You are invited to:
UWC Commanders on the Journey of Culture
at O' Vrakas Tavern, in Pissouri
QUICK GUIDE
Here's the thing
UWC Commanders on the Journey of Culture
The UWC Commanders Dinner 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 mission.
An 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.
- 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
– 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!
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
At the heart of Cypriot hospitality lies the tradition of meze—a vibrant array of small dishes that embody sharing and community. Similar to the ethos of the United World College movement, the meze experience celebrates collaboration, where diverse flavors come together for an inclusive dining journey.
Our menu showcases the Cypriot tradition of hospitality. From enticing dips and fresh salads to grilled halloumi, Kolokasi, and char-grilled octopus, each dish is meant to be shared. This family-style dining encourages guest interaction, fostering togetherness and cultural exchange.
Have a Look at The Menu
To start with:
– Pissouri Village salad
– Homemade spreads and pitta bread
Appetizers:
– Cauliflower with tahini and dry coriander
– Fried Courgette patties
– Pissouri Halloumi with caramelized figs and pomegranate syrup
– Stuffed mushrooms
Main Dishes:
– Casserole Kolokasi
– Grilled Octopus
– Chicken Tavas
– Lamb Shank
– Roast potatoes
Dessert:
– Orange sponge cake
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.
Discover The wines
Cypriot wines remind us of the power of connection—to history, tradition, and the land. Just as UWC inspires global unity, these wines blend innovation and heritage to create something truly extraordinary.
Responsibility and Integrity
Reflecting UWC’s innovation and fresh perspective
A bold yet harmonious blend, reflecting a deep connection to tradition and community.
Tip: Best enjoyed as an aperitif with light seafood dishes or tropical-inspired meals.
Celebration of Difference
Representing UWC’s creativity and balance
Akti (“shore” in Greek) symbolizes the meeting point of sea and land. This rosé celebrates diversity and balance, much like UWC’s embrace of unique identities.
Tip: Perfect for beachside gatherings or celebrating meaningful connections.
Compassion and Service
Embodying the strength and depth UWC brings to its partnerships
By championing the humble Mavro grape, this light red demonstrates dedication to preserving traditions and supporting local communities.
Tip: Best enjoyed while brainstorming bold new strategies or celebrating breakthroughs.
Respect for the Environment
A timeless wine that tells a story of tradition meeting modern enjoyment
This bold red thrives with sustainable farming, embodying the value of environmental stewardship and respect for nature.
Tip: Perfect for toasts to long-term achievements and enduring success.
International and Intercultural Understanding
Promoting unity through diversity.
Commandaria [Command-Area], named after “Le Grand Commanderie de Chypre“, the world’s oldest wine, connects Cyprus to global history. Made from sun-dried grapes, it exemplifies unity through diversity and cultural appreciation.
Tip: Ideal for toasts to long-term achievements and lasting 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,
Cypriot wines remind us of the power of connection—to history, tradition, and the land. Just as UWC inspires global unity, these wines blend innovation and heritage to create something truly extraordinary.
The Stories
Let me take you on a journey through four captivating stories that showcase the fascinating history of Commandaria and discover how its legacy aligns with United World Colleges’ mission to transform challenges into opportunities …
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.
I hope you enjoy this blend of history and storytelling. Cheers to great wine and inspired innovation!
Meet Your Host
Find The Venue
Directions
