Cyprus vine variety thrives in Australian conditions

June 2026 An ancient grape variety from Cyprus is offering hope to Australia’s struggling wine industry as climate change and rising water costs place pressure on growers. In South Australia’s Riverland region, grower Yianni Koutouzis has successfully trialled Xynisteri, a drought-tolerant white wine grape known for surviving harsh heat and low rainfall. Unlike traditional grape varieties that require watering every few days, Mr Koutouzis’s 800 Xynisteri vines can survive for months without irrigation. The thick-skinned grape is naturally resistant to heatwaves, pests, and dry conditions, making it well suited to the Riverland, which has experienced several years of below-average rainfall and extreme heat. Xynisteri has a history stretching back more than 5,500 years in Cyprus. It was introduced to Australia in 2018 by researcher Dr Alexander Copper, who believed eastern Mediterranean grape varieties could better suit Australia’s war-ming climate than traditional French varieties such as shiraz or chardonnay. After trials in McLaren Vale failed because of cooler conditions, the Riverland’s hot climate and limestone-rich soil proved ideal. Climate experts warn South Australia’s wine regions could warm by nearly two degrees Celsius by 2070, increasing water demand and pressure on growers. At the same time, water prices in the Murray-Darling Basin have more than doubled in the past year, while wine over-supply has pushed grape prices to historic lows. Some Riverland growers now receive less than $100 a tonne for grapes, forcing many to abandon crops. Despite these challenges, drought-resistant varieties like Xynisteri are giving producers renewed optimism. In the Barossa Valley, growers Paul and Mara Georgiadis have expanded their Xynisteri plantings after strong results and growing demand for white wine. For growers like Mr Koutouzis, the variety represents a sustainable future for Australian wine production in a hotter, drier climate.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia

Cyprus vine variety thrives in Australian

conditions

June 2026 An ancient grape variety from Cyprus is offering hope to Australia’s struggling wine industry as climate change and rising water costs place pressure on growers. In South Australia’s Riverland region, grower Yianni Koutouzis has successfully trialled Xynisteri, a drought-tolerant white wine grape known for surviving harsh heat and low rainfall. Unlike traditional grape varieties that require watering every few days, Mr Koutouzis’s 800 Xynisteri vines can survive for months without irrigation. The thick-skinned grape is naturally resistant to heatwaves, pests, and dry conditions, making it well suited to the Riverland, which has experienced several years of below-average rainfall and extreme heat. Xynisteri has a history stretching back more than 5,500 years in Cyprus. It was introduced to Australia in 2018 by researcher Dr Alexander Copper, who believed eastern Mediterranean grape varieties could better suit Australia’s war-ming climate than traditional French varieties such as shiraz or chardonnay. After trials in McLaren Vale failed because of cooler conditions, the Riverland’s hot climate and limestone-rich soil proved ideal. Climate experts warn South Australia’s wine regions could warm by nearly two degrees Celsius by 2070, increasing water demand and pressure on growers. At the same time, water prices in the Murray- Darling Basin have more than doubled in the past year, while wine over-supply has pushed grape prices to historic lows. Some Riverland growers now receive less than $100 a tonne for grapes, forcing many to abandon crops. Despite these challenges, drought-resistant varieties like Xynisteri are giving producers renewed optimism. In the Barossa Valley, growers Paul and Mara Georgiadis have expanded their Xynisteri plantings after strong results and growing demand for white wine. For growers like Mr Koutouzis, the variety represents a sustainable future for Australian wine production in a hotter, drier climate.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia