Commandaria: An Ode to Cypriot Tradition

A tribute to Commandaria, the traditional Cypriot wine, through the memories of a Cypriot migrant in London. Uncle Christoforos, known as Ttofas, worked as a sommelier at the Savoy in London, but returned to Cyprus every year.

For Ttofas, Commandaria was more than just a drink. It was the first sweet taste he remembered from his baptism and was associated with important moments, such as celebrations and weddings. He believed that no other drink, no matter how expensive and refined, could compare to Cypriot Commandaria.

Even back in London, Commandaria remained the taste of Cyprus, unchanged by time and distance. He recalled the moments he shared Commandaria with his family in the village, remembering his first love and the traditions of his homeland.

The article concludes with a poem by Kosmas Oikonomou, an ode to Commandaria and its Cypriot heritage.