Commandaria, a traditional wine from Cyprus, is now on a special UNESCO list. This list is for important cultural practices around the world. The announcement happened on December 10, 2025, in New Delhi, India. Now, this old wine is known globally.
The Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO worked hard for this. Academics like Dr. Angela Nicolaou-Konnari helped a lot. They also worked with people in fourteen villages. This showed that Commandaria is a living tradition for Cyprus. It is part of the island's culture.
Commandaria is a very old wine. It has been made since 800 BC. It got its name in the 12th century from the Knights Templar. The grapes are dried in the sun. This makes them very sweet. Then, the wine is aged for at least two years in wooden barrels. It becomes a sweet, amber-colored wine.
The Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, said this is a big honor. She said it is more than just about food and drink. It is about recognizing a long tradition. The President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO agreed. She said it celebrates a symbol of Cyprus. It shows the island's identity.
This award will help younger people learn about making Commandaria. It will also help the villages work together. It will encourage tourists to visit and learn about the wine's history. People will want to experience the culture.
Commandaria is now seen as more than just a product. It is a part of Cyprus's history. It shows how people can work with nature. This ancient wine is now part of world heritage.