Wineries Near Paphos

Why Paphos wine is worth your time

Cyprus is one of the few wine regions never hit by the phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century, and it has native grape varieties found nowhere else. Look for Xynisteri (the island's main white grape), and the reds Maratheftiko and Mavro, along with revived varieties such as Yiannoudi and Promara.

The wine areas at a glance

Wineries to know

• Kathikas

  Vasilikon Winery

  Established winery in Kathikas on the Laona plateau.

  Grapes to ask about: Xynisteri, Maratheftiko

  Visiting hours not yet verified — contact the winery before you go.

  Directions

• Kathikas

  Sterna Winery

  Family winery in Kathikas village.

  Visiting hours not yet verified — contact the winery before you go.

  Directions

• Panagia

  Vouni Panayia Winery

  Mountain winery in Panagia known for work with indigenous grapes.

  Grapes to ask about: Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, Promara

  Visiting hours not yet verified — contact the winery before you go.

  Directions

• Statos–Agios Fotios

  Kolios Winery

  Larger hillside winery between Paphos and Panagia.

  Visiting hours not yet verified — contact the winery before you go.

  Directions

• Lemona

  Tsangarides Winery

  Family winery in the Ezousa valley, known for organic production.

  Visiting hours not yet verified — contact the winery before you go.

  Directions

Laona and Kathikas

Kathikas is the best-known wine village on the Laona plateau, the limestone upland of vineyards between Paphos and the Akamas. Both Vasilikon and Sterna are here, which makes it the easiest place to taste at two wineries without more driving. It is also the natural choice on a half-day: up after lunch, back down to the coast for sunset. The surrounding villages are covered in wine villages near Paphos.

Panagia and the high hills

The vineyards around Panagia, on the edge of Paphos Forest, are higher, cooler and further away. Vouni Panayia in Panagia is known for its work with indigenous grapes, and Kolios at Statos–Agios Fotios sits on the way up. The roads are winding, so treat this as a full day rather than a quick afternoon.

The grapes to look for

• Xynisteri — the island's main white grape. Typically fresh and light; the one to try first.
• Maratheftiko — the most prized native red, used for fuller, more serious wines.
• Mavro — the traditional, widely planted red grape, used in everyday reds and rosés.
• Yiannoudi and Promara — old local varieties revived in recent decades; worth asking about if a winery makes them.
• Commandaria — not a Paphos wine, but you will see it everywhere. It is a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes in villages on the southern Troodos slopes above Limassol, and one of the oldest named wines still made.

Tasting etiquette

• Book ahead. Many smaller wineries only open by appointment, and even larger ones appreciate a warning for groups.
• Spitting is fine. If you are driving, or visiting three wineries, use the spittoon — nobody will be offended.
• Buying a bottle is a courtesy, not an obligation, especially if the tasting was generous or the visit was arranged for you.
• Ask about the native grapes. Producers are usually keen to talk about Xynisteri, Maratheftiko and their revived varieties.
• Eat something. Tastings on an empty stomach in the afternoon heat go to the head quickly.

Planning a tasting day

• Two or three wineries is plenty for one day.
• Pair Kathikas wineries with lunch in a Laona village and sunset back on the coast at the Peyia sea caves.
• Add the cave frescoes of Agios Neophytos Monastery on the way up; it is about 15–20 minutes north of Paphos via Tala.

Two routes that work

Tsangarides in the Ezousa valley fits either route if you are happy with an extra stretch of hill road, or works on its own as a shorter outing north-east of Paphos.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a day in the hills. Late summer into early autumn is harvest time, when wineries are busiest, so booking ahead matters even more. In July and August, plan tastings for the late afternoon and avoid walking village streets in the midday sun. In winter, check that the winery is receiving visitors before you set off.