“… use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake…”
St. Paul’s first epistle to Timothy

In Cyprus, wine goes with food like sunshine goes with blue skies and the glorious climate which the island enjoys is one reason why Cypriot wines are fast becoming a match for any that France or Italy can offer. In fact, some French wines can now be bought for less than local ones but many of these are rough, bulk wines with little character and no keeping qualities. Much better to seek out Cypriot vintages, which are produced, usually in relatively small quantities, by dedicated makers. These have individual character and charm and although the island may not yet boast truly great wines there are many very good ones available. Some of the country’s growers have developed award-winning wines in a surprisingly short time and several will soon be established as internationally recognised producers. Before long, Cypriot wines will be taking silver and gold medals in prestigious competitions throughout Europe.

Where to find the best of Cypriot wines
The best way to find out about the island’s wines is to take a trip to the mountains and visit the villages where they are produced. On a full or half-day trip you can also enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the island, buy local homemade produce and, above all, eat well. All local wineries are quite easy to get to and mostly within about an hour’s drive from a main town. Many of the wineries are in the Limassol and Paphos areas and it’s possible to visit several in one trip. You’ll find that the producers are friendly enthusiasts, who will be delighted to tell you all about the grapes, the wines and how they make their particular vintage – which is, of course, the best! This all adds to the pleasure of a tasting visit and if you weren’t a fan before you started, you will be when you’ve finished. Prices are reasonable, with good wines available at between 2 and 8 pounds a bottle and it’s well worth buying from the place of production.

Before you go
It’s a good idea to phone the wineries you want to visit to let them know that you’re coming. Many of them have a very small staff and contacting them in advance is essential to avoid inconvenience for them and disappointment for you.

“Fill high the cup with Samian wine.”
Byron

It’s impossible to describe every producer in Cyprus but here is a good range of most of them.

LIMASSOL DISTRICT

Domaine Nicolaides
The Nicolaides family has been making wine here for three generations. The current oenologist is Nicos, who trained in France. In just a few years he has created some wines that are well worth sampling. Recommended are his Nicolaides red, the rosé, Aphrodino and a heady, fortified dessert Muscat. Both the winery and the surrounding village are very attractive.
Visits by arrangement
Anogyra tel: 25221709/99649655
Leave the Limassol-Paphos motorway at Evdimou and head for Anogyra. When you reach the village just follow the signs for the winery.

Anogyra has two good tavernas and you can find comfortable accommodation at
Nicholas and Maria’s Cottages.
For reservations, telephone Dora on 99525452

“Go fetch to me a pint o’ wine.”
Robert Burns

Ecological Winery of Ayios Amvrosios
Production began here in 1988 and the red Agravani and white Ambelidha have been great commercial successes. The winemaker is Ioanna Yiallourou and she offers a range of five wines, including two certified organic wines – a red and a rosé. Her wines may seem a little old-fashioned in the light of recent oenological developments but they are admired by many for their character.
Visits by appointment
Ayios Amvrosios tel: 25943981
On the E601 from Erimi to Omodos, just outside the village of Ayios Amvrosios

Enjoy Cypriot mezedhes at very good prices at the Sikaminia Tavern (25942650).
Visit the irrepressible Costas at the Lophou Taverna (25470202) for local and international cuisine. This long-established restaurant now also has a wine bar and offers very comfortable accommodation.

“Who loves not wine, women and song
Remains a fool his whole life long.”
Martin Luther

Tsiakkas Winery
Costas Tsiakkas and his wife Maria have created what is probably the most beautiful winery in the country. The wines have been impressively developed over the past few years, with a very good everyday red and an extremely elegant Sauvignon Blanc . The wines are ideal to accompany the picnic you will undoubtedly want to have in this glorious location. Catering for groups and functions can be arranged.
Visits by appointment
Pelendri tel: 99567898
http://www.swaypage.com/tsiakkas/winery.html
From Limassol, take the B8 to Platres from the Kato Polemidhia roundabout. Just after Trimiklini, take the right turn to Pelendri and follow the signs to the winery, which is just outside the village.

Vasa Winery
This model winery occupies a beautifully restored building, which has been in owner Pambos Argyrides’ family for generations. His equally beautiful house adjoins the winery, which produces a very good Mataro, Saint Timon and a Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery is located in the centre of Vasa.
Visits by appointment – weekends only
Vasa tel: 99493030

Enjoy Vasa wines at reasonable prices with some of the best home cooking in the country. Ariadne’s Taverna (25942185) is open every day for lunch and dinner.

“Women and wine should life employ..”
John Gay

Vlasidis Winery
Owner Sophocles Vlasidis is of the new generation of Cypriot winemakers and trained in France and the US. His winery, in the centre of Koilani village, produces wines of an excellent quality. The everyday white is very good and the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are both delicious.
Visits by appointment
Koilani tel: 99441574
Turn off the E803 from Pera Pedi to Ayios Amvrosios

Yiaskouris Winery
This family concern was begun many years ago in a small winery in Pachna village but it moved to a new purpose-built winery two years ago. Christakis Yiaskouris uses both domestic and foreign varieties of grape to create staple and varietal wines. Yiaskouris pioneered Shiraz in Cyprus and this is a wine worthy of note. The Yiaskouris White is excellent with fish and seafood.
Open daily from 14:30
Pachna tel: 99633730
Outside Pachna village, on the road to Pachna. Ask in the village for directions or call Christakis Yiaskouris

“Oh some are fond of Spanish wine and some are fond of French,
And some’ll swallow tay and stuff fit only for a wench.”
John Masefield

NICOSIA DISTRICT

AES Ambelis Winery
Owner Savvas Fakoukakis is from Crete, which has produced wines since ancient times. He uses grapes from vineyards as far away as Paphos to produce two reds and two whites, all of them very good. AES Ambelis is one of the top five Cypriot whites and combines Xynistyeri with a little Semillion. The red Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best produced in the country.
Open every day from 08:00 to 16:00
Kalochorio tel: 99635469
On the right-hand side of the main road from Nicosia to Agros

Kyperounda Winery
This is owned by the Photos Photiades group. It has an excellent production plant, ably run by oenologist Minas Mina. It produces four wines- two whites: a Xynisteri and a Chardonnay and the reds are a Cabernet/Grenache/Mataro blend and a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines made here are considered to exemplify the future of Cypriot wines : a definite international style but with a local accent.
Visits by appointment
Kyperounda tel: 22471111
Despite the Nicosia area dialling code, the winery is technically in the Limassol district.

“Wine that maketh glad the heart of man: and oil to make him a cheerful countenance.”
The Book of Common Prayer

PAPHOS DISTRICT

Fikardos Winery
Theodoros Fikardos is one of Cyprus’ most successful producers, and is rapidly acquiring an international reputation for his wines. This large-scale winery offers a wide range of consistently good wines and his Ayia Ireni is an excellent blend of Xynisteri and Semillion grapes. Fikardos also makes a highly palatable Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Leonardo. Achilleus, a very good Mataro is a long-established favourite, which has been made here for many years.
Open Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00
Mesoyi tel: 26949814
http://www.fikardoswines.com.cy/winery.htm
On the Mesoyi Industrial Estate, off the road from Paphos to Polis

Fikardos also owns a good restaurant, Leonardo (26935667), in the tourist area of Paphos. The restaurant serves many Italian favourites and, of course, Fikardos wines.

“In vino veritas”
“Truth comes out in wine.”
Pliny

K & K Vasilikon Winery
The Kyriakides brothers have been making wines here for ten years and concentrate on a staple red, Ayios Onoufrios, and a white, Vasilikon. Each year they use a greater proportion of their own grapes and the quality of the wines improves year on year. Annual production is about 300,000 bottles and is always fully sold. Ayios Onoufrios, which is a popular local red launched in 1996, is a good example of a modern Cypriot wine.
Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 (make sure to telephone first)
Kathikas tel: 26633237
http://www.cyprusvines.com/more infophp?id=11  
On the E709 from Paphos to Polis, on the left just outside the village.

Imogen’s (26633269) is an excellent restaurant offering lunch and dinner every day for about Euro 14-17 per person (with wine). Well worth a visit for mezedhes with a difference. At weekends, booking is recommended.

“Fill every glass, for wine inspires us,
And fires us
With courage, love and joy.”

John Gay, The Beggar’s Opera