Local wine Maratheftiko is celebrated on December 1, and this year an event in Paphos will bring together 26 wineries that produce it to celebrate.

Maratheftiko is an ancient red variety, only grown in Cyprus, and is considered by many to be the top red indigenous grape on the island. It produces premium red wines and some select rosés.

In Paphos, the occasion will be celebrated at Eléa Golf Course on Thursday with the largest exhibition of Maratheftiko to date. The exhibition will include 26 winemakers from across Cyprus who will come together to offer a tasting of their own Maratheftiko.

During the evening, guests will have the rare chance to wander from winery to winery, taste the wines and learn more from the winemakers and their teams. The event will be run from 5pm to 8pm.

As part of the evening, there is also a Maratheftiko Masterclass with a formidable panel of speakers who will share their knowledge of this grape. The panel includes the Master of Wine Angela Muir, Winemaker Marcos Zambartas and President of the Cyprus Sommeliers Association George Kassianos.

Participating wineries are Vasilikon Kathikas, Ezousa, Fikardos, Kalamos, Mystes, Nelion, Kolios, Tsangarides, Gerolemo, Oenou Yi, Chrysoroyiatissa, Tsiakkas, Zambartas, Aes Ambelis, Kyperounda, Makkas, Lambouri, Keo Malia, Kamanterena, Vouni Panayia, Yaskouris, Loel, Anama Concept, Kyperinos, Askas and Pedoulas.

“Many winemakers now consider Maratheftiko the top red variety in Cyprus and are seeking new ways to harness its full potential,” says Kassianos. “The evening at Eléa will showcase the 26 wineries’ examples of this indigenous grape. Maratheftiko Day is about supporting Cypriot wine and taking it to a new international audience.”

Maratheftiko was rediscovered as a grape variety in the 1980s and today accounts for approximately five per cent of the Island’s vineyards.

RESERVATIONS

Pre-booking is essential. Tickets for the exhibition are €20 including wine tastings and canapés, and the Masterclass is €40 (including the exhibition). To book or for further information, [email protected] or call 99 254491