Wine-delivery.online invites you to discover the soul of Cyprus through its most beloved native white grape—Xynisteri. Celebrated every year on May 15th, Xynisteri Day is a tribute to resilience, flavor, and local tradition. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about authentic taste experiences, today is the perfect day to raise a glass to this exceptional variety.

🌿 What Makes Xynisteri So Unique?

Xynisteri is one of Cyprus’ most aromatic white grapes. Grown across different altitudes, it expresses itself in beautifully diverse ways: in the Limassol region, it reveals floral notes, while in lower-altitude areas like Paphos, it leans toward citrus and herbal aromas. Though it’s known for low acidity, the grape’s freshness, adaptability, and purity make it a favorite for both winemakers and wine lovers.

Native to Cyprus, Xynisteri has also found a new home in Australia, where it thrives in hot, dry climates with no rainfall for five to six months—a testament to its drought resistance and climate resilience.

🍷 A Spectrum of Styles from Boutique Wineries

What makes Xynisteri truly shine is its versatility. This grape is crafted into a wide array of wine styles:

• Fresh dry whites with subtle aromatic complexity
• Sparkling and Pet Nat wines, such as the playful style from Tsangarides winery  and Nelion Winery
• Lees-aged expressions by Makarounas and Vasilikon Winery
• Barrel-aged interpretations from Kyperounda Winery
• Organic Xynisteri by Tsangarides Winery
• Single vineyard Xynistery by Zambartas winery, Ezousa and Vasilikon winery.
• Orange wine from Ezousa Winery, rich and structured
• And the legendary sweet Commandaria, where Xynisteri partners with Mavro to create one of the oldest named wines in the world

Each bottle reflects the dedication of small, boutique Cypriot wineries, working with native grapes to express the true identity of the island.

👣 Legacy and Innovation: Zambartas Family Contributions

Much of what we know and celebrate about Cyprus’ native grapes today stems from the work of Akis Zambartas—a visionary oenologist often called the father of Cypriot grape variety recognition. Trained in France, Akis catalogued and preserved more than a dozen indigenous varieties, championing their potential in the modern wine world.

His legacy lives on through his son, Markos Zambartas, owner of Zambartas Winery. Markos is also a driving force behind Wine Core, a group of 14 like-minded boutique wineries committed to quality, sustainability, and the elevation of native Cypriot grapes like Xynisteri. Together, they are reshaping the island’s wine narrative through innovation grounded in tradition.

🍇 Why We Celebrate Xynisteri Day

May 15th is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of the importance of preserving native grape heritage and supporting the passionate people behind every bottle. From vineyard to villa, Xynisteri connects us to the land, the climate, and the culture of Cyprus.

As a wine writer and sommelier offering private wine tastings in holiday villas. Gergana Nikolova  prouds to share these stories and wines directly with visitors. Every tasting is a way to support the island’s small producers. And introduce wine lovers to the magic of Cyprus’ native varieties.

So whether you’re staying by the coast or nestled in the hills. Today is the perfect moment to uncork a bottle of Xynisteri. Let its story pour into your glass—and become part of your journey through Cyprus.