Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, has a longstanding tradition of wine-making, with Commandaria the world's oldest named wine still in production.
Richard the Lionheart described Commandaria as the "wine of the kings and the king of the wines."
Cypriot wine-makers still cultivate the same ancient grape varieties but now combine old traditions with modern technology to create a diverse product offering: red, rose, white, dessert wine, Zivania and Commandaria itself.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has developed seven scenic wine routes :
Commandaria
This route unveils all the secrets of Cyprus' world-renowned Koumandaria (or Commandaria) which won the first recorded wine-tasting competition in history.
The sweet dessert wine dates back to 1192AD when it was being produced and exported by the Knights of St. John.
Commandaria is made: Cyprus' indigenous Mavro (red) and Xynisteri (white) grapes are picked late in the season and dried in the sun to enhance their sugar content. This is what makes the wine much sweeter and gives the famous drink its distinctive taste.
The grapes are then pressed with the run-off collected and fermented in tanks or huge, traditional earthenware jars.
On route is the medieval castle of Kolossi, once the base of the Knights of St. John, and the Kouris Dam, the biggest in Cyprus.
Diarizos Valley
The route along the Diarizos river passes lush, unspoiled landscapes dotted with vineyards.
This is one of the lesser-known wine-making areas is situated at a much lower altitude.
There are 18 different types of vine in this region but the most predominant variety is the local Mavro (red) grape.
Krasochoria of Lemesos (Limassol)
The 'Krasochoria' (translated as 'wine villages' in English) is located on the Southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range and has the greatest concentration of wineries in Cyprus.
There are 20 villages in total with traditional Cypriot architecture, narrow cobblestoned passageways and 16 wineries.
The main varieties produced here are from the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red), as well as around 23 imported varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah.
Laona to Akamas
This wine route is situated on the north-western shores of Cyprus, which is home to the full-bodied, indigenous Xynisteri (white) grape.
The wines produced here are among the best white wines produced on the island as well as some of the best reds, which come from the rare Maratheftiko grape.
Wine on Cyprus
(cont)
Mountainous Larnaka (Larnaca) to Lefkosia (Nicosia)
This route passes through three wineries and 10 villages as well as a selection of museums and workshops.
There are a wide range of grapes growing here including the white varieties of Assyrtiko, Malvasia Aromatica, Chardonnay Xynisteri and Sauvignon Blanc, and the red varieties of Maratheftiko, Cabernet and Merlot.
Pitsilia
These villages are dotted along these mountain peaks of Madari, Machairas and Papoutsa.
The high altitude contributes to the high-quality grapes which mature more slowly and the arid, sloping ground forces the vines to huddle together for a much richer wine.
Pisilia, one of the 11 villages along this route, is a winner of the Nom d'Origine.Vouni Panagias to Ambelitis
At 2,400 feet above sea level, this area produces delicate white wines which taste of peaches, green apples and apricots.
The 10 wineries in this route produce 27 varieties of grape, mainly the local Xynisteri (white) grape as well as the Maratheftiko and Mavro (red) grapes, Carignan Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Limassol Wine Festival
The Limassol Wine Festival takes place in the Lemesos (Limassol) Municipal Gardens in August/September each year, with the chance to sample the local wine and Cypriot dishes as well as singing, dancing, poetry and drama.