Cyprus: Wine, Olive Oil and Cultural Tour

The captivating saga of Christoudia Winery unfurls its pages in the vibrant tapestry of 1992. It was during this transformative year that the Christoudia family, the masterminds behind the winery, embarked on a journey to enrich their knowledge and deepen their adoration for the world of enology.

Their story, though, began as a humble hobby, a labor of love. Although the Founders hailed from an entirely different professional realm, their hearts swelled with an unwavering passion for wine. With minimal oenological expertise but a profound love for the craft, the Christoudia family diligently nurtured their ancestral vineyards and ventured into the art of winemaking. Their first attempts found a warm reception among friends and family, inspiring them to take a bold leap forward and establish a petite winery.

Each wine crafted at Christoudia tells its own unique tale, entwined with the rich tapestry of Cypriot tradition, religion, history, and social life.

“We firmly believe that the longevity of Cypriot grape varieties is no mere coincidence. Hence, we have chosen to exclusively cultivate indigenous Cypriot grape varieties in our vineyards, ensuring the grapes’ exceptional quality and producing premium wines.”

For this family, winemaking is a means of connecting with their roots, delving into the land, the environment, and the local community. The philosophy of Christoudia is deeply rooted in their unwavering commitment to offering meticulously crafted wines, from the initial stages of production to the final, exquisite packaging. They aspire to extend their warm hospitality to each visitor, aiming to provide an unforgettable experience at their winery.

In 2001, the Sophocleous family breathed life into Terra Oliva olive farm, driven by an unyielding love for nature, a fervor for organic farming, and a passion for all things olive. Nestled along one of Cyprus’s most popular tourist routes leading to the Machairas Monastery, within the enchanting Lefkara village in the Larnaca region, this organic farm is a testament to modernity and innovation. It features state-of-the-art production facilities constructed from stainless steel, along with the latest models of olive mills.

Beyond its remarkable agricultural prowess, Terra Oliva also offers its picturesque surroundings for photography, making it an ideal backdrop for weddings, modeling shoots, and more. The farm boasts over 7,000 olive trees, some of which have graced the earth for up to a millennium. The “eternal olive tree,” more than a thousand years old and protected by the Cyprus Government, stands as a symbol of their commitment to olive excellence.

Terra Oliva is dedicated to delivering the highest quality olive products, with their Extra Virgin olive oil taking center stage as a cornerstone of a balanced and healthy diet.

Pano Lefkara, the birthplace of Cypriot folk needlecraft art known as “lefkaritiko,” is a place where history, artistry, and culture converge. Revered far beyond Cyprus’s borders, this charming village owes its prosperity to the intricate needlecraft and trade that began in the late 19th century, flourishing throughout the first three decades of the 20th century.

In fact, the village earned international acclaim as one of the “30 most beautiful towns in Europe,” according to the Japanese Association of Travel Agents. Lefkara’s name itself, derived from the Greek for white mountains, echoes the purity of its artistic heritage.

Lefkara’s claim to fame is its silver and lace-making traditions, practices that have been cherished since Venetian times. Strolling along the cobbled streets of the village, one can witness the skillful hands of women crafting exquisite Lefkara lace. In various workshops scattered throughout the town, silver smiths still practice their time-honored craft. Legend has it that even the great Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in 1481 and acquired a lace altar cloth, now proudly displayed in Milan Cathedral.

For tourists, Lefkara’s narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape offer a glimpse into the heart of Cypriot culture and traditions. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, where the beauty of the past meets the charm of the present, inviting all who visit to experience the essence of Cypriot heritage.