Makarounas Vineyards: A Taste of Cypriot Terroir

Makarounas Vineyards, located in the serene village of Letymbou, is a family-run boutique winery that offers an authentic Cypriot wine experience. The winery carries four generations of viticultural history and is the only winery in Cyprus that sources its grapes exclusively from its own vineyards. This allows for complete control over the quality of the fruit, resulting in terroir-based wines with a high degree of specificity and personality. Founded in 2016 by Theodoros Makarounas, who studied Oenology and Viticulture at UC Davis, the winery focuses on showcasing Cyprus's indigenous grape varieties. These ungrafted vines, some of which are centenarian, include Xynisteri, Morokanella, Spourtiko, and Promara for whites, and Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and Lefkada for reds. The vineyards are located 14 kilometers east of Paphos, at an altitude of 400-600 meters above sea level. The combination of the surrounding hills, crystal gypsum, limestone and quartz-rich soils, and exposure to valley winds contribute to the local mesoclimate. A visit to Makarounas Vineyards offers a chance to explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the winery's distinctive wines. The winery is open for wine tasting and offers seasonal homemade dishes on Saturdays. During the week, visitors can enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, paired with seasonal bites, by reservation.