Cyprus has a long tradition in winemaking and viticulture. Scientists have claimed that Cypriots have were the first people to master the art thousands of years ago.
And thought the island is full of specialist winemaking regions, the Krasochoria villages have been doing it for so long that it has been embedded in their name, since Karsochoria litterally means wine villages.
Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains, the Karsochoria region has a deep-rooted winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years, with most of the wineries on the island based in the area.
The conditions for winemaking is outstanding; a dry climate combined with a unique geology result in first-rate wines, made mostly from the local grape varieties Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red), as well as some imported varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache and Syrah among a total of 23 different varieties.
A total of 20 charming, unspoilt villages comprise this route with 16 wineries between them. The villages are well worth visiting, not only for their wineries, but also their traditional architecture, cobblestoned narrow passages and delightful surroundings. They are also home to some of the best-known tavernas on the island.
This scenic route passes through: Limassol, Kolossi, Erimi (Cyprus Wine Museum), Kantou, Souni-Zanakia, Pano Kivides, Ayios Amvrosios, Lofou, Vouni, Koilani, Pera Pedi, Mandria, Kato Platres, Omodos, Vasa, Malia, Arsos, Pachna, Anogyra and Avdimou.