The 3rd Annual ΟίνοFest in Lofu

The day of the 3rd Annual ΟίνοFest wine festival arrived with the early autumn sun casting its warm light over Pissouri , Mandy and I were excited for the scenic drive ahead to Lofu. It was one of those ideal mornings in Cyprus – clear skies, a slight breeze, and the hint of adventure in the air. We hopped into the car, eager for a day of good wine, beautiful views, and local culture.

As we left Pissouri, we meandered up the winding roads, with the countryside unfolding around us in a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards, stretching out over the hillsides.

Arriving in Lofu, we parked and followed the sound of music drifting through the narrow, cobbled streets towards the festival. The village itself was charming – narrow alleys lined with stone houses, some draped with vines heavy with grapes.

We started by exploring the various wine stalls, each one with proud winemakers offering samples of their creations. Mandy’s eyes sparkled as we tried our first sip of the locally crafted red. It was smooth, with hints of berries and spice – just what we hoped for from the region. Moving from stall to stall, we tasted a little of everything: full-bodied reds, crisp whites, and a delightful rosé. Each wine had its own unique character, reflecting the land and the hard work of the people who made it.

As we were sipping a glass of wine we bumped into the owner of the local florist in Pissouri, Thekla and her husband George, so we sat with them and chatted in the sunshine of the courtyard.

As the day wore on, we wandered through the craft stalls and admired the local pottery, hand-woven textiles, and intricately painted ceramics,

We has another glass of wine while we listened to the very good live band playing Funk Jazz.

All to soon it was time to make our way back to Pissouri and let the 6 O'clock party begin in Lofu.