Grape Harvest Festival: Explore the Rich History of Cyprus Wine

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant traditions of Cyprus at the Grape Harvest Festival in Panagia, a picturesque village in the Pafos district. This festival is a tribute to the age-old agricultural practices of grape harvesting, where every step is filled with heritage and craftsmanship. Celebrating the annual grape harvest, this event showcases the dedication, patience, and hard work that go into cultivating Cyprus’ famous vineyards.

Celebrate the Grape Harvest in Panagia Village

The Grape Harvest Festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the grape-picking process first-hand in the mountainous village of Panagia, perched at 900 metres above sea level. The village celebrates the grape harvest later than most, as its high altitude and limited sunshine make the grapes ripen in October.

Highlights of the Grape Harvest Festival:

• Vineyard Walks: Take a scenic walk through the vineyards, accompanied by donkeys and live music. See the traditional methods of grape picking, where the delicate bunches are carefully collected.
• Hands-on Harvesting: Experience the hard labour of the grape harvest by gently placing the picked grapes into baskets hung from the donkeys.
• Traditional Breakfast: After a hard day’s work, enjoy a well-deserved “Mpoukkoma” – a traditional breakfast served to the harvesters, a local custom to celebrate the hard work.

Explore the Old-World Wine-Making Traditions

After harvesting the grapes, head to the village square where the real magic happens. The grapes are processed using an old-style winepress, and you can even step into the traditional winepress to feel the grapes beneath your feet and watch as the juice flows into barrels.

More Grape Harvest Festival Experiences:

• Traditional Grape-Based Treats: Watch demonstrations of how to make classic Cypriot sweets, such as:
  

  • Palouzes: A creamy dessert made from grape juice and flour.
  • Soutzioukkos: Long strings of almonds or walnuts dipped in palouzes.
  • Zivania: A strong pomace-based spirit.

• Local Products and Crafts: Taste and buy other grape-based products and witness handcrafters bring history to life by making traditional items.
• Wine Tasting: Sample local wines offered by Panagia’s skilled wine makers, and take a bottle home to remember the festival.
• Exhibitions and Entertainment: Enjoy a photo and rural items exhibition, go on donkey rides, and watch children’s activities. In the afternoon, don’t miss the traditional dances and music performances that bring the village square to life.

Event Details for the Grape Harvest Festival

• Location: Panagia Village, Village Square
• Date: 13- 14th September (approximate date for 2025: mid-September)
• Time: 11:00 – 17:00

Join us for the Grape Harvest Festival and discover the beauty and significance of grape harvesting in Cyprus. From picking grapes to enjoying traditional Cypriot food, wine, and music, the festival promises a truly memorable experience in the heart of the island’s wine-making culture!

Note: No registration required.