Orestis Tsiakkas promotes Cypriot wine and its impressive history on Euronews Travel

Cyprus’ wine and its long history have taken centre stage in a write-up by prestigious Euronews Travel, with the author taking a tour of the island's wineries and speaking to Orestis Tsiakkas, the head winemaker of Tsiakkas Winery and the eldest son of founders Kostas and Marina.

Describing itself as “the new digital & social destination to inspire people to change their perspective on the world,” Euronews Travel says it is “for people who travel for fresh perspectives, authentic experiences, cultural discoveries and meaningful encounters in Europe and beyond”.

Entitled: “Cyprus might be the ultimate beach destination but its wineries also deserve attention. Here’s why,” the article hails Cyprus as “an emerging wine destination”, with its indigenous grape varieties and historic wine, and wineries that blend tradition and innovation.

“Imagine thousands of years of wine-making tradition, picturesque mountains and a tight-knit culture where family comes first, and you’ll start to get the flavour of Cypriot wineries,” author Yaren Fadiloglulari says.

She refers to Cyprus' different indigenous grape varieties – Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red) being the most common ones – and makes special mention to the local sweet red wine commandaria, which is the world’s oldest manufactured wine and is currently only produced in 14 specific villages in the Troodos Mountains.

Home to Europe’s highest vineyards at more than 1,300 metres, Cypriot wineries are not short of breath-taking views, while the altitude also plays a role in shaping the nature of Cypriot wines. Since they are closer to the sun, the grapes get more UV radiation which affects their structure.

Offering a look inside what it means to be a Cypriot wine-producing family, Orestis Tsiakkas, the head winemaker of Tsiakkas Winery, spoke with Euronews Travel about how the small family business started off by selling 500 bottles per year and has now grown to 200,000 bottles, visitors from all over the world, and a progressive second generation ready to continue the family business.

“On the one hand we have the tradition from our parents, and on the other hand, we have our academic knowledge and innovative spirit,” Tsiakkas, who studied viticulture (grape cultivation) and enology (winemaking) in France, Germany, and Spain, said. “Marrying tradition and innovation results in something truly unique.”

The article also mentions an interesting fact about zivania, the popular Cypriot pomace brandy. According to Orestis, his dad invented this zivania by mistake. He forgot it in a barrel and only remembered to check it five years later!

Concluding, the author says April to June is considered the best time to visit Cyprus’ wineries as the wines bloom and nature awakens.

“That said, visiting wineries is worth it throughout the year,” she added. “Different seasons mean different sceneries and more opportunities to make the most of what Cypriot wine has to offer.”

Check out the full article here