Saturday, October 5th
Distinguished guests, dear Compatriots and Friends of Cyprus,
It is a true honor to be with you today, representing the Republic of Cyprus, a proud co-sponsor of this meaningful event. The Cypriot Wine Festival & Business Expo offers us not just an opportunity to celebrate our vibrant traditions and fine wines, but to connect as a community. It is a reminder of home and the deep ties that bind us, wherever we may be.
During the Festival, guests will be able to enjoy the renowned Cypriot hospitality, with great music, dancing, and food—and, most importantly, endlessly flowing wine. The Cyprus Wine Festival, as its name reveals, is a celebration of Dionysus, the God of grape harvesting and winemaking.
Cyprus wines have a long history, impressive presence, and bright future. More than forty state-of-the-art regional wineries cultivate some of the oldest vineyards in the world, which carry nearly a 6,000-year history. Today, Cypriot wineries are dynamic and quality-focused, producing internationally awarded wines, including the famous Commandaria, which King Richard the Lionheart pronounced “the Wine of Kings and the King of Wines.”
Commandaria is the oldest branded wine in the world still in production, and this year we celebrate the 800th anniversary since it received the top award at the first-ever world wine competition, the famous ‘La Bataille des Vins,’ organized by King Philippe-Auguste of France in 1224. Apart from the original indigenous grape varieties such as Xynisteri and Maratheftiko, new varieties like Yiannoudi, Morokanella, Promara, and Spourtiko have come to light. Along with the international grapes still cultivated on the island, they produce excellent and unique wines that stand out in international competitions. A great example of this is the significant presence of Cypriot wines in the UK and how well they have been received by traders and consumers, establishing themselves in one of the most competitive markets in the world.
Today’s event allows us to share a piece of Cyprus, connecting our traditions with those who call this community home. But as we come together in celebration, we must also reflect on the significance of this year.
2024 marks a somber milestone—50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Fifty years since our island was torn apart, its people displaced, and families separated. It is not only a memory but a painful reality that we still live with today, as nearly half of our beloved island remains under occupation. For all of us—whether in Cyprus or here in the diaspora—this anniversary reminds us of the sorrow, but also the enduring hope for peace and reunification.
We gather here today with mixed emotions—joy in celebrating our heritage, yet sadness in remembering what was lost. But even amidst this hardship, the spirit of Cyprus remains unbroken. Our resilience is rooted in our history, our culture, and our unwavering determination for a just and peaceful solution.
This festival is about more than just wine and culture—it is about community. The Cypriot Wine Festival & Business Expo proudly contributes to and enriches the cultural diversity of Haringey, celebrating the beauty of unity in diversity.
To the organizers, I extend my deepest gratitude for creating this space where we can all gather as one, united by our heritage and our hopes for the future. Let us raise a glass, not just to Cyprus and its timeless traditions, but to the enduring spirit of a people who continue to seek peace, justice, and reunification.
Thank you, and may you all enjoy the festival.
