Cyprus

The small area of the Cyprus island holds within it the blend of different cultures: Greek, Turkish, and British. All of these influences have shaped the country's winemaking history. However, not so many people know that Cyprus's standout feature - the sweet Commandaria wine - holds the title of the oldest recognized appellation in the world, long before Burgundy or Bordeaux. Let's take a journey to explore how the biggest players in the wine industry named the "Big Four" shaped the country's winemaking industry and how small wineries gradually took the spotlight. We will uncover the bond between the rediscovery of native grape varieties, passionate winemakers, and the church as well as discover how the division of the island into "Turkish" and "Greek" sides influenced winemaking.