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Ayia Mavri Winery: A Taste of Tradition

Discover the authentic taste of Cyprus at Ayia Mavri Winery in Koilani, where tradition meets modern winemaking for an unforgettable experience in the Troodos Mountains.

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Nestled in the heart of Koilani, a traditional wine village in the Limassol district, Ayia Mavri Winery offers an authentic Cypriot wine experience. Founded in 1983, this family-run winery carries on a legacy of winemaking that stretches back generations. Visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about indigenous grape varieties like Mavro and Xynisteri, and sample a range of dry, medium, and sweet wines. Known especially for its dessert wines, Ayia Mavri provides a warm, hospitable atmosphere where guests can discover the unique flavors of Cyprus. The winery's location in the Troodos Mountains adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of local culture. With its rich history and dedication to quality, Ayia Mavri offers a memorable glimpse into the world of Cypriot winemaking.

A brief summary to Ayia Mavri winery

  • Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Try the Mosxatos dessert wine, a local specialty made from sun-dried Muscat of Alexandria grapes.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Koilani village to admire the traditional architecture and local culture.
  • Visit during the annual Grape Feast in early October to experience the village's wine-making traditions firsthand.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Limassol, take the B8 route towards the Troodos Mountains. Follow the signs to Koilani. Once in Koilani, follow the main road through the village. Ayia Mavri Winery is located on Archimandriti Kyprianou street, a short distance from the village center. Parking is available near the winery.

  • Public Transport

    From Limassol, take the EMEL bus line 60 to Koilani. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. From the '2nd Koilani' bus stop, walk along the main road into the village. Ayia Mavri Winery is located on Archimandriti Kyprianou street, a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs €2.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Limassol, a taxi or ride-share to Ayia Mavri Winery in Koilani will take approximately 36 minutes. Expect to pay between €35-€50 for the trip.

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Discover more about Ayia Mavri winery

Ayia Mavri Winery, located in the picturesque village of Koilani, stands as a testament to Cyprus's rich winemaking heritage. Koilani, situated in the heart of the 'Krassohoria' (wine villages) region of the Limassol district, has a long and storied history of viticulture, with many families traditionally producing their own wines. Ayia Mavri, established in 1983, was the first winery in Koilani and embodies this tradition, blending it with modern techniques to create exceptional wines. The winery's story began with Yiannoula Ioannidou and her husband Ioannis, a doctor, who were inspired by a wine trip to Austria. Impressed by the Austrian custom of marking wine-producing houses with a sprig of pine, they returned to Cyprus with a vision. Two years later, their winery was born, driven by a passion for quality and a desire to showcase the unique flavors of Cypriot grapes. Today, Ayia Mavri cultivates both indigenous and international grape varieties, including Mavro, Xynisteri, Muscat of Alexandria, Lefkada, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache, and Carignan. This diverse selection allows them to produce a wide range of wines, from dry whites and reds to their signature sweet wines. The winery's location, at an altitude of 900 meters in the Troodos Mountains, provides optimal climate and soil conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Visitors to Ayia Mavri are welcomed into a world of Cypriot hospitality. The winery offers tours and tastings, allowing guests to learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle. The knowledgeable staff shares insights into the unique characteristics of each grape variety and the techniques used to create their distinctive wines. Guests can sample a variety of wines, including the highly recommended Mosxatos, a sweet wine made from sun-dried Muscat of Alexandria grapes, known for its rich aromas of lychee, quince, and dried fig. The winery itself exudes a rustic charm, reflecting the traditional architecture of Koilani. The village is known for its houses with tiled or flat roofs, picturesque lofts, and carved limestone walls. In the past, nearly every home in Koilani had its own small winery, equipped for producing and transporting wine. Ayia Mavri honors this heritage, preserving the spirit of Cypriot winemaking while embracing modern innovation. Beyond the wine, Ayia Mavri offers a glimpse into the local culture. Koilani is famous for its grape products, as well as its 'arkatena' (crunchy rusks with yeast) and 'glitzista' (sweet pastries). Visitors can explore the village's churches, including the chapel of Agia Mavri, located under a large plane tree, and the viticulture museum to learn more about the region's history. Ayia Mavri's commitment to quality has earned it recognition as one of Cyprus's leading wineries. While their wide range of wines may not allow for undivided attention to each label, their dedication to showcasing the best of Cypriot winemaking is evident in every bottle. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, a visit to Ayia Mavri is an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of Cyprus.

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