Vouni Panayia Winery: A Taste of Cypriot Tradition

Vouni Panayia Winery, located in the village of Pano Panayia, is a testament to Cyprus's rich winemaking heritage. Established in 1987 by Andreas Kyriakides, it was the first private regional winery on the island. Andreas Kyriakides, after gaining experience at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology of the Ministry of Agriculture, decided to develop his interest in wines. Today, the winery is still family-run and produces over half a million bottles annually. The winery's vineyards are located 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by a pine forest under the Troodos mountains. The Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and temperate summers cooled by the Troodos mountain peaks, provides ideal conditions for the vines. The winery cultivates indigenous white varieties such as Xynisteri, Promara, and Spourtiko, as well as red grapes like Maratheftiko and Yiannoudi. The vines are planted on their original rootstocks, a rarity in Europe, as the Cypriot vineyard has remained untouched by phylloxera. Visitors to Vouni Panayia Winery can take a tour to discover the world of Cyprus wine and viticulture. An educational short film shows the entire process from planting the vines to bottling. The winery also has a traditional museum and a tasting room. The winery restaurant offers delicious, seasonal, traditional cuisine.