Commandaria has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO announced. The decision was taken on Wednesday by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is meeting in New Delhi.

Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou stated that today marks a milestone for Cyprus, Cypriot culture and the Koumandaria-producing villages.

She described the inscription as international recognition that goes beyond gastronomy—an acknowledgment of a centuries-old tradition, the dedication of vine growers in the 14 Koumandaria villages, and the uninterrupted continuity of a cultural heritage stretching back millennia.

“Our Commandaria, one of the oldest wines in the world, is emerging as an international symbol of authenticity, cultural continuity and human perseverance,” she said.

The Deputy Minister added that new opportunities for development are opening up, with Commandaria “carrying a message of pride and optimism to the world, showcasing that Cyprus—small in size but rich in spirit—offers treasures to humanity.”

She noted that, in line with its strategy for the protection, promotion and sustainable management of cultural heritage, the Deputy Ministry continues to support the stakeholders of Cyprus’ living traditions, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the country’s intangible cultural heritage survives as a recognisable element of cultural identity, adapts to contemporary realities and is passed down through generations.

Meanwhile, the President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Marina Solomides-Hieronymidou, stated that Commandaria is not only a unique local product but also a bearer of identity and collective memory, deeply connected to the land, its people and their rituals.

“Its inscription on the World List highlights its significance for humanity and strengthens Cyprus’ efforts for the protection, promotion and sustainable management of our intangible cultural heritage,” she said.

Academic Dr Angel Nikolaou-Konnari, representing the Deputy Ministry at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting in New Delhi, expressed confidence that the pride generated by Commandaria’s inscription will undoubtedly enhance the visibility of the tradition and motivate younger generations to follow in the footsteps of past vine growers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts.

Today, Cyprus has seven elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Lefkara embroidery (2009), tsiattista (2011), the Mediterranean Diet (2013), the art of dry-stone masonry (2018), Byzantine chanting (2019), midwifery (2023) and Commandaria (2025).

Additionally, in 2022, the International Tocatì Festival and Cyprus’ Traditional Games were included in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage.