Cyprus winery preserving tradition

With several taverns and restaurants, Kathikas has two wineries on either side of the village. Sterna is just outside, the name referring to the old wells used by the people of Kathikas to gather water.

Founded in 1995 by the Chrysanthou family, the winery now covers 55 hectares and is committed to preserving tradition, evident in its architectural uniqueness – perched atop antique springs and surrounded by 31 ancient caves, one of which is still used for wine storage. The younger generation is now at the helm of the winery, represented by Menelaos and Yiotis.

They have continued the family business with a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence. They grow a diverse range of vines led by the indigenous white Xynisteri, Spourtiko, Morokanella and the red Maratheftiko to international favourites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon as well as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

2025 Sterna Winery Koralli, PGI Pafos, ABV 12%

The 2025 Koralli Xynisteri is a bright and refreshing wine with aromas of stone fruit, citrus, green apple, hints of white flower, pineapple and pear, fine herbs and honey, mineral notes. The medium-bodied palate offers abundant citrus flavours followed by a crisp, saline mineral finish. Pair with citrus and chevre salad, grilled chicken with rosemary and thyme or baked cod with light lemon and herb crust. €7.50

2024 Sterna Winery Kelaidonis Sémillon, PGI Pafos, ABV 14%

Sémillon is an underrated grape variety, originating from Bordeaux, and forms an excellent partnership with Sauvignon Blanc. The natural acidity and medium body of the Sémillon grape takes considerable pride in the vineyards of Kathikas. Light yellow in colour, this is a wine that shows lifted aromas of fresh citrus fruit, yellow apple balanced by aromatic perfume of citrus and white flowers. A complex wine where the palate is long and lively with great freshness along with the hallmark tangy acidity cleansing to the finish. Enjoy with pan-seared sea bass with crispy skin, a classic pasta with Pesto sauce or match with seafood and lighter white fleshed fish dishes, Mexican or Asian salads. €10.15

2025 Sterna Winery Cullinan, Sauvignon Blanc, PGI Pafos, ABV 13%

Bright and pale yellow in colour, the 2025 Cullinan Sauvignon Blanc aromatically draws one in with notes of freshly flowered citrus blossoms, sweet orange zest, pomelo and sun-kissed apricot, mango and green melon. Diving deeper into the wine, notes of fennel seed and wet stone create a unique and intriguing white wine. The palate begins generously with layers of stone fruit and mandarin orange, balanced by nervy lemon, and lime acidity. As the wine continues to unfold, notes of peach purée, summer melon and a sprinkling of white pepper fill out the body. Persistent and elegant, the flavours are perfectly wrapped into the texture, both charmingly smooth and bursting with energy. Excellent companion to green salads, clams, mussels, sushi, linguini alle Vongole or spicy chicken enchiladas. €14

2025 Sterna Winery Pertikosiahino, Assyrtiko, White varietal, ABV 13%

A youthful version of the famous Greek Cycladic variety. Moderate yellow green in colour with fresh citrus aromas, stone fruit in peach, pear and apricot with notes of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, small white flowers and chamomile. On the palate, a stylish and discreet sensation, medium body, long, mineral-like aftertaste with lasting acidity and a sense of salinity with grapefruit bitterness. A classic pairing for fresh seafood, this wine is also delightful on its own as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers. €16

2025 Sterna Winery, The Akamas Series Caretta Caretta, Spourtiko, PGI Pafos, ABV 11%

Spourtiko, a unique Cypriot grape variety, derives its name from the Greek word Spourto, meaning to explode or burst. It has a bright lemon yellow colour with aromas of yellow apple, tangerine, orange blossom and jasmine and Mediterranean shrubs, chamomile and honeysuckle with some vibrant tropical fruit developing. The fun but serious crispy palate has pronounced acidity and clings with texture, showing green apple, pomelo and bitter flavours at the aftertaste. It has the elegance to make an excellent aperitif or complement lighter-flavoured dishes like tahini pasta salad with crunchy veggies, buttered lemon couscous or spinach and feta stuffed chicken. €14  

2025 Sterna Winery Tulipa Akamasica Morokanella, PGI Pafos, ABV 11%

Pale gold in colour with a vibrant green hue, this Morokanella has an elegant bouquet of grilled white peaches, ginger, star anise and white pepper complemented by aromas of white flowers and lime zest, wild herbs and honey. Subtle notes of almond meal and a hint of tropical fruit add complexity. The palate is rich, precise, and refreshing with fine acidity. Enjoy with Moroccan style chicken tagine or slow cooked root vegetables. €16

2025 Sterna Winery Kelaidonis Rosé Shiraz, PGI Pafos, ABV 13%

A rosé with a red strawberry colour that opens with inviting notes of white florals and sweet spice which lead into juicy red fruit with strawberry and cherry dominating and pink grapefruit, white peach and jasmine on the palate with pronounced acidity. Fresh raspberry, spices, and a bracing salinity frame the finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with traditional Mediterranean foods, tapas, vegetables and grilled seafood. Also great with charcuterries and cured meat or caprese salad and fresh tomatoes. €10.50

2022 Sterna Winery Koralli, Red Blend, PGI Pafos, ABV 13%

A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark ruby red colour. The nose presents spices, red berries, plum and dark cherries. Opens with grinding tannins that are followed by raspberry and plum. Overall, the wine is medium bodied with scarcely perceptible acidity, medium aftertaste. Think burgers or eggplant in tomato sauce and grilled lamb. €7.50

2022 Sterna Winery Mayioktima, Red Blend, PGI Pafos, ABV 13.5%

Another blend, Merlot and Maratheftiko, this one with a medium-deep ruby colour. Spice meets stewed prunes, blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum in the initial aromas. On the palate, deeper blackberry fruit gets a delicious lift from the pleasant acidity. Moderate, fine-grained tannins, long finish. A versatile, flavourful and tasty red that would be terrific with a charcuterie board, mushroom risotto or pizza, Asian-influenced pork chops or seared duck breast. €11

Sterna Winery, Kathikas Village, 8573 Paphos, Cyprus. Tel: (+357) 99 170699 or (+357) 97 690231, contact@sterna-winery.com