CYPRUS: Vineyards and Wine Making

Cyprus’ wine making tradition dates back over 5,000 years.

Vineyards contribute to the island’s landscape, culture and economy.

The Mediterranean climate with long sunny days, cool mountain breezes and fertile soil creates ideal conditions for growing grapes.

Vineyards are mostly concentrated in the central Troodos Mountains area where the altitude and terrain contribute to the unique flavor profiles of Cypriot wines.

 

Vineyards are nestled in scenic vine-covered hillsides among picturesque mountain villages and stone-built buildings.

Cyprus has several indigenous grape varieties that I have never heard of (which doesn’t say much.) They include Xynisteri (a light white grape) and Maratheftiko (a bold red), as well as the ancient Mavro grape used in making Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest named wines. They also grow internationally known grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay (ones that I do know.)

Many vineyards are small family-run operations that have been passed down through generations and follow traditional methods.

On a “cool” (as a Canadian I use that term loosely), windy and cloudy day we visited one of the local vineyards for lunch and a winery tour. It was a great day to do a winery tasting tour. But then again, it can be argued that any day is a great day to do a wine tasting tour.

 

 

The day we went they were bottling, so we got to see a side of the business that we had never seen before. (We are very familiar with "sampling the finished product” side of the business.)

Bottling is the final stage in the wine making process where the finished wine is transferred from storage containers into glass bottles for aging, distribution and sale. Most modern wineries in Cyprus use automated bottling lines that fill bottles with precise amounts of wine, insert corks or screw caps, and apply labels and foil tops. 

The design of the label and bottle shape often reflects the winery’s identity, region, and wine style,

 

 

 This makes the bottling stage not just functional, but also part of the wine’s branding and presentation.

The final stage is enjoying the finished product. That is a stage we are very familiar with.

All in all, a great way to spend a cold, cloudy and rainy afternoon.