The Cyprus Wine Trail

Cyprus News – 28.9.09

A couple of weeks ago, the Cyprus Mail reported on the opening of the newly re-designed Vouni Panayia winery in Paphos and it really sounds worth a visit. One of Cyprus’ biggest wine producers, the story of how the winery began is an interesting one, so we thought we’d share it with you this week.

The new Vouni Panayia winery sits majestically at an altitude of 850m above sea level, allowing visitors a fantastic view from the northwest and Chrysochou Bay, all the way across to the Akamas Peninsula, taking in Laona heights, the hills of Vouni and right down to Paphos airport.

Recently re-designed to accommodate the hundreds of visitors who visit every year, the winery now has an integrated custom-made visitor and education centre, making it an absolute must for visitors and residents alike.

In 1987, a young man with no family land, very little money and three young children to support, dreamt of opening his own winery. That man was Andreas Kyriakides, now the proud owner of extensive vineyards and a winery which is one of the island’s great success stories. Thanks to his supportive wife, Thelma and a bank manager who had the foresight to believe in Andreas’ dream, he was able to begin what became five years of hard work, literally building his winery, brick by brick, while the family camped out on site.

The hard work was worth it because the winery soon became an enormous success and has continued that way ever since.

The winery’s increasing success meant that a few years ago, Andreas realised that they needed more space to produce and store their wines and to play host to growing numbers of visitors. The result is the stunning new premises which produce over half a million bottles of wine a year.

If you stop off  to sample some of Andreas’ fine wines, there are also two restaurants, serving delicious traditional dishes, all home cooked on the premises by Andreas’ relatives. There is one restaurant for al fresco dining during the summer a second which is enclosed for winter use with plenty of space for large parties and celebrations.

So what about the wines on offer – well there’s naturally a wide range to sample, just two you might want to try are Andreas’ classic red Plakota or a glass of the refreshingly dry white wine, Alina. The Cyprus Vines website (www.cyprusvines.com) also recommends the Maratheftico, which has apparently received much praise in wine-lover’s circles.

So, why not have a day out and visit Andreas’ winery, enjoy sampling some of Cyprus’ best wine, have tasty home-cooked lunch in the restaurant and maybe even take a case or two of that wonderful wine home? Sounds perfect!

The Vouni Panayia Winery and Visitor’s Centre is open Monday to Friday from 0800 until 1700 (winter) or 1900 (summer). Saturday and Sunday opening hours are from 0900 until 1700 (winter) and 1900 (summer).

Tel. (00357) 26 722770
E-mail:
Website: www.vounipanayiawinery.com