The annual Cyprus Wine Festival, held in the Limassol municipal gardens in late August or early September, is the island's biggest wine celebration and one of the most popular events in the Cypriot calendar. For a single entrance fee, you receive a small ceramic cup and have free access to the wines produced by Cyprus's major wineries and a growing number of boutique producers.
The emphasis is on the native Cypriot grape varieties — Maratheftiko, Xinisteri, Mavro — that have been cultivated on the island for centuries. The Commandaria wines from the Troodos foothills are particularly worth seeking out. The festival runs for about two weeks, with evenings featuring folk music and dancing. Check dates before visiting as they vary by year.