Thanks to the incredible Mediterranean climate, winemaking has been practiced in Cyprus for over 6,000 years.
The majority of white and red grape varieties on the island are grown on the mountain slopes of the Limassol and Paphos regions. Sun-soaked grapes are used to produce delicious wines that are popular worldwide, such as Commandaria, Port wine, Sherry, Muscat, as well as other white and red varieties. Every connoisseur can find wines to their taste among the diversity of Cypriot wines. Here, we'll tell you where you can enjoy your time, taste, and buy local wines in local wineries.
Vlassides Winery
Vlassides Winery was opened in 2012 and follows the principles of sustainable development. Its building is located on an 8-hectare plot surrounded by its vineyards and blends beautifully into the landscape. Most of the winery is "submerged" in the hill, allowing for ideal temperature conditions for wine preservation and maturation. The interior space consists of large open areas with panoramic views of the vineyards.
Visitors get an overview of the production and aging areas of wine, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the processes that take place in the winery, from grape harvesting to wine production. The winery is located in the heart of Koloni village and has a production capacity of 150,000 bottles per year. Interestingly, the separation of grape clusters from the grape is done using the principle of inertia, achieving perfect separation without contact with the fruit. Dried or unripe grape clusters remain on the stems, while whole healthy clusters go into the tanks.
The winery offers all Vlassides wines, as well as rare selections from past vintages and special experimental wines by Sofoklis Vlassides under the name "Dokimes." Vlassides Winery offers wine tours and tastings daily, except Sundays, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM by appointment.
Ekfraseis Winery
Ekfraseis Winery was opened in 2013 in the village of Chandria. Founded by Christos Vasiliades, the winery represents a modern space for wine production. It is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. The winery, simple but ergonomic, fully reflects the minimalist and straightforward approach of its owner to winemaking. It has all the necessary facilities for processing, storing, and aging wine, designed with the peculiarities of mountain vineyards in mind, which arise during the harvest. The equipment and facilities allow for the use of both classic winemaking methods and the alternative ideas of the winemaker, which often lead to the creation of rare and exquisite wines. Ekfraseis winery wines are known for their individuality and have won awards at various competitions.
The winery also has a specially designed tasting room open for visits, where guests can taste wines, interact with the people behind the production, and learn the secrets of winemaking. The winery is open for visits from Monday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment.
Zambartas Winery
In 2006, certified oenologist Akis Zambartas decided to follow his dream and create his own winery. He focused on producing high-quality wine from local grape varieties. His son, Markos Zambartas, contributed to this endeavor by going to Australia to obtain a master's degree in winemaking. After receiving his degree and returning to Cyprus, Markos immediately joined his father at the winery.
Since then, Zambartas Winery has grown and produces 120,000 bottles per year, establishing itself as a leading producer of high-quality wines. Zambartas Winery specializes in its own local grape varieties as well as blends with some internationally renowned varieties. Initially, the winery gained recognition for its wine made from the local red grape variety of Maratheftiko and a refreshing white wine from the Xynisteri grape. Today, the winery produces 10 varieties of wine that have received numerous awards at local and international competitions. Zambartas Winery offers wine tastings daily, except on Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment.
Kamanterena Winery
In 1947, a group of entrepreneurs decided to establish grape cultivation during times of instability on the island and created the large winemaking cooperative enterprise SODAP, which brought together about 10,000 families from 144 villages engaged in grape cultivation. SODAP received broad support from the grape producers' community, playing a stabilizing role in the winemaking sector. SODAP owns and operates the Kamanterena Winery, located in the heart of winemaking regions, between the villages of Stroumbi and Polemi.
The winery produces a wide range of wines from local grape varieties, which have won numerous awards at various competitions. Kamanterena Winery is open for visits daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, only by appointment. Visitors are offered tours of the facility and wine and spirits tastings in specially equipped tasting rooms.
Ktima Christoudia Winery
The construction of the winery building was completed in 2012 and includes four large areas: a production workshop, an underground cellar for wine maturation and aging, a bottling workshop, as well as a dining and tasting area. The winery has the necessary modern equipment for producing high-quality wines from over 200 tons of grapes. Red wines and some white wines spend a significant period of time in the wine cellar for maturation and aging. The cellar maintains constant temperature and humidity conditions. Wines are aged in dozens of 225-liter barrels made of French oak, providing ideal conditions for maturation.
The winery features both indoor and outdoor reception areas on the ground floor, a museum and tasting areas, as well as a restaurant specifically designed for winter and summer events. Ktima Christoudia Winery is open for visits daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for wine tastings and tours.
Ktima Christoudia Winery on the map
Kyperounta Winery
The winery is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level in the village of Kyperounda, from which it got its name. This winery is the highest in Europe and one of the highest in the world. It began its operation in the late 1990s, initiated by a group of local winemakers whose initial goal was to harness the potential for grape cultivation in the region. Their collective efforts aligned with the vision of the Fotis Fotiadis family, leading to the production of high-quality Cypriot wines with a special character.
The winery's facilities are built on three different levels to ensure the smooth transport of grape juice. Thanks to modern equipment and the expertise of winemakers, the winery produces over 300,000 bottles of wine annually. Kyperounta Winery is open for visits daily from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM by appointment. Starting from October, the winery will switch to its winter schedule and can be visited on weekdays only.
Lambouri Winery
The village of Platres, where the winery is located, and the surrounding Krasochoria region (translated as "wine villages") represent a vast vineyard. The Lambouri family has been involved in winemaking for 350 years and established the Lambouri Winery in 1988.
The winery's vineyards cover approximately 9 hectares and are situated on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. The vineyards, shaped like an amphitheater on white limestone soils of volcanic origin, feature local grape varieties such as Lefkada and Maratheftiko for reds, as well as whites like Xynisteri, Chardonnay, and Moschato.
The winery produces 200,000 bottles of dry wine and 125,000 bottles of sweet wine, both of which have received numerous awards. Lambouri Winery is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Oenou Yi Winery
Nestled among the mountain peaks of Troodos are the vineyards of the Vassiliades estate, offering a magnificent view of the majestic Mount Olympus. The winery upholds and preserves the old winemaking traditions of the fertile lands of Krasochoria and Omodos. The stunning landscape is complemented by the elegant architectural style of the new Oenou Yi Winery (translated as "land of wine"), which reflects the taste and aesthetic vision of the family and the winemaking culture of Omodos.
The crown jewel of Oenou Yi Winery is its modern wine production facility, combining high technology with centuries-old traditions to produce the finest wines. Guided by the motto "honoring history, continuing traditions," Oenou Yi Winery acknowledges and strengthens the connection between wine and culture. The winery hosts historical conferences, cultural events, school excursions, educational tours, and publishes books, all contributing to the promotion of Cypriot culture. With views of the green slopes where the grapes mature, absorbing the richness of Omodos' unique landscape, the winery promises visitors unforgettable experiences and a unique cultural journey. Group and individual tours and tastings are conducted daily, from Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including tours of the winery and vineyards, as well as wine tasting.
Tsiakkas Winery
Tsiakkas Winery started as a modest startup founded by a young couple near the village of Pelendri. The first year brought only 500 bottles of red wine named Tyros. In the 1990s, during the winery's first expansion, international grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and Merlot were introduced to the region, becoming the preferred choice for winemakers and consumers.
Today, the winery boasts over 18 hectares of vineyards, producing approximately 200,000 bottles of wine per year. While international grape varieties are still used, in recent years, local varieties have gained popularity. The winery is committed to reviving and studying forgotten grape varieties like Giannoudi and Promara while also applying innovations to well-established varieties like Xynisteri and Vamvakada (both in the vineyards and in the winemaking process). Tsiakkas wines have received multiple awards at prestigious international competitions and among critics. The winery is open for visits from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The tasting room and shop are open to visitors without prior reservation, but it's strongly recommended to make a booking.
Vasilikon Winery
Located on the northwest coast of Cyprus, in the Akamas Laona region in the village of Kathikas, Vasilikon Winery was founded in 1993 and is one of Cyprus' first local wineries. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 650-700 meters above sea level and are mainly on limestone soil. After pruning, the branches are returned to the soil for enrichment. Interestingly, the vineyards are not irrigated and rely solely on natural precipitation. The winery cultivates grape varieties such as Xynisteri, Lefkada, Morokanella, Maratheftiko, Giannoudi, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. At the winery, visitors can explore the history of winemaking, enjoy various wine varieties accompanied by cheese platters, and take in the stunning views of the Akamas region. Vasilikon Winery is open for visits daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and for wine tastings from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Vineyard tours are not conducted due to the terrain's safety concerns. The tasting room and shop are open to visitors without prior reservation, but it's strongly recommended to make a booking.
Lampadistis Winery
Perched atop the slopes of the mountain above the village of Kalopanayiotis, the recently constructed Lampadistis Winery immortalizes the winemaking heritage of the island. The architectural concept, designed by the Eraclis Papachristou architectural firm, draws inspiration from the three churches of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the foot of the winery's hills. The structural design of the winery follows the "brutal concrete" style, with the ceiling spanning all three spaces in a continuous composition inspired by the churches that influenced the project. The ceiling is made from reclaimed wood saved from forest fires that ravaged the island several years ago. The facade, reminiscent of copper, glistens in the evening light. The surrounding pedestrian pathway offers panoramic views of the village. This extensive 4,200-square-meter project, costing approximately 6 million euros, includes a fine dining restaurant, a conference center for wine tastings and private events.
Lampadistis Winery is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, offering wine tastings and tours by appointment. The winery is closed on Mondays.
Lambardistis Winery on the map
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