4000 years of wine making

CYPRUS is an island of incomparable ancient sites and a wealth of romantic legends. It also occupies a unique place in the history of wines and the development of the wine trade.
In fact our wine traditions go back over 4,000 years,virtually to the dawn of civilisation. One of our wines -Commandaria -is acknowledged to be the oldest 'in the world and probably the first-ever to be given an 'Appellation of Origin."
From the very beginning,we have shared our rich heritage with other nations. We supplied the Pharaohs of Egypt, and our wines were in great demand from the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Recent excavations in Paphos have yielded old coins with a representation of a vine on one side. These date from the 3rd century BC and indicate that even in those days,wine was a major source oft he island's wealth. An old Cypriot chalice of the 6th century BC recommends its user to "Be happy and drink well", signifying the quality of wine in the life of Cyprus. And mosaics discovered in ancient sites on the island bear witness to the importance of Cyprus grapes and the wines they produced.
The reason for our 40 long centuries of success is the area coloured green on the map. It lies to the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains, high up where the sun shines clear and hot. As the winter snow slowly melts from the peaks, it supplies the ideal amount of underlying moisture. There, in conditions well-nigh perfect for vine cultivation,you will find the classic grapes of Cyprus: the Mavro and the Xynisteri, the Opthalmo and the Muscat.
But nowadays, you will also find choice European newcomers: grapes like the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignan. Grenache and Palomino. For in recent years, we have been deliberately broadening the range of wines we are able to offer.
Our traditional wines - rich, vigorous and strong - are still there. But side by side with them these days are more delicate ones,fruity and mellow. They include names like Palomino, Salamis, Thisbe, and White Lady, and they have a great appeal to the European palate. These new-generation Cyprus wines are becoming available around the world.