Get ready to embark on a fun-filled journey through one of our island’s coolest wine hotspots: Krasochoria Lemesou (Κρασοχώρια Λεμεσού)! This little gem holds the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) badge, making sure that every sip is packed with quality and tradition. And guess what? The Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment is on the case, ensuring that each bottle with the Krasochoria Lemesou PDO label complies with the highest standards, all the way from the vineyard to your glass!
Welcome to Krasochoria, perched high in the hills northwest of Limassol—sitting pretty between 600 and 1000 meters altitude. Imagine steep slopes, charming stone terraces, and soil that makes the vine work a little harder to shine! We’re talking about some quirky, limestone-rich earth, soaking up the sun, getting a cool mountain breeze, and just enough rain to keep it playful (about 653mm a year, to be spot on).
With hot, dry summers, our grapes take their dear sweet time ripening. Cool winters (especially over 800m) bring everything to a lovely balance. It’s classic Mediterranean fun with a wild twist—and you can taste the adventure in every glass!
Altitude: 600–1000m above sea level
Terrain: Semi-mountainous with limestone soils, steep slopes, and terraces
Climate: Mediterranean—hot, dry summers and cool mountain winters
Rainfall: 653mm average annually
Sunshine: 8.2 hours per day on average
Temperature: Year-round avg. 17.2°C (summers ~25°C, winters ~9°C)
This region is home to Cyprus’ native grape royalty—Dopio Mavro, Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and Ofthalmo. These aren’t just varieties; they’re storytellers. Every vineyard has its own voice.
You’ll also find small but proud plantings of Promara, Morokanella, Giannoudhi, and Vlouriko. And hey, the international grapes are here too—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. They bring some spice to the local charm.
🔸 Native & Traditional Varieties:
Dopio Mavro
Xynisteri
Maratheftiko
Ofthalmo
Promara
Morokanella
Giannoudhi
Vlouriko
Spourtiko
Canella
🔸 International Varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot Noir
Shiraz
Grenache
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon
Lefkada
Omio
Vertzami
Mataro
Riesling (Italian & Rhine)
Ever visited Omodos, Koilani, or Vouni? These aren’t just postcard villages. They’re the heartbeat of Krasochoria winemaking. Picture narrow cobbled streets, old wineries with big smiles, and stories that flow like wine at a village feast.
The PDO includes over 20 villages like Agios Amvrosios, Pachna, Trimiklini, Platres, and Foini—each with its own twist on tradition.
Agios Amvrosios
Agios Therapon
Arsos
Vasa
Vouni
Gerovasa
Dora
Kato Platres
Kissousa
Koilani
Kouka
Lofou
Malia
Mandria
Omodos
Pano Kyvides
Pano Platres
Pachna
Pera Pedi
Potamiou
Trimiklini
Trozena
Foini
What makes a wine “PDO Krasochoria Lemesou”? It’s more than just geography. There are rules—good ones!
Minimum alcohol: 12% for reds, 11% for whites and rosés.
Aging: Maratheftiko must rest in oak for 6 months. All reds age at least 6 months in bottle before release.
Old vines only: Minimum 5 years old, trained low or in rows.
Irrigation: Allowed, but only until 1 month before harvest.
Yields: Strictly limited to keep quality high.
✅ Minimum Alcohol Content
– 12% red / 11% white & rosé
✅ Aging Requirements
– Maratheftiko: 6 months oak
– All reds: 6 months in bottle
✅ Vine Age & Training
– Minimum 5 years old
– Low goblet or linear shape
– Irrigation only until 1 month before harvest
✅ Yield Limits
– Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon: 8,500 Kg/ha
– Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Lefkada: 6,000 Kg/ha
– Other whites: 10,000 Kg/ha
– Other reds: 7,500 Kg/ha
This is where it gets exciting.
White wines (like Xynisteri): Expect citrus, exotic fruit, a bit of lemony zing, and a long, smooth finish.
Reds (Maratheftiko or Dopio Mavro): Bold aromas, solid structure, rich body, spicy tannins—and age-worthy too.
It’s like Cyprus in a bottle: sunshine, stone, sea breeze, and soul.
If you’ve been to one of my tastings or food & wine stories, you know I love sharing the “why” behind what’s in the glass. Krasochoria Lemesou is one of those “why” regions. It’s not just about drinking wine—it’s about feeling the land, the culture, the stubborn vines on steep terraces, and the people who still do things the hard (and best) way.
Next time you’re in Cyprus, let’s raise a glass together—maybe even in one of these amazing villages.