UNESCO Recognizes Cyprus’ Legendary Commandaria Wine Tradition

NICOSIA – The Republic of Cyprus proudly announces that Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest named wines, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was adopted on 10 December 2025 by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its 20th session held in New Delhi, India.

Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou declared: “Today marks a milestone for Cyprus and its cultural identity. Commandaria is not simply a wine — it embodies the soul, history, and resilience of our island. This international recognition honours the centuries-old tradition and the unwavering dedication of the vine-growers and winemakers of the 14 Commandaria villages.”

Dr Kassianidou added: “Small in size but immense in spirit, Cyprus continues to offer the world priceless treasures. Commandaria now stands as a global symbol of authenticity, cultural continuity, and human perseverance.”

The successful nomination dossier was coordinated by Dr Angel Nicolaou-Konnari (academic) and Dr Antigoni Polyniki (Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO), in close cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, the 14 Commandaria-region communities, vine-growers, winemakers, and other stakeholders.

With this inscription, Cyprus now has seven elements on UNESCO’s prestigious Representative List:

• Lefkaritika lace embroidery (2009)
• Tsiattista poetic duelling (2011)
• Mediterranean diet (2013, multinational)
• Art of dry stone walling (2018, multinational)
• Byzantine chant (2019, shared with Greece)
• Art of midwifery (2023, multinational)
• Commandaria wine tradition (2025)

The inscription is expected to further enhance the global visibility and protection of Commandaria while encouraging younger generations to preserve this living heritage.

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