Cyprus

Cyprus boasts a winemaking history spanning at least 4,000 years, with its most famous wine, Commandaria St John, considered one of the oldest wines still in production. The origins of Commandaria can be traced to 1191, when Richard the Lionheart, King of England, acquired Cyprus during the Crusades. He later sold the island to the Knights Templar, who, along with the Knights Hospitaller (Order of St John), established "commanderies" and began producing the wine. Commandaria is a sweet, solera-aged dessert wine made from a blend of sun-dried black and white grape varieties. The grapes are left to dry for 10–15 days after harvest, concentrating their sugars. Notably, Commandaria won the first international wine competition, the "Battle of Wines," hosted by the Crusaders in the 13th century. In the 1930s, Cyprus was the third-largest wine producer globally, behind only France and Spain. However, this period emphasized volume over quality, damaging the island's wine reputation. Production was dominated by four large cooperatives (Keo, ETKO, SODAP, and Loel), which focused on cheap, sweet sherry popular among the British market. The modern transformation of Cyprus's wine industry began in the late 20th century, driven by a decline in Russian demand during the 1980s and the availability of European Union subsidies. These changes encouraged the rise of boutique wineries that moved inland to higher altitudes and closer to vineyards, emphasizing quality. This shift also spurred improvements among larger producers, which still account for over 80% of Cyprus’s wine output. While EU funding initially supported the planting of international grape varieties, there has been a growing recognition of the potential of Cyprus’s indigenous grapes. These native varieties are beginning to demonstrate their unique character and offer a distinct identity for the island's wines. Cyprus has transitioned from a bulk wine producer to a burgeoning hub for quality winemaking. With its ancient traditions, evolving industry, and increasing focus on native grapes, the island is reclaiming its place on the global wine stage.