Farmakas Wine Region Guide

Farmakas is a small village that produces wine and is also a popular destination for nature trails. One can immerse themselves in Cypriot culture while on an agrotourism vacation. The views in the Farmakas are breathtaking, with surrounding communities and rivers flowing through the area. In addition, the village is one of the most picturesque in the Mediterranean. Hiking, vineyard visits, historical sightings, cycling, cultural interaction, and safari tours are among the additional activities available in the region. Explore the Mediterranean mountain community and its culture while sipping a high-quality Farmakas wine.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Farmakas!

Where is the Farmakas wine region?

The Farmakas wine region is located in the Nicosia district, approximately 5 kilometers east of Palaichori and around 40 kilometers from Nicosia town. Farmakas wine area is delimited to the north by Gourri and to the south by Odou. Farmakas wines can be found on the wine trail from Skarinou or Lefkosia. The region is situated between 600 and 900 meters above sea level. The region is largely rural and mountainous. The Larnaka-Lefkosia wine path spans ten villages and includes three wineries, a small museum, and a workshop where you may sample Farmakas wines. Farmakas village, enveloped in the majestic and rocky mountain range, is one of Cyprus's must-see destinations.

History of the Farmakas wine region

According to folklore, the village got its name from the first inhabitant who resided in the area and collected medical herbs. The area was formerly famed for its different herbs, which were largely used by monks to make medicine. Another myth goes that the village's name came from the term "farmatziin," which refers to extreme cold during the winter months. A region is an excellent place for exploring rural Cyprus and its hilly environment while remaining close to big cities.

The terroir and geography of the Farmakas wine region

The Farmakas wine region enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean environment with very little humidity. The geology of this location is interesting because it contains a mix of limestone and ophiolite rocks that formed on the sea floor. The area's elevation ranges from 1000 to 1400 meters above sea level. The majority of the vineyards are located outside of the traditional winemaking zone. Vineyards can be found at an elevation of 1350 meters, with 150-year-old grapes planted deep into the slopes of Pisilia mountain. Farmakas is also Cyprus's 10th highest settlement, located dangerously on the rocky slopes. The soil here is mineral-rich, allowing grapes to develop a distinct character and complexity.

Popular grape varieties from the Farmakas wine region

The Farmakas wine region is one of the oldest regions in Cyprus to plant vines. The major grape variety in the region is the local Mavro Ampelisimo. The region still produces grapes from 150-year-old vines on the slope of Pisilia. The Farmakas produces various styles of wines from delicious rose, and robust red to dry whites. Other grape varieties grown in the area are as follows:

White varieties: Assyrtiko, Malvasia Aromatica, Chardonnay, Xynisteri, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Red varieties: Maratheftiko, Cabernet, and Merlot.

Food to pair with Farmakas wine 

Foie Gras

In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which was discovered by the ancient Egyptians. The foie gras is available whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It can be found in terrines, pan-seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. Crisp Farmakas wines with mineral notes complement the creamy foie gras. When foie gras arrived in Gaul, it quickly became a delicacy for rulers and noblemen. It has since come to represent culinary talent, culture, and sophistication in French cuisine. The buttery texture of foie gras is enhanced by Farmakas wines.

Gyoza

Gyoza is typically produced by filling seasoned ground pork and/or vegetable combination into a thinly wrapped piece of dough and then sealing the edges shut. The crescent-shaped dough is the most well-known design for rolling out the dough. Gyozas are usually accompanied by sesame and black vinegar dip. In China and East Asia, gyoza is a popular Chinese dumpling. Taste varies slightly from region to region to fit local tastes. Several variants feature soups on the side during the winter. Pan-fried gyoza, also known as Kothey, is the most popular. It is fried and then briefly steamed. Other varieties of gyoza include boiled gyoza, which is typically served in broth, and the less common deep-fried gyoza.

Sashimi

Sashimi is a popular Japanese food made of thinly sliced raw fish, shrimp, or pork. The meal is frequently accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, and other seasonings. The dinner can be made in a variety of ways, depending on the chef and the occasion. The slices are sliced in a range of styles, from extremely thin to thick. Shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads are popular sashimi accompaniments. This dish complements both red and white wines from the Farmakas wine region.

Places to visit in the Farmakas wine region

Machairas Monastery (Panagia tou Machaira)

Machairas Monastery is a historic monastery committed to the Virgin Mary which is located just 40 km from Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. The monastery sits atop mount Kionia at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. The monastery is said to be built at the end of the 12th century close to Lazanias village. The monastery is one of the five Stravropegic Monasteries of Cyprus. Machairas is one of the most famous monasteries and houses a spectacular icon of the Virgin Mary of Machairas. The monastery also houses an underground vestibule, monks' cells, stables, and storage rooms with huge collections of old books, manuscripts,s and relics. 

Santa Irene Winery

Santa Irene Winery is the realization of a man’s dream. Daniel Anastasis left his beloved village Farmakas, as a young man traveling first to Australia and then to South Africa where he made a life with his wife Theoni, and their children. Having experienced success in South Africa, Daniel and Theoni returned to the calm of Farmakas village; where Daniel was born and raised. With his distinct passion for food and business, Daniel envisioned a high-end Winery and restaurant (Ierambelos Fusion Cuisine), surrounded by the very vines that produce the wine.

Santa Irene Winery was established in 2015 and encompasses 200 hectares of vineyards. In these traditional vineyards, the local ‘Mavro Ampelisimo’ grape variety dominates, while the local Xynisteri variety is found in smaller vineyards. A visit to this beautiful winery is a must if you are around Farmakas. 

Frequently asked questions about Farmakas