If there’s one drink that’s truly intertwined with the history of Cyprus, it’s Commandaria. This sweet dessert wine is not only unique in flavor but also extraordinary in origin—it holds the title of the oldest documented wine in the world, celebrated since medieval times.
🏰 The Wine of the Knights
Commandaria can only be produced in a specific historical wine region of Cyprus, known as the Commandaria region—named during the Crusades after the Knights Hospitaller, whose headquarters were located just west of modern-day Limassol. The wine was exported from here to royal courts across Europe, where it quickly became a symbol of prestige and refinement. In France, it was famously referred to as “the wine of kings and the king of wines.”
🌞 A Unique Winemaking Tradition
Commandaria is protected under both Cypriot law and the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme. It must be made from two native grape varieties—Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red)—that are hand-harvested and naturally sun-dried to concentrate their sugars. After that, the grapes are fermented in oak barrels and aged for years, resulting in a rich, deep amber wine with flavors of raisin, caramel, and warm spices.
🍇 Tradition Meets Modern Gastronomy
Commandaria pairs beautifully with blue cheeses, roasted nuts, or a slice of rich chocolate cake. More and more Cypriot restaurants now include it in curated wine pairings, and a glass on board becomes a tasting journey through Cyprus’s storied past—history in a sip, beautifully expressed. With its lush amber color and bold, complex flavor, Commandaria is the perfect companion to dessert or a serene sunset evening on deck.
🛍 Where to Taste It?
You can still find family-run wineries in the traditional villages of the Commandaria region—such as Kalo Chorio or Doros—offering warm, authentic tastings to curious travelers. In Limassol, wine bars frequently feature Commandaria on their menus—just look for bottles marked with the official PDO seal for guaranteed authenticity.
During your journey with Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, guests have the rare opportunity to purchase authentic Commandaria directly from its source—a liquid souvenir that tells the story of Cyprus in every drop.