“When the vineyard is preserved, the fire stops.”
George Christodoulou – Vineyard Owner/Winemaker
The Cypriot vineyards around the Troodos Mountains are not just a matter of survival for Cyprus’s primary sector and, by extension, for our mountain communities.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
It’s also a matter of protecting our island’s largest source of oxygen, which is largely safeguarded when the vines are well-maintained.
“The key is for someone to be able to keep the vineyard well-maintained.”
George Christodoulou – Vineyard Owner/Winemaker
So, during our visit to the Kyperounta region—where we were addressing the serious issue of farmers’ survival due to energy costs (among other factors)—we also met with Mr. George, a viticulturist and winemaker who has spent his entire life among the vines and understands better than anyone the importance of preserving the vineyards in the region.
“In addition to the vine’s other properties, it also has the ability to stop fires.”
George Christodoulou – Vineyard Owner/Winemaker
This is because grapevines reduce the amount of combustible material, have higher moisture content, and act as natural barriers against fire.
So, prompted by what Mr. George told us, our minds went back to last year’s massive fire in the semi-mountainous region of Limassol.
At that time, Alpha’s camera had captured the spot where a large fire front came to a halt when it encountered a vineyard.
“Where there are vineyards, it’s green; where there are no vineyards, it’s black. For winegrowers, the goal is for this destruction to serve as the catalyst for a new beginning, and for the vineyards to become a driver of growth and a shield against extreme weather events.”
August 8, 2025
A situation that should clearly give the authorities pause for thought; they must realize that preserving the vineyards is not just a matter of survival for families who make their living from agricultural products.
“If you look at last year’s fires, you could see two rows of vines burning, and then the fire would stop.”
George Christodoulou – Vineyard Owner/Winemaker
While beyond the issue of the vineyards, the discussion continues regarding the fields full of greens surrounding the mountain communities, most of which are inherited and left to fend for themselves.
See the report by Giorgos Chrysanthos:
