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800 Years of Unbroken Production
Commandaria: world's oldest named wine, produced uninterrupted for 800+ years. Richard the Lionheart called it "wine of kings" at his 1191 Cyprus wedding. PDO protected – only from 14 designated Troodos villages. Sweet, amber, 15% alcohol from sun-dried grapes.
How It's Made
Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red) grapes sun-dried 10-14 days, naturally concentrating sugar. Fermented in tanks or traditional clay pots. No alcohol added (unlike Port). Result: amber wine with raisin, honey and caramel aromas.
This was exactly our experience: 800 Years of Unbroken Production Commandaria: world's oldest named wine, produced uninterrupted for 800+ years. Richard the Lionheart called it "wine of kings" at his 1191 Cyprus wedding. PDO prote...
– Foodie from Freiburg, in Troodos since 2024
Where to Buy and How to Drink
Supermarket from €8 (KEO St. John). Premium €20-30 (Tsiakkas). Serve slightly chilled (14-16°C). After dinner, with blue cheese, baklava or dark chocolate. Perfect gift – unlimited within EU for personal use.
The Commandaria Route
Half-day trip from Limassol through 14 wine villages. Start: Kolossi Castle. Visit Erimi museum, Lania artist village. Taste and buy directly at small wineries (€5-8/bottle). September/October: harvest time, villages most lively.
Commandaria
Locations: Troodos, Limassol
Topics: 800 Years of Unbroken Production, How It's Made, Where to Buy and How to Drink
CMC Practical Tip
Taste and buy directly at small wineries (€5-8/bottle).
Frequently Asked Questions
Similarly sweet but fundamentally different production. No alcohol added – sweetness comes solely from sun-dried grapes.
Perfect. KEO St. John €10-15, Tsiakkas €20-30. Unlimited within EU for personal use.
Absolutely – best half-day trip from Limassol. Castle, villages, taverna, tastings. Under €50 total.
Everyday: KEO St. John. Special occasions: Tsiakkas. Middle ground: ETKO Centurion.
How CMC Supports You
At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.
As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.