📍 Larnaca

Larnaca is a wine area in south-eastern Cyprus, around the town of Larnaca on the Mediterranean coast. There are few vineyards here, they are small and located mostly in hill villages inland. The area is regarded as a historic wine area rather than a separate appellation.

The climate is hot and dry, with a long summer and little rain. Local grapes have adapted well to drought. The red Mavro (the most widely planted grape in Cyprus) and the white Xynisteri (the main white grape) are grown here. Mavro makes light reds and rosés, while Xynisteri makes fresh dry whites with citrus and herbal notes.

In recent years new winemakers have appeared in Cyprus who aim to make quality wine from local grapes, and among them are small estates not far from Larnaca. They sell wine mostly on the island, often in tavernas.

Larnaca is part of Cypriot winemaking. Nearby lies Limassol, where the famous Commandaria is made, as well as Nicosia and Paphos. Cypriot wines go well with meze, a range of small dishes of cheese, vegetables and meat. The name Larnaca on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.