You are invited to:
UWC Commanders on the Journey of Culture
at O' Vrakas Tavern, in Pissouri
QUICK GUIDE
The UWC Commanders Evening is a heartfelt celebration of Cypriot heritage, embodying UWC’s unwavering dedication to understanding, responsibility, compassion, and diversity. You are warmly invited to embark on UWC’s transformative journey, where the rich narratives of wine intertwine with modern triumphs, illuminating how a united community and collaboration elevate UWC’s remarkable accomplishments.
This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of Cypriot culture through its exceptional wines and delightful cuisine. A culinary adventure, featuring a meze-style dinner paired with four exquisite dry wines, culminating in the legendary Commandaria, renowned as the world’s oldest named wine.
Each course and wine has been thoughtfully curated to highlight the island’s illustrious history and to champion UWC’s mission of fostering peace and global understanding.
Event Countdown
- Discover 4 local wines
- Family-style meze menu
- Delight in the legendary Commandaria
- Hear the stories of the wines
- UWC Alumni sommelier Host
- at O' Vrakas Tavern, Pissouri
Come Prepared
– Don’t show up with a grumbling tummy! Enjoy a light, balanced lunch and have a snack about 30 minutes before diving into the delightful world of wine.
– Keep your hydration game strong by sipping water throughout the day leading up to your tasting adventure.
– Avoid coffee or any distractions just before the tasting; they might confuse your taste buds!
– Dress in comfortable, casual attire that allows you to enjoy every sip without distractions. Leave the perfumes and lipsticks at home for this one.
– Bring along your burning questions and a big smile, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of wine!
Interactive Elements Throughout:
Palate Training: Guests will explore how each wine complements the Tasting Kit and discuss the unique characteristics of the wines as they’re served.
Fun Wine Challenges: Lighthearted quiz, adding excitement and engagement to the evening.
UWC Commanders on the Journey of Culture
Play the Game
Pour your Commander's Personality
An engaging quiz that embodies UWC’s core values. Uncover the connection between your wine preferences and your distinctive leadership style and approach!
UWC Commanders Dinner
Family-style Meze Menu
Authentic Local Flavors
Designed for your group to enjoy together, the menu features signature dishes served family-style. You will savor meze like traditional dips, fresh salads, grilled halloumi, and char-grilled meats. This communal dining experience fosters conversation as you share our vibrant food culture.
Have a Look at The Menu
UWC Commanders Dinner
The Wine List
Carefully chosen to reflect the United World Collages Core Values, and innovating approach to global peace-building. The tasting will immerse you in the story of Commandaria PDO, adding another layer of meaning to the experience.
- Xinisteri Tsiakkas
- Akti, Kyperounda
- Aepys, Vinea Ardua Vineyards
- Commandaria, Kyperounta Winery
Discover The wines
Innovation
Reflecting Liftoff’s innovation and fresh perspective.
A bold yet harmonious blend, reflecting a deep connection to tradition and community.
Tip: Perfect for sharing with colleagues during celebrations or milestones.
Creativity
Representing Liftoff’s creativity and balance
Smooth and elegant, with subtle complexity revealed in each sip.
Tip: Ideal for casual yet meaningful discussions or reflective moments.
Strenght
Embodying the strength and depth Liftoff brings to its partnerships
Rich and dynamic, with layers of flavor that unfold innovatively.
Tip: Best enjoyed while brainstorming bold new strategies or celebrating breakthroughs.
Resiliance
A timeless wine that tells a story of tradition meeting modern enjoyment—perfect for celebrating Liftoff’s unique approach
Full-bodied and well-structured, embodying timeless quality and reliability.
Tip: Perfect for toasts to long-term achievements and enduring success.
Celebrating Liftoff's focus on
Community
Representing the effervesces you feel throughout your journey with Liftoff
Named after one of the ancient Nine Kingdoms of Cyprus, known as Eddial, meaning “I saw the sun.”
Tip: Perfect for toasts to long-term achievements and enduring success.
UWC Commanders Dinner
The Theme
Commandaria: The Wine of Kings and the King of Wines
Commandaria, often celebrated as the “wine of kings and the king of wines,” is more than just a sweet dessert wine from Cyprus—it’s a storyteller, a historian, and a symbol of resilience and excellence. From medieval banquets to modern tables, Commandaria has been an ambassador of Cyprus’ rich winemaking heritage, much like UWC’s commitment to understanding, responsibility, compassion, and diversity.
The Stories
Join me on a journey through four captivating stories that showcase the fascinating history of Commandaria and discover how its legacy aligns with Liftoff’s mission to transform challenges into opportunities for success.
The First Wine Competition
How a miscommunication and the keen taste of an English priest led Cyprus Wine, the precursor to Commandaria, to win the first-ever wine competition in history, as immortalized by poet Henry d’Andeli.
The Royal Wedding of Richard and Berengaria
How Commandaria played a starring role in the royal wedding of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre in Cyprus, earning the title “wine of kings and king of wines.”
The Banquet of the Five Kings
A tale of diplomacy, excess, and unintended peace when five kings met at Vintners’ Hall, London, to discuss war but instead indulged in Cypriot wine and abandoned their crusading plans.
The Rematch at the Congress of Kraków
The sequel to the London banquet, where Casimir the Great of Poland hosted a legendary feast in Kraków, celebrating the enduring appeal of Commandaria and its role as a peacemaker.
Commandaria’s journey through history is a testament to the power of enduring quality and bold character—values that resonate deeply with Liftoff’s approach to crafting impactful, harmonious, and innovative marketing strategies. Much like this iconic wine, Liftoff continues to lead with resilience, creativity, and the courage to navigate complexity.
I hope you enjoy this blend of history and storytelling. Cheers to great wine and inspired innovation!
Meet Your Host
Find The Venue
Directions
