Ezousa Winery

Ezousa Winery sits at around 800 metres in the village of Polemi in the western Troodos, in the heart of the Pafos wine region. Founded in 2003 and run by the Konstantinou family, it is one of the smaller and more single-mindedly indigenous-focused wineries on the island — every wine is made from native Cypriot varieties (Xynisteri, Mavro, Maratheftiko, Promara, Yiannoudi), with no international grapes in the line. The winery is named after the Ezousa river that runs through the western Pafos Forest.

The vineyards are planted on volcanic-amphibolite soils at altitude, and the house style is restrained, traditional, with careful attention to the character of the indigenous grapes rather than international gloss. The Xynisteri is the calling card — vineyard-selected, partly barrel-aged, with the citrus and stone-fruit weight that altitude permits. The Maratheftiko is structured and ageworthy. The Promara — the rescued near-extinct white grape — is one of the most authentic versions on the island.

Tastings are conducted in the small cellar tasting room, with a 5-7 wine flight and an optional accompanying plate of olives, halloumi and bread. The Konstantinou family typically conducts the tastings themselves, which gives the visit an unusually personal quality.

Insider tips. Booking essential — the winery is small. Tasting fees are around 8-12 EUR, deducted from purchases. Ask specifically for the Promara if available — it is one of Cyprus' most distinctive whites. The estate's Commandaria is a serious version, drier than the village co-op style. Designated driver essential.

Combinations. Pair with Vouni Panayia Winery (15 minutes — same village area), with Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery (10 minutes — the monks' own winery alongside), with the Cedar Valley (40 minutes east), or with a Pafos coast day from Paphos. A complete western Troodos wine day.

Bring. A designated driver, cash for direct purchases, a jacket for the cellar, an appetite. When. April-October. Harvest in late August into September is the most active time. Ezousa is the small, sincere, indigenous-focused estate that proves Cyprus' native grapes deserve their own showcase — and the Konstantinou family does the showcasing themselves.