Vouni Panayia Winery: A Taste of Cypriot Tradition

Vouni Panayia Winery, located in the village of Pano Panagia in the Paphos region, stands as a testament to Cypriot winemaking tradition. Founded in 1987 by Andreas Kyriakides, the winery is a family-run business that has been passed down through generations. Andreas Kyriakides, after gaining experience at the Department of Viticulture and Oenology of the Ministry of Agriculture, decided to pursue his passion for wine, establishing the first private regional winery in Cyprus. The winery is situated at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by a pine forest in the Troodos mountains. The vineyards span 25 hectares and are planted with indigenous white varietals such as Xynisteri, Promara, and Spourtiko, as well as red grapes like Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, and Ntopio Mavro. The winery produces over half a million bottles annually. Vouni Panayia is the only winery in Cyprus that cultivates exclusively indigenous Cypriot varieties. Visitors can explore the art of wine production through guided tours of the vineyard and gain insights into the local history and traditions that shape the region's wine culture. The winery also features a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of wines paired with local delicacies. In addition, there is an educational short film, a traditional museum, and a restaurant serving tasty, seasonal, traditional cuisine. The surrounding area of Pano Panagia adds to the winery's appeal. The village is the birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus.