The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is known around the world for many things. Their ancient culture speaks of an engaging mix of the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Ottomans, and Assyrians. Their food is known around the world as some of the best.
As for their wine...let's just say that Cyprus is ranked 37th in the world in terms of total wine production. That's quite impressive for an island nation that's little more than 150mi long. And at just over 37,000 tonnes annually, the per capita production of Cypriot wine is even more impressive.
One of the best ways for tourists to discover the wine culture of Cyprus is to reserve a car hire Paphos airport lists several agencies with plenty of vehicles, as does the larger Larnaca airport. Regardless of your starting point a leisurely drive through the countryside and up into the mountains, reveals no short supply of family-run vineyards and wineries.
A wine tour of Cyprus must include a tasting of Commandaria. This sweet red wine dates back at least to the late 1100s, but due to the 4,000 year history of wine making on Cyprus, locals believe it dates back to the ancient era. Some contend that Commandaria is the oldest type of wine in the world.
While Commandaria is the most important wine produced on the island, a variety of others are produced by more than 50 wineries scattered all over Cyprus. Most fascinating to the tourist is perhaps the combination of old-world techniques, passed down for generations, being used alongside modern means and technologies. In a strange old-versus-new sort of way, the Cypriot wine industry makes it all work.
At the core of Cypriot wine are local varieties of grapes known as Mavro and Xynisteri. These grapes produce most of the wine in Cyprus, though the perfect Mediterranean weather allows dozens of other grapes to be cultivated as well. Cabernet, Mataro, and the ancient Maratheftiko grape are among some of the other varieties on the island.
With a car hire from Paphos airport, you must absolutely take a drive to the Limassol wine district. This is the hub of the Cypriot wine industry, and the renowned wine festivals during the late August harvest season are not to be missed. In Limassol you'll experience what it means to be a wine lover in Cyprus.
If you happen to be in the Mediterranean in October, the Afamia grape festival is another must-see event. Along with local wines, you'll also experience the finest food, music, dance, and ancient Cypriot traditions.
Cyprus relies heavily on the wine and tourist industries for economic stability. With that in mind, the marriage of the two make for a holiday you'll not soon forget.