Nicosia, Cyprus. The 16th Cyprus Wine Competition took place in April, with 145 wines from 30 wineries tasted under the auspices of the agriculture ministry, Cyprus’ EU presidency and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. A seven-member committee of experts chaired by French oenologist Dominique Tusseau judged the competition.
Competition results
The results included three grand gold awards for sweet wines, while 39 wineries received medals, including 14 gold and 25 silver. The event is now held every two years.
Public wine events
The ministry also organised wine events in Pafos, Limassol and Nicosia, giving the public the opportunity to meet winemakers and taste their wines.
Selected wines
2025 Kolios Winery Iris Spourtiko, PGI Pafos, ABV 12.5%, was described as one of the first wines from a winery that helped revive Spourtiko. Produced from vineyards mainly at Vouni Panayias, it has a pale yellow colour with bright green tones and aromas of exotic fruit, passion fruit, kiwi, guava, citrus, white flowers and mixed spices. It was presented as refreshing and elegant, with crisp acidity and a herbal, citrus and lemony finish. The listed price was €12.
2023 Vlassides Winery Alates, Xynisteri, PDO Krasochoria-Afames, ABV 13%, was produced exclusively from old, non-irrigated vineyards at an altitude of around 900 metres in the Afamis mountain area. The soils are calcareous with a clay-loam texture, and the non-grafted vines are trained in goblet form. Alcoholic fermentation and maturation take place in a 2,000-litre untoasted oak vat. The wine was described as bright lemon in colour with green highlights, with aromas of lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, green apple, white peach, floral elements, honeysuckle, herbal notes and a mineral character. It was presented as dry, with vibrant acidity, medium body, saline character and flavours of lemon peel, apple and stone fruit. The listed price was €15.
2025 Krasopoulin Winery Yiayia, Xynisteri, PGI Nicosia, ABV 13%, comes from a small winery in Xyliatos village in Nicosia district. The wine bears the name Yiayia, meaning grandmother, in reference to vineyard care over many years. It was described as straw yellow, with aromas of pear, pineapple, herbs, citrus fruit, hawthorn and floral notes, and a palate showing balanced acidity, white peach, herbs, grapefruit and mineral notes. It was presented as suitable with tahini and taramosalata dips, fried fish or chicken souvla. The listed price was €12.50.
2023 Kamanterena Project X, Xynisteri, PGI Pafos, ABV 12.5%, is a single-vineyard wine from Loulloudes in Kathikas. It was described as light straw yellow with green reflections and a mineral profile, with aromas of fresh stone fruit, citrus, apple, preserved lemon, floral notes, linden blossom, basil and oregano. It was also presented as having vibrant acidity and a subtle smoky oak finish. The listed price was €15.