Finding authentic Cypriot wine in the UK has become easier as these Mediterranean treasures gain popularity among British wine enthusiasts. Specialty importers, online retailers, and even some supermarkets now stock a variety of wines from Cyprus, ranging from the ancient sweet Commandaria to crisp whites made from indigenous grapes like Xynisteri.
Key Takeaways
- Specialty wine merchants like Amathus Drinks and Wines From Cyprus offer the most comprehensive selection
- Online retailers such as DrinkSupermarket provide budget-friendly options starting around £8
- The historic Commandaria wine is available through multiple UK retailers
- Indigenous grape varieties like Xynisteri and Maratheftiko are increasingly available
- Some UK supermarkets have begun stocking award-winning Cypriot wines
Major Retailers and Online Platforms
Dedicated wine merchants offer the best selection of Cypriot wines in the UK. Amathus Drinks stands out with an impressive range of premium Cypriot bottles, including Tsiakkas Commandaria (£47.50 for 50cl) and Tsiakkas Xynisteri (£19.00 for 75cl). Their collection highlights both traditional and modern expressions of
Cypriot wine brands with prices ranging from £17.50 to £39.00 for premium bottles.
Strictly Wine features Greek and Cypriot selections, including the citrus-forward Petritis Kyperoundas Xynisteri (£15.19). Their focus on
small producers provides access to unique wines typically priced between £15 and £17. For more budget-conscious shoppers, DrinkSupermarket offers KEO Othello Mavro Ofthalmo at just £8.27 per bottle when purchasing six, making it an excellent entry point into Cypriot wines.
Specialty Wine Merchants and Importers
For the most
authentic Cypriot wine experience, specialty importers provide access to rare finds. Wines From Cyprus, based in Derbyshire, works directly with vineyards like Kolios and Vouni Panayia to source award-winning bottles. Their collection includes distinctive offerings such as Kolios Persefoni Xynisteri and Alina Medium Dry.
London-based Aspris & Son imports
over 50 different Cypriot wines, including Zambartas Winery Lefkada and Tsiakkas Vamvakada (£26.50). They offer same-day delivery in North London and nationwide shipping, catering to both casual drinkers and serious collectors looking for premium Cypriot bottles.
Supermarkets and General Retailers
Several UK supermarkets now stock
select Cypriot labels. The Co-operative’s wine section includes options like Sodap Stroumpeli Chardonnay and Ayia Mavri Mosxatos, with gold medal-winning vintages retailing for £15–£20. Their careful curation ensures quality across their limited but notable range.
Alpha Mega’s UK branches offer niche wines such as
Kolios Status 99 and Zambartas Lefkada. They frequently run promotions, particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making them a cost-effective option for exploring Cypriot wines without a significant investment.
Key Cypriot Wine Varieties
Commandaria wine, often described as the
world’s oldest named wine, is widely available through UK retailers. This historic dessert wine made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes offers complex flavors of caramelized honey and nuts, making it perfect for pairing with blue cheese or desserts.
Xynisteri produces crisp whites characterized by
bright citrus and mineral notes. Bottles like Tsiakkas Xynisteri (£19.00) and Kyperoundas Petritis (£15.19) showcase this indigenous grape’s versatility. For red wine enthusiasts, Maratheftiko bottles such as Aes Ambelis Maratheftiko deliver bold tannins and dark fruit profiles, available through specialty importers.
Proper Storage for Your Cypriot Wine
Once you’ve purchased Cypriot wine,
proper storage is essential to maintain its quality. Most Cypriot whites should be consumed within 1-3 years of purchase, while reds can develop further complexity with 3-5 years of
proper wine storage. Commandaria, with its high sugar content, can age beautifully for decades when kept in ideal conditions.
Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature (ideally 12-14°C). White varieties like Xynisteri benefit from
refrigeration before serving, while reds like Maratheftiko show their best qualities when served slightly below room temperature at around 16-18°C.
Pricing and Value Considerations
Cypriot wines in the UK span a
wide price range, starting at around £8 for entry-level options and reaching £50+ for aged Commandaria. Mid-range options between £15-25 often deliver exceptional value, particularly from producers like Tsiakkas, Kyperounda, and Zambartas.
The UK market has seen growing interest in indigenous Cypriot varieties, driven by their unique character and recognition in international competitions. Award-winning bottles like Vlassides Winery Private Selection and Sodap Saint Barnabas Commandaria have helped elevate Cyprus’s reputation among
discerning wine enthusiasts.
Sources
Amathus Drinks – Cyprus Wine
Strictly Wine – White Greek
Wine Origins – Cypriot Wine
Drink Supermarket – KEO Othello Mavro Ofthalmo
Wines of Cyprus
Aspris & Co – About Us 
