyprus’s historic Commandaria wine region, situated along the scenic wine route in the Limassol district. As one of the 14 designated villages legally authorized to produce this authentic wine, it is central to the creation of Commandaria, which is widely recognized as one of the world’s oldest named wines. This sweet dessert wine is produced from late-harvest Mavro and Xynisteri grapes that are sun-dried to yield intense sweetness and a rich flavor profile before being aged in oak casks. The creation of Commandaria in Agios Konstantinos Winery is defined by a deep sense of tradition, utilizing production methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The process involves sun-drying the grapes, a technique known locally as apla or patsadia, before pressing, preserving a legacy that is considered living heritage. Beyond its production, the wine plays a vital economic and social role in the region, with the Cypriot government actively supporting its bid for UNESCO intangible heritage status due to its profound cultural significance.
Megalou Constantinou 27 4561, Lemesos
Mastros Winery / Brewery is a family-owned craft business located in the picturesque village of Amargeti in the Paphos district of Cyprus. The establishment is named after the grandfather “Mastros,” who was renowned in the region for his pioneering agricultural methods and innovative approaches to viticulture and manufacturing. Today, three siblings continue their grandfather’s legacy, operating a small production unit that specializes in creating traditional Cypriot products with a modern touch. The winery is situated beneath the restaurant “Spring of Life” and produces three types of wine from their own vineyards: white, red, and rosé varieties. Their craft beer, known as Mastros Craft Beer, is produced and bottled on-site using traditional methods without pasteurization, preserving its natural taste, aroma, and freshness. Beyond wine and beer, Mastros offers an impressive range of traditional products that showcase the rich agricultural heritage of Cyprus. Their product line includes award-winning olive oil, carob syrup, vinegar, and various fruit liqueurs made from local fruits such as prickly pear and pomegranate. The business places a strong emphasis on sustainable development and environmental respect in their production practices. Visitors to Mastros can enjoy guided tours of the farm and processing units, where they learn about the production […]
Xrisorrogiatissas 31, 8642 Amargeti Paphos
Chatzicharalampous Winery, nestled in the picturesque village of Koilani, Cyprus, is a third-generation family-owned estate where tradition and innovation converge in winemaking. The winery’s origins trace back to the 1960s when grandfather Michalis (Takis) first planted vineyards, with the initial winery established in 1975, first in his home and later in the village center. Today, the estate is led by the third generation: Marios Chatzicharalampous (viticulturalist and former firefighter), his daughter Argyro (who holds a master’s degree in oenology from Athens Agricultural University), and son Michalis (a mechanical engineer). Notably, it is one of the few female-led wineries in Cyprus. The vineyards, cultivated by Marios, are situated around Koilani at elevations ranging from 650 meters to 1,050 meters on the renowned Afames mountain, benefiting from diverse microclimates that contribute to the complexity of the wines. The winery has expanded significantly over the years, increasing its annual production from 3,500 to 7,500 bottles while maintaining a focus on artisanal methods and indigenous grape varieties. The winery currently produces three labels, showcasing a blend of local and international varieties. These include a crisp white wine made from 100% Xynisteri (a native Cypriot grape), a rosé crafted from Grenache Noir and Syrah (60%-40% […]
Γρηγόρη Αυξεντίου 42, Koilani 4776, Cyprus
Nestled in the heart of Nicosia’s vibrant city center, Lola Bar has been a beloved destination for wine and cocktail enthusiasts since 2013. This charming wine bar in Cyprus combines retro-industrial aesthetics with a warm, inviting atmosphere, featuring distinctive wooden furniture and a sophisticated grey-and-red color palette that creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Lola Bar stands out among Nicosia wine bars with its impressive selection of carefully curated wines and expertly crafted cocktails. The bar’s signature cocktailsLola, Pako, and the unique Jane served in glass jars with jam topping—showcase the creativity and skill of their talented bartenders. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing after-work drink or planning a night out in Cyprus, Lola Bar offers an extensive beverage menu complemented by delicious food options including homemade pizzas, fresh salads, and artisanal cheese and meat platters. The venue’s cozy, intimate setting makes it ideal for wine tasting experiences, casual gatherings, or special celebrations. Regular live music events featuring acoustic performances, jazz sessions, and DJ sets add to the bar’s dynamic atmosphere, making every visit unique. Located at the corner of Stasandrou and Iras Street, this Cyprus winery destination welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday, offering a perfect blend of quality […]
15 Stasandrou & 10A Iras Street, Nicosia 1060
Spectus Wines is a long established Cyprus specialist in fine wine and premium spirits, founded in 1997 with a clear focus on importing and promoting a curated range of bottles. Their selection spans the full spectrum of wine styles, including white, red, rosé, sparkling and Champagne, plus fortified, sweet, vermouth, and alcohol-free options. If you like browsing by origin, they also organize wines by country, making it easy to explore classic regions and discover something new. Beyond wine, Spectus is also a strong stop for spirits and gifting, with dedicated collections for categories like whisky, gin, cognac, armagnac, vodka, rum, and more, alongside delicacies such as chocolates and foie gras, and practical accessories like openers and wine cabinets. It is a great fit for shoppers who want quality staples as well as special occasion bottles, with periodic deals like “Flash Offers” and “Smart Saves” featured on the site. They also bring an educational and community angle through the SPECTUS Wine School, events, and services like wine trips, en primeur, and wine cellaring. That combination of retail plus expertise makes Spectus a dependable wine shop listing for anyone building a cellar, planning a gift, or simply looking for a well chosen […]
Ayias Zonis 16, Limassol 3027, Cyprus
Wine and More Nicosia is a specialist wine shop in the capital, ideal for everyday picks, special-occasion bottles, and thoughtful gifts. Established in 2010, Wine & More is known for a French-led selection, with additional wines from Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and a wide mix of international regions. You will also find spirits, making it a convenient one-stop shop when you are stocking up for dinner parties or celebrations. Beyond the bottles, this location is great for food lovers. The range includes gourmet deli products like cheeses, charcuterie-style items, sweets and other French delicacies, plus wine accessories and curated hampers for corporate gifting. Wine & More also hosts tasting events, masterclasses and wine club activities. You can also order from their online shop, with free delivery for orders above €70. Other Wine & More locations in Cyprus: Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Kapparis (Paralimni area).
71B Digeni Akrita, 1070, Nicosia
Wine and More Limassol is a go-to wine shop in Germasogeia for anyone who enjoys great bottles and great food. Founded in 2010, Wine & More built its reputation on a strong French wine identity, with a carefully curated range that also includes Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and other classic and emerging regions. Expect shelves with Champagne and sparkling wines, reds, whites and rosés, plus a solid spirits selection. This boutique is also a handy stop for hosting. Alongside wine, you will find deli favourites like cheeses, pâtés, chocolates and other gourmet items, plus gift hampers and wine accessories. If you like learning as you sip, Wine & More also runs tastings, masterclasses and a wine club. Prefer to shop from home? Their online store offers free delivery on orders over €70. Other Wine & More locations in Cyprus: Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca, Kapparis (Paralimni area).
17 Spyrou Kyprianou, Limassol 4043, Cyprus
Wine and More Larnaca is a handy wine shop for anyone in the Larnaca area who wants quality bottles, gift-ready selections, and a strong range of gourmet extras. Founded in 2010, Wine & More focuses on a French wine experience while also stocking wines from Italy, Spain, Cyprus and other international regions. It’s an easy place to shop when you need a dependable recommendation, whether you are planning a dinner, a beach weekend, or a special celebration. Along with wine and spirits, the store carries delicatessen favourites and sweet treats, plus wine accessories and curated hampers. Wine & More also organises tastings, masterclasses and wine club events, which is great if you enjoy discovering new producers and styles. If you prefer shopping online, their e-shop offers free delivery for orders above €70. Other Wine & More locations in Cyprus: Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos, Kapparis (Paralimni area).
Archiepiskopou Makariou III 16C, Larnaca 6017, Cyprus
Wine and More Paphos, located on Tombs of the Kings Avenue, is a favourite stop for visitors and locals looking for a well-chosen wine selection with a French touch. Wine & More has been operating since 2010 and brings together classic French regions with a broader international range, including bottles from Italy, Spain, Cyprus and beyond. Whether you are after a crisp white for seafood, a serious red, or Champagne for a celebration, the shelves are built to cover both everyday and premium tastes. This boutique also shines when you want more than wine. You will find spirits, gourmet deli items, and gift options that work brilliantly for holidays, birthdays and corporate needs. Wine & More runs tastings, masterclasses and a wine club, so it’s also a good place to get recommendations and try something new. Online ordering is available with free delivery on orders over €70. Other Wine & More locations in Cyprus: Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Kapparis (Paralimni area).
8, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, 8046, Paphos
Deli by day, casual bar-restaurant by night, Limoncello Deli Bar is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its main suppliers – the grocers and butchers of Ayios Antonios Municipal Market – are just a stone’s throw away. The small menu features piadina (Italian pizza-style flatbread), steaks, fish and meat dishes (the oven-roasted duck is delicious), as well as quirky artisan burgers. You will find the tables of the Limoncello Deli-Bar huddled amongst various food stalls of this old (but recently renovated market), but don’t let this put you off. Limoncello is the perfect lunch stop or the great place to spend the evening. Its name ‘Limoncello’ is that of the popular Italian lemon liqueur and certainly hints at the fact that most of the dishes have a distinctly Italian flavour! Another real bonus is that it has the best delicatessen for miles around and it has a lovely casual ambience which is perfect for relaxing. The menu is small but definitely tempting with steak and real good burgers as the two main dishes but an array of pizzas and salads also on offer and delicious piadina (sandwiches). If you are enjoying lunch at Limoncello there will be the colourful bustle of the market […]
Digeni Akrita 27a, Nicosia, Cyprus
Nestled in the scenic village of Farmakas in Cyprus’s Nicosia District, Santa Irene Winery is a modern boutique winery founded in 2015 by Daniel Anastasis. After building a life in Australia and South Africa, Anastasis returned to his native village to realize his vision of a premium winery surrounded by the very vines that produce its wines. The winery is named after the village’s patron saint, Agia Irene (Saint Irene), and is an integral part of the local community, which lies at an altitude of approximately 950–1000 meters, making it one of the highest villages in Cyprus. This elevated location, combined with the region’s mineral-rich soil and traditional viticultural practices, creates a unique terroir that imparts distinctive character and complexity to the wines. Santa Irene Winery manages over 20 hectares of vineyards, with some plots situated at altitudes reaching up to 1350 meters. The vineyards are dominated by the indigenous Mavro Ampelisimo red grape variety, which thrives in the rocky, mountainous terrain, alongside smaller plantings of Xynisteri, a prominent Cypriot white grape. Many of these vines are over 150 years old, with deep root systems that absorb nutrients from the mineral-rich soil, resulting in wines with profound depth and authenticity. […]
Dimokratias Street, No 1, Farmakas 2620, Cyprus
Dafermou Winery is a modern boutique winery established in 2007, perched above the scenic Lefkara Valley in Pano Lefkara, Cyprus. The winery’s architecture harmoniously blends contemporary elements like concrete, glass, and stainless steel with traditional Lefkara building techniques, creating a unique aesthetic that bridges new and old world styles. Committed to organic production and limited-quantity winemaking, Dafermou emphasizes quality over quantity, allowing its wines to authentically express the estate’s distinctive terroir. The winery’s strategic location just seven kilometers from the Nicosia-Limassol highway makes it easily accessible for visitors seeking a tranquil yet sophisticated wine experience. The winery cultivates over 20 grape varieties across its three vineyards in Lefkara, Vavatsinia, and Agioi Vavatsinias. This diverse selection enables Dafermou to craft a wide range of blends, with a primary focus on promoting local Cypriot grape varieties alongside well-known international grapes. Their winemaking philosophy centers on finding the perfect varietal combinations to create balanced, expressive wines that showcase the best of both indigenous and classic styles. The portfolio includes offerings like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Nebbiolo, though some labels, such as those in the Artist Series, are currently inactive. Beyond winemaking, Dafermou Winery serves as a versatile venue for private events, offering both […]
Road, Pano Lefkara, Cyprus
Yiaskouris Winery is a small family winery with deep roots in Pachna village, on the southern slopes of the Troodos range. The family trace their winemaking back to the late 19th century, and the modern winery presents a mix of that tradition with careful, contemporary winemaking. Their vineyards sit on Pachna’s slopes, an altitude that helps retain acidity and freshness in native varieties and in Shiraz. The estate focuses on a compact but well regarded range, with special attention given to Shiraz (including an oak‑aged bottling), Maratheftiko and a Xynisteri white, plus rosé and blended reds, all produced from estate fruit and small, controlled yields. Visitors can usually arrange tastings and tours by appointment, and the winery is known locally for producing high quality small‑batch wines rather than mass outputs. Recent listings and regional guides note the family-run character, modest production scale and several award wins for their Shiraz and white bottlings. For directory use, treat Yiaskouris as a boutique, terroir‑focused producer in Pachna that offers a personal tasting experience and wines that represent the Krasohoria mountain terroir.
Theodorou Skelea 6,4700, Pachna, Limassol, Cyprus
Vouni Panayia Winery sits just outside the village of Panayia in the Paphos district, high in the mountains at close to 1,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forest. Founded in 1987 by oenologist Andreas Kyriakides after 15 years with the government Department of Viticulture and Oenology, it is regarded as the first private regional winery in Cyprus and helped pioneer serious mountain viticulture in the area. What began as a small regional winery has matured into a respected family business, now run with the active involvement of the next generation, who studied viticulture and oenology at the University of Florence and bring fresh ideas while staying loyal to local traditions. The family farms around 25 hectares of vineyards at altitude, all within the Vouni Panayia area. Here they focus strongly on indigenous Cypriot varieties, including Xynisteri, Promara, Spourtiko and Morokanela for whites, and Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi and Ntopio Mavro for reds. The vineyards are planted on their own roots, taking advantage of Cyprus being phylloxera free, and sit on clay and gypsum‑clay soils that, together with the cooler mountain climate, give wines with freshness, character and a clear sense of place. Vouni Panayia also puts a big emphasis […]
60 Archiepiskopou Makariou III Avenue, Panayia 8640, Pafos, Cyprus
Commandaria holds a protected designation of origin (PDO) within EU, U.S and Canada. Other wines produced by the Menargos winery are: Menargos Cabernet Franc, Peratis Dry Red, Elli Dry White, Varvatos Dry Red and Alexandrinos Sweet Desert Sun Dried.
4746, Monagri Village, Limassol, Cyprus
Kalamos Winery is a small, family‑run estate in the traditional wine village of Amargeti, about 20 minutes’ drive from Paphos. The business grew naturally from the Ignatiou family’s long history as vine growers and home winemakers into a regional winery that still keeps its roots very much in the village. Today, Nicos Ignatiou runs the winery together with his son Thanasis, combining traditional know‑how with more modern methods in a compact cellar on Kyra Eleni Street. From this base they produce a range of local wines and spirits that are very much “of the place.” Grapes such as Mataro (Mourvèdre), Xynisteri and Maratheftiko form the backbone of the reds, rosés and whites, with labels including Agia Sotira (Mataro), Demetra rosé (Cabernet Sauvignon), Livades Xynisteri, Kalamos Merlot and the award‑winning Gerani Maratheftiko blend. The winery also makes classic Cypriot specialities: Commandaria from sun‑dried Xynisteri and Mavro, traditional Zivania, an oak‑aged Zivania, a pomegranate liqueur and other liqueur wines, many of which have received local distinctions. Kalamos is open to visitors and offers a very personal, village‑style experience, with tastings often hosted by members of the family themselves.
Kira Eleni, 6, 8642 Amargeti, Paphos, Cyprus















