Cyprus viticulture faces crisis as grape production declines

Cyprus is facing a severe crisis in its viticulture and wine sector due to prolonged drought, extreme heatwaves, and the spread of downy mildew disease. Production levels have remained below average for the past three years, and low yields are expected to continue into 2026.

According to data from the Department of Agriculture, the average annual grape purchase for wine producers between 2016 and 2025 was 14.5 million kilograms. This falls below the 13–16 million kilograms required for a normal market. Recent figures show production dropped to 10.2 million kilograms in 2023, 11.1 million in 2024, and 12.3 million in 2025.

Industry representatives from KEO and LOEL reported that the disease has been particularly impactful in the Paphos and Limassol regions, causing total crop loss in some areas and very limited harvests in others. Currently, approximately 70 wineries operate in the southern part of the island, with local production accounting for about 60 percent of wines sold in Cyprus.