Heritage Beginnings
Based in Paphos, Kolios Butchery, Delicatessen, and Winery captures the culinary passion of brothers Leonidas and Marios Kolios. It all began in 1982 with a traditional butchery, a mere stone’s throw from their current location. In April 2011, they expanded into the impressive premises they now occupy. In 1999, Marios, drawing from a rich family heritage of vineyard ownership, decided to venture into winemaking, establishing the Kolios Winery. He wasn’t new to the craft; Marios had been creating wines for friends since the tender age of eleven!
Modern Trio
As Leonidas warmly shared during our conversation, “We have evolved beyond a typical butcher shop. It’s now a modern-day 3-in-1 marvel, offering a traditional butchery with a twist, an extensive delicatessen, and an exquisite selection of fine wines that we produce.”
Premium Selection
In their pursuit of excellence and variety, the brothers at Kolios have curated a selection that presents flavours from around the world. By request, customers can enjoy fresh truffles and the finest black and red caviar from Germany. For meat enthusiasts, there’s the opportunity to indulge in luxurious Wagyu Beef from Japan and the USA, or savour Black Angus Beef sourced from the lush fields of Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, to mention but a few. And, if you’ve been searching for the rarer goose and duck fat, Kolios has you covered!
Fresh Homemade Meals
Leonidas takes pride in the on-site processing and packaging, ensuring quality and freshness. The butchery offers an array of homemade ready meals, including all the local favourites like Moussaka, Pastitsio, and Koupepia aka Stuffed Vine Leaves, as well as international comforts like Scottish Haggis, Handmade Sausages, Marinated Ribs, Kebabs, and Burgers all in an abundance of flavours. The Cypriot beloved Sheftalia, Village Sausages, and Doner Kebabs are also prominently featured, along with an array of marinades and spices especially for meats.
Artisanal Delights
Step right up to the deli counter, it is a treasure trove of handmade wonders. Alongside their homemade hams and flaky English pies, you’ll find an array of succulent sausages, from smoky chorizo to classic bratwurst, each one bursting with flavor. Their impressive Cheese Collection is just the beginning; venture further and you’ll discover gourmet olives, marinated in-house, antipasto that will transport your senses to the Mediterranean, and an assortment of pâtés and terrines that are perfect for any charcuterie board. Every visit brings a new discovery at the deli, where the tradition of excellence is always served with a smile.
South African Corner
The delicatessen is unique in Paphos for an extensive variety of South African specialties. From Boerewors, Biltong, Droewors, and Chili Bites, customers can experience the taste of South Africa right here in Cyprus. The shelves are stocked with everything from Mrs. Ball’s Chutney to Mielie Pap, complete with all the essential spices, sauces, and even beloved drinks like Klipdrift Brandy and Cream Soda.
Serene Vineyard
Next, my journey led me to the winery, where I had the pleasure of meeting Marios amidst their serene vineyards. Marios smiled as he shared stories about their wine-making ventures.
Family Inspiration
He told me, his grandmother always took delight in the wine he produced. She often encouraged Marios, saying, ‘Why not make more, to remember us by?’ With this family prompting, Marios elevated a childhood pastime into the renowned Kolios Winery.
Tribute in a bottle
A touching testament to tradition and family, they chose to honour his grandmother by naming one of their wines “Persefoni,” a fitting tribute to the woman who played an influential role in his journey into winemaking.
Simple Living
Amidst the modern amenities of the winery, Marios embodies a refreshing commitment to a simpler way of life. He reflects, “I’m a farmer at heart, with a passion much like my father, who was a butcher.” In a world dominated by technology, Marios stands out by choice, opting not to own a cellphone, watch, or computer, instead finding fulfilment and purpose in his deep-rooted connection to the land and the timeless craft of winemaking.
Peak Perfection
The vineyard’s location is quite unique, Marios explains, pointing towards the expanse of vines stretching up the hillside. “At 3,000 feet above sea level, we’re the highest vineyard in the Paphos region and the largest organic grower of the Maratheftiko grape in Cyprus. The altitude imparts a distinct character to our wines.”
Earth’s Gift
With much interest, I asked Marios to explain. “The vineyard’s unique terrain influences our sustainable winemaking, with the soil and rock’s sponge-like properties enabling minimal irrigation and concentrated flavours in the grapes. In the cellar, the discovery of a Natural Spring during excavation was no accident, but a gift from God, which reduces the winery’s dependence on air conditioning. This natural spring, in fact, helps maintain the cellar’s ideal ageing conditions, shaping our winery’s distinguished offerings.”
Flavour Affairs
They offer two types of Wine Tastings, one paired with Cheese, the other with Nuts. For the full dining experience, they ask guests to Book 1-2 days in advance because they insist on presenting the freshest ingredients.
Idyllic Venue for Memorable Events
With its stunning Views and warm Cypriot hospitality, this idyllic Venue provides the perfect setting for Weddings, Parties, and Special Events. It’s the perfect destination to celebrate life’s special moments amidst the rich mosaic of flavours that Cyprus has to offer. They’re closed on Sundays, except for events with over 50 people, they’ll open especially for you.
Wine Craftsmanship
Marios guides us through the craft of winemaking, revealing the soul of their wines. “Good quality wine starts with good quality grapes,” he emphasizes, highlighting the dedicated nurturing of the vines. He proudly presents the winery’s grape selections, the local Maratheftiko and Xynisteri, as well as the celebrated Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each bottle narrates its own tale, from the rich Saint Fotios to the crisp Iris, the sophisticated Status 99, and the sentimental Persefoni Dry-Medium to the magical Cornetto Dry-Medium.
Ageing
With a nod towards the imported oak barrels, Marios described the ageing process. “Our red wines mature here, 4 to 5 years, while our white wines are market-ready in 3 months.”
Culinary Heritage Fusion
As we conclude; Marios’s passion for his craft is unmistakable. The Kolios Butchery and Delicatessen much like the winery, is a labour of love, a fusion of culinary excellence and family heritage. It’s clear that the Kolios brothers have not just built a business, but a destination that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavours that Cyprus has to offer.
Butchery
Open all year
Monday to Saturday: 7:30 am to 7 pm
Sundays: 8:30 am to 1 pm
Directions
You’ll find Kolios Butchery in the middle of Leoforos Ellados Road in Paphos next to the Astro Bank … Cliick on the Google Map Icon below for directions.
GPS: 34.7831827, 32.426053,17
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Winery
Open all year
Winter
October ’till February:
Daily 9 am to 3 pm
Summer
March ’till September:
Daily 8:30 am to 5 pm
Closed on Sundays
Directions
Kolios Winery is located on a mountaintop, about one kilometre outside Statos Agios Fotios village, towards the Chrysorrogiatissa monastery in Paphos.
GPS: 34.8920669, 32.6123626,17
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By: Jenine Klette
