Cyprus has a long history when it comes to wine making, as far as 4000 B.C. This country was always known as wine exporter as well. The Pharaohs of Egypt got their wine from Cyprus, as well as the Ancient Greek and the Romans.

Nowadays, Cyprus, which has a total area about 9,250 square kilometers, uses its 23,500 hectares of its space for vineyards. The annual grape production in Cyprus can be between 120,000 to 140,000 metric tons. From those, the Cypriots are able to produce about 90,000 to 100,000 tons of grape juice, bottled wine, and bulk wine. The wine production in Cyprus achieved the 37th rank in the world for production quantity.

If you want to visit the vineyards, you need to go to the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountain range, where most of the vineyards are located. One of the reasons why Cypriot wine reaches its flavor is because of its long and sunny summer which ripens the fruit and gives the full flavor to the grapes.

Commandaria

In Cyprus, there are approximately fifteen local varieties of vines. For the famous Commandaria wine, the red grape Mavro and the white Xynisteri are used. Commandaria is the world’s oldest continuously produced wine, and therefore the Cypriots try its best to maintain the quality in order to satisfy the customers.

Commandaria is made through a long process. First of all, the Mavro and Xynisteri have to be dried in the sun. Until about two weeks, the dried grapes would have a stronger aroma and get its sugar concentrated. Afterwards, the grapes are crushed and pressed, and then the juice is fermented in large tanks. The fermentation stops when the alcohol level reaches 18%, caused by the high sugar content in the juice. 

The wineries usually buy the wine and add alcohol for conservation. Because wine needs to be mature to strengthen its quality, it will be left in large wooden casks.

If you want to learn more about wine making and the history of winery in Cyprus, it would be a good idea to visit the Cyprus Wine Museum in Limassol. At the museum, you will be shown methods of winemaking, from the traditional to the contemporary ones. Also, the museum has a great collection of ancient jars, vases, medieval drinking vessels, illustrations, etc.

There are also wine tours in Cyprus, which will let you see the vineyards and the wine companies. The visits might include going to tasting rooms in several winery.