Commandaria Wine Tasting Seminar - Nicosia Experience an exclusive Commandaria Wine Tasting Seminar in Nicosia, Cyprus, designed for wine lovers, hospitality professionals, tourists, and anyone passionate about Cypriot wine culture. Led by hospitality lecturer and certified wine tasting instructor Demetris Pavlides, this professional seminar explores the history of Commandaria, the world’s oldest named wine, together with its production methods, grape varieties, sensory characteristics, and food pairings. Participants will enjoy a guided tasting of premium Cyprus Commandaria wines paired with selected cheeses, dried fruits, crackers, and traditional delicacies, offering a unique wine and gastronomy experience in Cyprus. Hosted in an elegant and professional seminar setting in Hilton Nicosia, participants will enjoy a guided tasting of carefully selected premium Commandarias paired with cheeses, dried fruits, crackers, and traditional Cypriot delicacies specially chosen to complement the wine’s rich flavor profile. The experience combines professional wine education with storytelling, sensory exploration, and interactive tasting activities, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere suitable for both beginners and experienced wine enthusiasts. Guests will learn how to professionally evaluate wine through color, aroma, flavor, texture, and aftertaste analysis while discovering the indigenous grape varieties, traditional production methods, and aging techniques that make Commandaria internationally unique. More than a wine tasting, the seminar offers an immersive cultural and gastronomic experience that connects participants with the heritage, traditions, and authentic flavors of Cyprus. Instructor bio: Demetris Pavlides is a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Lecturer at Intercollege, where he also serves as Coordinator of the Hospitality Diploma. He holds a BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Management and an MBA, and has been actively teaching hospitality-related subjects since 2016 across academic and professional training institutions, demonstrating a genuine commitment to cultivating knowledge and understanding. His professional background includes senior managerial roles in hotels, wine cellars, and the wider hospitality industry, as well as former co-ownership and management of a wine bar–restaurant. In addition, he has extensive experience in wine tasting education and has been delivering wine tasting seminars and professional wine-related training since 2016. He also holds wine-related certifications, combining practical industry experience with academic instruction in the areas of wine appreciation, sensory evaluation, food and wine pairing, and hospitality service. Modules 1. Introduction to Commandaria • What is Commandaria • Why it is considered the world’s oldest named wine • Historical timeline • Connection with Cyprus culture and identity • PDO status and authenticity 2. The History of Commandaria • Ancient origins • The Crusaders and Knights • Richard the Lionheart story • Venetian and Ottoman periods • Commandaria in modern Cyprus 3. The Commandaria Region • Geography of the 14 Commandaria villages • Climate and terroir • Altitude and soil influence • Traditional vineyard cultivation • Sustainability and local traditions 4. Indigenous Grape Varieties • Xynisteri • Mavro • Characteristics of each grape • Blending philosophy • Influence on aroma and sweetness 5. Production Process of Commandaria • Harvesting methods • Sun-drying of grapes • Fermentation • Aging process • Oxidative maturation 6. Styles and Types of Commandaria • Sweetness levels • Young vs aged Commandaria • Commercial vs artisanal styles • Different producers • Vintage and reserve expressions 7. Professional Wine Tasting Techniques • How to taste wine properly • Appearance • Aroma analysis • Palate structure • Finish and balance 8. Sensory Analysis of Commandaria • 8.1 Introduction to Sensory Analysis • 8.2 Analysis of the Color • 8.3 Analysis of the Aromatic Character • 8.4 Analysis of the Flavor • 8.5 Overall Evaluation and Aftertaste Schedule 09:00 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:20 coffee break 10:20 – 11:20 11:20 – 11:40 coffee break 11:40 – 13:00 Location: Hilton Egkomi, Nicosia