Commandaria Wine & Gourmet Tasting Experience – Troodos Region

Commandaria, the world’s oldest named wine, has been produced in Cyprus for over 5,000 years. This tour takes visitors to vineyards in the Troodos foothills, where they can experience wine-making traditions, cellar tastings, and gourmet food pairings.

Key Attractions: Vouni Panayia Winery & Commandaria Museum, Wine tastings at traditional family-run wineries, and Gourmet Cypriot lunch at a vineyard estate.

Best Time to Visit: Apr-Jun, Oct-Dec (Ideal for vineyard visits and harvest season experiences)

Recommended Activities: Tasting aged Commandaria wine & local cheese pairings, and Guided vineyard tours with winemakers.

Extra Notes:

• Great for couples & wine enthusiasts.
• Private luxury transfers available.

• All entrance fees are extra paid at each location.
• We can tailor the excursion to fit in something specific.

Itinerary Schedule

🗓️ Full-Day Itinerary – Exploring the Commandaria Wine Route

📌 9:00 AM – Meet at Limassol & Drive to Troodos Wine Region

• Meet at Limassol Marina or your accommodation for a private transfer into the Troodos foothills (approx. 40-minute scenic drive).
• Introduction to Commandaria, the world’s oldest named wine (over 5,000 years old), dating back to the Knights of St. John.

📌 9:45 AM – Visit the Commandaria Museum – Zoopigi Village

• Explore the Commandaria Museum, showcasing the history of Cyprus’s legendary sweet wine.
• Learn about the medieval production methods used by the Knights Templar.
• Tasting of historic-style Commandaria wines & Cypriot grape must sweets.

📌 10:30 AM – Winery Visit #1: Tsiakkas Winery (Pelendri Village)

• Guided tour through the vineyard, with an introduction to local grape varieties (Xinisteri & Mavro).
• Exclusive barrel tasting of aging Commandaria.
• Sample dry white wines and aged Commandaria with Cypriot cheeses (halloumi & anari cheese pairings).

📌 12:00 PM – Winery Visit #2: Zambartas Winery (Agios Amvrosios Village)

• Visit a boutique, family-owned winery specializing in premium Commandaria.
• Learn about modern & traditional winemaking techniques.
• Tasting session featuring:
  • Vintage Commandaria aged in oak barrels
  • Local reds & whites (Maratheftiko, Yiannoudi, Xinisteri)

📌 1:30 PM – Gourmet Lunch at a Mountain Vineyard Estate

• Dine at a private vineyard estate in the Krasochoria region (e.g., Oenou Yi Winery or Vouni Panayia Restaurant).
• Enjoy a traditional Cypriot farm-to-table meal, including:
  • Grilled lamb or rabbit stew (Tavas)
  • Village-style salad with local olives & fresh herbs
  • Homemade sourdough bread & Commandaria-infused desserts (Try “Glyko Triantafyllo” – rose-flavored spoon sweet!).
• Optional: Wine pairing with four hand-selected Cypriot wines.

📌 3:00 PM – Winery Visit #3: Lambouri Winery (Kato Platres Village)

• Visit a heritage winery known for award-winning Commandaria.
• Enjoy an exclusive tasting of ultra-premium Commandaria vintages (including a rare 15-year-aged reserve bottle).
• Explore the wine cellars & learn about barrel-aging techniques.

📌 4:00 PM – Scenic Stop at Lofou Village (Optional Cultural Add-On)

• Walk through one of Cyprus’s most picturesque stone-built villages.
• Visit a small family-owned distillery making traditional Zivania (grape spirit).
• Relax with a Greek coffee at a village kafeneio before heading back.

📌 5:00 PM – Return to Limassol & End of Tour

• Private transfer back to Limassol or your accommodation.
• Option to purchase exclusive wines directly from the wineries.