Words, Photography, & Cinematography: Gigi Migliazzo

What’s in a glass of Pittali wine? The juice of ksinisteri and mavro ampelisimo grapes, the flavours of the verdant Troodos Mountains, and the spirit of a charming Cypriot village and its people.

Originally called Eptalofi of Pitsilia, or the seven hills of Pitsilia, Agios Theodoros’ stone-made, red-roofed homes cling to each slope as if sculpted into the landscape alongside the pinus brutia trees that immerse the village in viridescent hues. There is character in every corner - down one path, you may find yourself at Kafeneio, where locals gather over spirited games of tavli (Greek for backgammon) as they sip on Cypriot coffee, brewed strong and served sketo (unsweetened), metrio (mildly sweet), or glyki (sweet). Take another, and you could end up at a lookout spot commanding a view over the lush Troodos Mountains — the island’s largest mountain range, spanning nearly a third of Cyprus. And, if fortune favors, you might stumble upon the road that leads to the heart of it all: the Pittali Winery.

A family affair

The family-run project is spearheaded by father-son duo Renos and Phanis Pittali with support from mother Paola and daughter Mariana. Together, they are revitalising the vision of Renos’s grandfather, Ioannis Bae, who once made wine in the very house where the family continues his legacy today. With an inherited passion for winemaking and the fertile land already in his hands, Phanis has embraced the tradition with the launch of the Oikia Bae (House of Bae) collection. The name pays homage to the very cellar that marked the beginning of his great-grandfather’s winemaking journey, and where he now carries on the craft.

Renos reflects on the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of the Pittali clan: “Grapes, wines, and vinegar were always a big source of income for my ancestors. They used to sell these products in the village and all around Cyprus… Now, we are very proud that Phanis will continue the dream of the family.” As Phanis pursues a Masters in Enology between Turin, Italy and Lisbon, Portugal, Renos is leading the labour of love back home. Managing the harvests, logistics, and day-to-day operations, he is nurturing the business until his son returns equipped to bring it to full fruition - quite literally. “Whatever we do in the winery, we do by ourselves. The most important person is Phanis: he brings the knowledge to master the art of viticulture, the skill to make exceptional wine, and the vision to expand with new vineyards.”

Behind every successful event at the winery is Paola, who handles catering to ensure that guests experience a true taste of Agios Theodoros with locally-sourced meats like louza, traditional halloumi and anari cheeses, and, of course, handcrafted Pittali wines. Spreading the family name beyond the borders of Cyprus, Mariana manages the winery’s promotion and public relations from Amsterdam.

Location, location, location…

A generational fervour is only one half of the glass - the distinctive taste of Pittali wine owes much to the land itself. At an altitude above 1000 meters, Agios Theodoros boasts the ideal conditions for grape cultivation: mild climate, rich soil, and low population.

Situated right in between Cyprus’s two major cities - 50 minutes from Nicosia and a mere 40 from Limassol - a visit to the Pittali Winery offers the ultimate mountain retreat to a place where time stands still, wine glasses never run dry, and company is abundant.

The chorikoi (villagers) welcome visitors with open arms and take pride in the winery’s revival: “The older generation is so happy to see that this project is giving life back to the village. More and more people have moved away, so now we’re helping to revitalise it,” says Renos. “Their eyes sparkle when they see that we are continuing my grandfather’s tradition, his legacy.”

A toast to the future

Much like the wine aging in its cellars, the Pittali Winery is still in its infancy. Launched only three years ago, what has started as a small family endeavor is growing into a respected boutique winery. In the new year, the family has plans to host more events and expand its presence within restaurants to gain recognition from wine lovers across Cyprus.

Great wine is made in the vineyard, and true to this belief, Phanis and Renos have planted new crops. This will yield their first harvest in two years' time, with many more collections to follow the debut Ikia Bae. The family’s dedication promises a bright future for the Pittali legacy — a toast to generations past, present, and yet to come.

Blood of the Vine: The Legacy of the Pittali Family Winery