Commandaria wine has officially joined the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a significant achievement for Cyprus and its 14 associated villages. The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage made this announcement on 10 December 2025 during their session in New Delhi, which is scheduled from 8 to 13 December.
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Significance for Cyprus and Local Communities
This recognition is not merely a ceremonial accolade; it embodies the hard work and dedication of vine growers, winemakers, and various stakeholders from the Commandaria region. Dr Angel Nicolaou Konnari and Dr Antigone Polyniki, both representatives of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, played crucial roles in preparing the candidacy file, collaborating closely with the Agriculture Ministry and local communities.
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Celebrating Tradition and Cultural Identity
Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou hailed the inscription as a form of international recognition that goes beyond the culinary realm. She articulated that it vindicates a long-standing tradition rooted in the dedication of the vine growers from the Commandaria villages. “It is a testament to the unbroken continuity of a cultural heritage spanning millennia,” she stated.
Kassianidou emphasised the historical significance of Commandaria, describing it as “one of the oldest wines in the world.” She remarked that the wine emerges as an international standard of authenticity, cultural continuity, and human perseverance. This recognition not only seals the global value of the Cypriot vineyard but also opens up new avenues for development.
Commitment to Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Culture Ministry actively supports stakeholders involved in living traditions across Cyprus to ensure that intangible cultural heritage remains a recognisable facet of the nation’s cultural identity. Kassianidou noted that the goal is to readjust and transmit these traditions from one generation to the next.
Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou, president of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, described the recognition as a tribute to “a living cultural symbol of Cyprus.” She noted that Commandaria reflects the historical memory, knowledge, and creativity that have been passed down through generations.
Understanding Commandaria Wine
Commandaria is distinguished as an amber-coloured sweet dessert wine produced from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, which flourish in the Troodos mountain foothills. Its origins date back to 800 BC, making it the world’s oldest named wine still in production. The name Commandaria is believed to have emerged during the 12th-century Crusades.
The production process involves sun-drying the grapes for up to ten days to concentrate their sugars before fermentation. Additionally, the wine must be aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. This meticulous process is restricted to the 14 designated villages in the region, ensuring that the quality and tradition of Commandaria are preserved.
The Role of Commandaria in Cypriot Culture
Solomidou Ieronymidou further explained that Commandaria is more than just a local product; it serves as a carrier of identity and collective memory, intricately linked to the people and their customs. The UNESCO inscription highlights its importance for humanity as well as reinforcing Cyprus’s initiatives for the protection and sustainable management of its intangible cultural heritage.
Dr Konnari, who represented the Culture Ministry at the UNESCO session, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the inscription. She stated that it would undoubtedly strengthen efforts to promote Commandaria and inspire younger generations to continue the traditions of vine growing and winemaking. “This will encourage communities to unite their forces for the further safeguarding and promotion of living cultural traditions in Cyprus,” she added.
A Broader Context of Intangible Heritage
The concept of intangible cultural heritage encompasses a wide range of traditions, including dance, theatre, music, oral expression, and crafts. As of now, 183 countries have signed onto UNESCO’s convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, thereby committing to various responsibilities, including the creation of national inventories.
With the addition of Commandaria, Cyprus now boasts seven elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Other recognised elements include Lefkaritiko embroidery (2009), Tsiattista (2011), the Mediterranean Diet (2013), the art of dry stone walling (2018), Byzantine chant (2019), and midwifery (2023). Notably, the Tocatì International Festival and Traditional Games of Cyprus were included on the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices in 2022.
Looking Ahead
The inscription of Commandaria wine as part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage represents a significant milestone for Cyprus, not only in terms of cultural preservation but also as a means of fostering community engagement and economic development. As Cyprus continues to celebrate its rich heritage, the hope is that the recognition will inspire a renewed commitment to safeguarding and promoting the traditions that define its unique identity.
