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. The winery’s philosophy emphasizes traditional winemaking techniques blended with modern innovation, focusing on producing high-quality, authentic wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Pitsilia region and Cyprus’s winemaking heritage.
The winery’s portfolio includes a diverse range of wines, such as Laxia (dry red), Theoni (dry rosé), Daniel (dry white), Vounoplagia (dry white), Protari (dry red), and Shiraz (dry red). Visitors to Santa Irene can enjoy various immersive experiences, including guided winery tours and tastings that explore both old and new winemaking techniques, as well as the production of Zivania (a traditional Cypriot spirit) using a copper distiller. A standout offering is the Safari Vineyard Tour, an off-road adventure in a private 4×4 vehicle through the century-old vineyards, providing insights into the region’s viticulture and history. The winery also houses the Ierambelos Fusion Cuisine restaurant, which serves gourmet dishes that complement the wines, all while offering breathtaking views of the Troodos mountains. With its combination of stunning location, rich viticultural history, and commitment to quality, Santa Irene Winery has become a notable destination on the Cyprus wine route, attracting visitors seeking authentic Cypriot wine and culinary experiences.
