
Corporate Events > Discovering Cyprus Wine Evolution
Welcome to an evening dedicated to the soul of Cyprus: its extraordinary wines. From ancient vines rooted in millennia of tradition to the innovative spirit of modern winemakers, Cyprus offers a viticultural story unlike any other. Tonight, we invite you to explore this fascinating evolution, one exquisite sip and perfectly paired dish at a time.
A private message to you from our producers
Discover unique indigenous grapes and the dedication of celebrated island wineries.
Savor authentic Cypriot flavors paired expertly to enhance each wine's character.
Connect and unwind in the charming ambiance of a traditional village taverna.
To truly discover the evolution of Cypriot wine, we embark on a parallel culinary journey. Our chefs at Kellaki Taverna have crafted a traditional Cypriot menu, with each course thoughtfully designed to complement the unique characteristics of our featured wines.
18:15: Welcome Reception: A Sparkling Introduction
Wine: Eddial, Vlassides (Sparkling)
Your vibrant welcome to the evening, setting a celebratory tone.
Upon seating, guests will find the salads and cold starters already on the table, inviting immediate enjoyment. The first white wine will be served shortly after guests are settled.
Wine: Aerides, Makarounas
The refreshing crispness of this wine is the perfect companion to our initial cold mezze.
As each wine is presented, it will be paired with carefully selected dishes to enhance its characteristics. The storytelling will be woven throughout the meal, creating a memorable journey through the wines of Cyprus.
Wine: Alates, Vlassides (Xinisteri)
A versatile white, complementing the richness of grilled halloumi and sausage, and offering a delightful balance to the creamy cashew sauce.
Wine: Exelixis, Tsiakkas (White blend)
An innovative Cypriot white, specifically chosen to enhance the delicate flavors of our exquisite seafood selection.
The transition to red wines marks the arrival of the heartier main courses.
Wine: Oroman, Vlassides (Red Blend)
A beautifully balanced red, perfect for our succulent grilled chicken and the tender Lamb Souvla.
Wine: Vamvakada, Tsiakkas (Maratheftiko)
A robust and authentic red, ideally matched with the rich Ribeye steak and the deeply flavorful Kleftiko. It’s structure and complexity make it an exceptional pairing for the game meat.
Paired with: Commandaria, Tsiakkas (Xinisteri)
Conclude your journey with the legendary Commandaria, the world’s oldest named wine. Its rich, sweet notes provide a delightful counterpoint to the Lemonopita, offering a truly historic and delicious finale.
* Palate Training: Guests will explore how each wine complements the food and discuss the unique characteristics of the wines as they’re served.
** Pairing Tips: Insights into pairing these wines with various foods will tie the experience back to Liftoff’s focus on creating impactful and harmonious campaigns.
*** Fun Wine Challenges: Lighthearted activities, adding excitement and engagement to the evening.
– 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!
We have curated a collection of exceptional Cypriot wines, each reflecting the island’s unique viticultural heritage. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, these bottles tell the story of Cyprus wine evolution.
Sparkling (reception) Wine:
1. Eddial, Vlassides
White Wines:
2. Aeries, Macarounas
3. Alates, Vlassides
4. Exelixis, Tsiakkas
Red Wines:
5. Oroman, Vlassides
6. Vamvakada, Tsiakkas
Dessert Wine:
7. Commandaria, Tsiakkas
Named after one of the ancient Nine Kingdoms of Cyprus, known as Eddial, meaning “I saw the sun.”
This sparkling wine embodies the modern renaissance of Cypriot winemaking, showcasing a sophisticated approach to “method traditionel”. Its crisp freshness and delicate bubbles offer a bright, contemporary welcome, reflecting the exciting new directions winemakers are taking on the island.
Tip: Perfect for toasts to long-term achievements and enduring success.
The name Aerides means ‘winds’ in Cypriot, referring to the cool breezes from Troodos peaks that help the grapes relax after a hot day, enhancing the wine’s character.
This Makarounas creation showcases the refined elegance of Cypriot whites, with bright citrus and stone fruit notes, and a crisp finish, reflecting the care and techniques raising indigenous varieties to international acclaim.
In Cypriot, Alates means ‘wings,’ and this wine truly embodies that vision. Produced solely from old vines of Xinisteri, the dominant local white grape variety, Alates is Vlassides’ way of giving wings to the aspiration of introducing a fine, representative Cypriot white wine to the world.
It showcases a wonderful balance of richness and vibrant acidity, often with subtle mineral undertones, expertly crafting a wine that expresses the island’s unique geographical signature while aiming for global recognition.
The name Exelixis means ‘evolution’ – a movement towards a higher state. This wine narrates Cyprus’s viticultural journey. Until the 1980s, Cypriot winemakers focused on indigenous grape varieties, before introducing ‘alien’ varieties like Chardonnay. In the 2000s, there was a shift back to native grapes due to market demand and a rediscovery of heritage.
When Exelixis launched five years ago, it included mostly international varieties. Each vintage showcases a new chapter: the incorporation of native Cypriot grapes is increasing. This reflects the wine-making culture of Cyprus, evolving from international trends to celebrating its indigenous heritage. It’s a wine of ongoing progress.
The name Oroman means ‘vision’ in Greek, reflecting the innovative spirit behind this wine. The current vintage features 5% Syrah and 95% Yiannoudi, our local red grape. Oroman aims to evolve into 100% Yiannoudi, highlighting indigenous grapes.
This vision is grounded in Vlassides’ young vineyards, planted in 2013, showcasing their unique terroir. Oroman celebrates the land and its roots, emphasizing Cyprus’s native viticultural heritage.
Vamvakada refers to the indigenous grape variety Maratheftiko, primarily grown in high-altitude vineyards. Historically undervalued and considered ‘difficult’ to cultivate, it was neglected due to low yields of secondary products like raisins.
A turning point came in the late 1990s when Maratheftiko was replanted, initially for blending purposes. Today, Tsiakkas highlights its true potential, showcasing the resilience of Cyprus’s native varieties and the quality that can emerge from dedicated cultivation.
Salad Dakos
Traditional Village Salad (V)
Dips
Lemon / Marinated Green Olives
Cold Meat Platters
Cold Cheese Platters
Peppers with Feta
Mixed Halloumi (Boiled & Grilled)
Traditional Cyprus Sausage
Broccoli Baked with Cashew Sauce (V)
Seafood:
Grilled Calamari
Grilled Octopus
King Prawns
Grilled Trout with Sauce
Grilled Boneless Chicken Legs
Grilled Lamb Souvla
Ribeye Beef Steak
Kleftiko with Potatoes
Side Dishes
Baked Baby Potatoes (V)
Grilled Vegetables (V)
Mushrooms with Hummus (V)
Hunting Menu
Venison with Berry Sauce
Dessert
Lemonopita
Our culinary journey tonight is expertly crafted to complement the nuances of each wine. Prepare to indulge in a selection of authentic Cypriot dishes, prepared with passion and featuring the freshest local ingredients. From vibrant salads and traditional dips to succulent grilled meats and exquisite seafood, each course is designed to enhance your appreciation of Cyprus’s rich gastronomic landscape.