Cyprus has been making wine for more than 5,000 years, and it is home to something no other country can claim: Commandaria, the oldest named wine in the world still in production. Add scenic mountain wine routes, rare native grapes and welcoming family wineries, and Cyprus is a quietly brilliant destination for anyone who loves a glass.
Commandaria — the world’s oldest named wine
Commandaria is a lusciously sweet amber dessert wine made from sun‑dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, grown on the southern foothills of the Troodos. Its story runs back nearly 3,000 years; it took its modern name in the Middle Ages from the “Commanderie” estate of the Knights who ruled the region. Rich, raisined and honeyed, it is Cyprus in a glass — and, with its unbroken history, a wine with a genuine claim to being the oldest named vintage on earth.
The Commandaria Wine Route
Commandaria can only be made in 14 designated villages on the sun‑drenched slopes north of Limassol — among them Kalo Chorio, Zoopigi, Louvaras, Gerasa, Monagri and Doros. The official Commandaria Wine Route threads through these hillside villages, past old stone churches and family wineries where you can taste the wine at its source. It makes a wonderful day trip from Limassol or a leisurely detour on the way up to the mountains.
Commandaria brands to try & where to buy
From the big Limassol houses to tiny mountain wineries, these are the Commandaria labels worth seeking out. Tap Find & buy for shops and reviews.
St. John
The classic amber Commandaria — rich and raisiny, and stocked in almost every Cyprus supermarket.
Centurion
A long-aged Commandaria from one of Limassol’s historic wine houses.
Tsiakkas Commandaria
A boutique mountain-winery take, elegant and less syrupy.
You’ll find Commandaria in every Cyprus supermarket and at the wineries themselves along the wine route. To order online, browse Cyprus Wines Online or Alphamega, or buy direct from the producers.
Beyond Commandaria: Cyprus’s native grapes & wine routes
Cyprus is a treasure chest of indigenous grape varieties you rarely find elsewhere: crisp white Xynisteri, the elegant red Maratheftiko, and old‑vine Mavro. Beyond Commandaria, several signposted wine routes are worth following:
- The Krasochoria (“wine villages”) of Limassol — the island’s wine heartland, with dozens of boutique wineries.
- Pitsilia — high‑altitude vineyards in the central Troodos.
- Vouni Panagia & Ambelitis and the Diarizos valley near Paphos — west‑coast routes through pretty hill country.
Visiting the wineries
Most Cypriot wineries are small, family‑run and refreshingly unpretentious. Many welcome walk‑ins, though it is worth calling ahead in winter or for larger groups. Tastings are inexpensive and generous, usually paired with local cheese, olives and bread. Don’t leave without trying Zivania, the fiery Cypriot grape spirit, and picking up a bottle of Commandaria to take home.
When to go
Spring and autumn are loveliest in the wine hills, with warm days and green or golden vineyards. The grape harvest falls in late August and September, when the villages are busiest and most alive, and Limassol’s long‑running Wine Festival each September is a joyful, affordable introduction to Cypriot wine.
How to explore the wine country
The vineyards are spread through the hills, so the easiest way to explore is by car — see our guide to driving in Cyprus before you set off, and remember someone has to stay under the (very low) drink‑drive limit. Prefer to relax and let someone else drive? Guided wine tours and tastings are bookable on our things‑to‑do page. Base yourself in Limassol, the gateway to the Commandaria and Krasochoria routes.
Cyprus wine FAQ
What is Commandaria?
A sweet amber dessert wine from sun‑dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, made near Limassol. It is widely recognised as the oldest named wine still in production.
Where is Cyprus’s wine region?
Mainly the hills north of Limassol — the Krasochoria wine villages and the 14 Commandaria villages — plus routes in the Pitsilia and Paphos areas.
Can you visit wineries in Cyprus?
Yes. Many family wineries offer inexpensive tastings; walk‑ins are often fine, but call ahead in winter or for groups.
When is the grape harvest in Cyprus?
Late August and September, which is also when Limassol holds its annual Wine Festival.
What Cypriot wines should I try?
Commandaria, plus dry whites from Xynisteri, reds from Maratheftiko, and the local grape spirit, Zivania.