Inspired by the fact that Cyprus is one of the first wine producing countries and with the advantage of owning a traditional Cypriot building that has been in my family for generations, instigated the creation of The Cyprus Wine Museum as tribute to this integral part of the history of the island.
The Cyprus Wine Museum was inaugurated on the 16th of November 2004 by the late President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos. It started operation in November 2004, after 6 years of hard work in restoring, expanding and decorating the 150 year old stone building. Originally the building was an inn, where the wine merchants from the wine villages of Lemesos and Pafos used to meet, and overnight on their way to Lemesos main market. It is therefore quite certain that wine was enjoyed in quantities in the building over the last 100 years.
Erimi village, with its 5500 years history of wine making, is at the crossroads of the wine routes of Cyprus, on the old road between Limassol-Paphos and a few minutes away from the archaeological sites of Curium and the Apollo Hylates Sanctuary and in close proximity to the prehistoric settlement of Sotira, where the oldest remains of grape seeds have been found. It is also near to Kollosi (Kolossi or Kolosi) Castle, a medieval Commanderie of The Hospitaller Knights, Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Malta and Rhodes, that give the name to the Commandaria Wine first produced by them, gives to Cyprus Wine Museum its perfect location.
During the renovation period we had no way of knowing the significance of the site we had chosen for Cyprus’ only wine museum. After we opened evidence came to light that Erimi, the village where we stand, is the starting point of the cultivation of grapes and production of wine in Europe.
The Cyprus Wine Museum, using traditional and contemporary methods presents a journey through centuries of Cyprus wine History. Ancient jars and vases (on loan from the Cyprus Museum), medieval drinking vessels(on loan from the Pierides Museum of the Laiki Group), the private collection of Anastasia Guy, old documents and instruments illustrate how wine was produced, stored and enjoyed in the past. Photographic backdrops and audiovisual equipment bring all aspects of wine making to life, from cultivation to production, all on a journey through the centuries of wine appreciation!
The wine museum complements the general policies of the tourism sector of Cyprus and will continuously support the development of our culture through the various activities that will take place.
Anastasia Guy
Founder-Director of The Cyprus Wine Museum
Tags: Anastasia Guy, and of Malta, Commandaria, Cyprus Wine Museum, Erimi, Kolossi castle, La Grande Commanderie de Chypre, of Rhodes, Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem
Picture Gallery
