The city's four wineries -ETKO, KEO, LOEL andSODAP -are strung out in a row on Franklin Roosevelt, west of the old harbour; each lays on a free tour at lOam, though ETKO also has a somewhat broader schedule of tours (Mon-Fri 9.30am-l.30pm). Parking is available in friJnt of the wineries, but the briefwalk friJm the castle area or the bus ride along Franklin Roosevelt (#19 or #30) are perhaps better options after the final tasting session. Incidentally, you're advised to do the tours on your own, as described, since group coach tours actually have to be paid for (and are exactly the same).
To join the daily tour at KED, the largest drinks manufacturer on the island,just show up at 9.50am (except in summer when you should book on 25362053) in the reception area of the administration building, just behind the parking lot. In the space of about half an hour you're rather perfunctorily shown the cellars for the heavy, sweet Comrnandaria (see p.63) where a third of each barrelful is retained as the mana or "mother" ferment for the next cycle; the distillery for zivanla (grape-mash spirit), used to fortify KEO's liqueurs; the 40,000-litre oak ageing barrels for brandy; and barrels of sweet and cream "sherry" -no longer allowed to be labelled as such, owing to objections from Spain -ageing out in the sun (the dry stuff stays in a dark cellar). The tasting session provides a wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with Cypriot wine types and to lessen the likelihood of getting stuck with a grim vintage in a taverna.
