The Declaration of International Yiannoudi Day

March 1st is now officially recognized as International Yiannoudi Day, marking a new milestone for Cypriot winemaking and the revival of its indigenous grape varieties. Yiannoudi, one of the rarest and most distinctive red treasures of Cyprus’ vineyards, now has its own global day—an opportunity to showcase its brilliance both locally and internationally.

The establishment of International Yiannoudi Day is the result of dedicated efforts by the Cyprus Wine Lovers Association, which, in collaboration with institutional bodies and wineries across the country, worked tirelessly to elevate and promote this exceptional grape variety. The official announcement was made on February 25th at a press conference held at the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) in Limassol.

The event gathered key stakeholders, including Mr. Andreas Grigoriou, Director-General of Agriculture and Rural Development, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, as well as members of local authorities and Cyprus’ vibrant wine industry.

Yiannoudi is a native Cypriot red grape variety, perfectly adapted to the island’s demanding soil and climate conditions. While it remained in obscurity for many years, a wave of passionate Cypriot winemakers has embraced and revived it, bringing it into the spotlight as a premium-quality red wine, capable of standing alongside some of the Mediterranean’s finest reds.

The variety is known for its rich aromas of red fruits, floral notes, and sweet spices. Its freshness, elegance, and aging potential make it an extraordinary choice for wine enthusiasts. However, cultivating Yiannoudi requires skill and patience, as its natural physiology results in low yields. To ensure proper fruit setting and consistent production, it is often co-planted with other varieties that bloom simultaneously.

The designation of March 1st as International Yiannoudi Day serves multiple purposes:

✅ Promoting the variety within Cyprus and internationally
✅ Strengthening Cypriot winemaking and supporting local producers
✅ Educating consumers and industry professionals about the uniqueness of Yiannoudi
✅ Enhancing wine tourism and appreciation for Cypriot viticulture

To honor this special day, wine tastings, masterclasses, and exclusive wine-pairing dinners are taking place across Cyprus, offering wine lovers the chance to experience Yiannoudi’s depth and character firsthand.