Paphos: Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings

Discovering Cyprus’s Winemaking Treasures: A Paphos Wineries Tour

If you’re visiting Paphos and appreciate a good glass of wine, this 4-hour tour offers a balanced blend of scenic countryside, authentic local wineries, and engaging stories of Cyprus’s long-standing winemaking traditions. The tour whisks you through two family-owned wineries, Sterna Winery in Kathikas and Mastro’s in Amargeti. You’ll get to taste a variety of local wines and learn how Cypriot vintners keep centuries-old techniques alive today.

What makes this experience particularly enjoyable is the personal touch—small group sizes (limited to six participants) mean you’re not just another face in the crowd. The friendly guides and welcoming winemakers make it feel like a visit to friends’ homes rather than a commercial hop. Plus, the scenic drives through rolling hills and charming villages are a welcome break from crowded tourist spots.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t perfect—some reviews mention variability in winery visits and a lack of detailed explanations at certain stops. If you’re expecting a highly structured itinerary, be prepared for some flexibility. This tour suits travelers who love authentic experiences, are curious about local traditions, and enjoy relaxed visits with opportunities to purchase wines and local products.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit family-owned wineries and meet passionate vintners.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Cyprus’s centuries-old winemaking history and indigenous grape varieties.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy picturesque views of the Paphos district and charming villages.
• Taste Variety: Sample different reds, whites, and rosés at each location.
• Small-Group Feel: Limited to six people, providing a more personal experience.
• Opportunity to Purchase: Buy wines and traditional products directly from producers.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with hotel pickup from a wide selection of locations across Paphos, including popular hotels and resorts. You’ll want to arrive 10 minutes early to meet your guide and board the air-conditioned vehicle with a small group—this keeps the experience intimate and relaxed. The pickup points are convenient, though not necessarily at your hotel door, so plan accordingly.

Your driver and guide will be the same person for the duration, responsible for both navigation and storytelling. As noted in reviews, some travelers found the driver to be more focused on driving than guiding, but the overall vibe remains friendly and informal. The total duration is around 4 hours, with a mix of driving, tasting, and sightseeing—so pace yourself.

Visiting Sterna Winery in Kathikas

Your first stop is Sterna Winery, a family-run estate located in the heart of Kathikas. Here, you’ll experience a guided tour of the winery, where you’ll see how wine is made on this small Mediterranean island. The owner is known for her genuine hospitality, and you’ll be welcomed into a relaxed environment. The tasting at Sterna is memorable—though some felt the wine selection was limited to three varieties—the quality was appreciated, and the food pairing was a highlight, with local tavern-style dishes accompanying the wines.

One traveler described this stop as “amazing”, emphasizing the brilliant guide who shared lots of information about the wines and the estate’s history. It’s a good first taste of Cyprus’s winemaking, with friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere.

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Exploring Amargeti Village

Next, the tour takes you to Amargeti, a peaceful village surrounded by lush hills and greenery. This stretch of the journey offers stunning views, making it a perfect photo op. Amargeti itself has a cultural heritage, with historic churches and a folklore museum—though the focus here is on the local winery.

Mastros Winery and Traditional Tastes

The highlight of the tour is Mastro’s, a family-owned operation that prides itself on traditional methods and artisanal production. Here, you’ll get more than just wine—the estate also produces carob syrup, olive oil, and vinegar. The visit typically includes a guided tour, a tasting session, and often a workshop or shopping opportunity.

This stop is more relaxed and allows you to sample a broad range of products, gaining insight into Cypriot craftsmanship. One review described it as “more than a tasting”, emphasizing the story of heritage and pride behind each product. The lunch break is often included here, with time to enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

Final Stops and Drop-off

After Mastros, the tour winds down with a short drive back to your starting point. The total time spent at the wineries is enough to savor the wines without feeling rushed, but keep in mind some reviews mention variability—at times, winery visits might be shorter or less informative, depending on the day.

Transportation and Group Size

The use of a fully insured, air-conditioned vehicle makes for comfortable travel, especially given Cyprus’s warm climate. The small group size (max six participants) ensures a more personalized experience, and you won’t be lost in a crowd. This intimacy allows for easier interaction and tailored attention from your guide.

Cost and Value

At a reasonable price for a half-day experience, this tour offers good value, especially considering the personalized visits and quality tastings. While it doesn’t include a full meal or extensive wine production education, the opportunity to buy directly from the producers adds a nice touch. For wine enthusiasts or those curious about local traditions, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Authenticity and Cultural Connection

What sets this tour apart from generic wine tastings is the focus on family wineries and local products. You’re not just sampling wines; you’re learning about the people behind the bottles, their history, and the indigenous grape varieties that make Cypriot wines unique.

Several reviews highlight the genuineness of the experience—“The owner was very genuine in her apology” after a less-than-perfect stop, indicating that the tour operator values customer satisfaction and authentic engagement.

Potential Drawbacks

While most travelers enjoy the tour, some mention variable winery experiences, including short visits or limited information at certain stops. One reviewer noted that a winery was shut unexpectedly, and the group was driven around without detailed explanations. This variability can be frustrating if you’re expecting a highly educational experience.

Plus, some found the timing a bit off, with early pickups and shorter-than-expected visits. If you’re a wine connoisseur or seeking a comprehensive tour, this might feel a bit light, but for most, the charm lies in relaxing, authentic encounters.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers who want a taste of local culture without long, structured tours. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate small groups, personalized service, and cultural authenticity. If you’re interested in buying wines and products directly from producers, this tour offers that chance in a relaxed setting.

However, if you prefer more detailed explanations or more extensive visits, you might find this tour a little too casual. It’s also not ideal for families with young children or those in wheelchairs, given the walking and uneven village paths.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic introduction to Cyprus’s winemaking scene, this small-group tour hits the right notes. The friendly guides, family-run wineries, and delicious tasting opportunities make it a memorable way to connect with the local culture.

While it’s not a comprehensive wine education—some stops may be brief or variable—the charm of meeting passionate vintners and sampling indigenous wines makes this a worthwhile experience. The scenic countryside and village visits add a layer of local flavor that larger, more commercial tours often miss.

Overall, if you love authentic experiences, enjoy relaxed visits, and want a taste of Cyprus’s wine heritage, this tour offers genuine value and delightful moments.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, winery visits, and tasting.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, fully insured vehicle, guided visits, wine tastings, and time for lunch at one of the stops.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to purchase wines and traditional products directly from the wineries.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as it involves wine tasting and alcohol consumption.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking around wineries and villages. Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water.

What if a winery is closed or the schedule changes?
Some reviews mention variability in winery visits—if a winery is unexpectedly closed, the guide may try to substitute or shorten the visit. The experience is flexible but might be less detailed than anticipated.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking around villages and wineries, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Enjoy your journey through Cyprus’s wine country—where tradition, scenery, and good company make every sip worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here: