Daily News of Life and times in North Cyprus goes around the world
Gillham Vineyard and Resort in Ilgaz is becoming a very popular venue for locals and visitors and they are now including more events to encourage people to visit, not only to sample the superb wine, but to also enjoy the tranquil and breathtaking scenery around this mountainside vineyard.
By Mary Day
Today I went for my normal coffee and very tasty cream bun at The Food Lodge, Ҫatalkoy and I must say it was much more enjoyable today due to the guitar lessons that are now being held there on Thursday mornings with Jamie Vincent.
With the sounds of The Streets of London and You Look Wonderful Tonight gently playing in the background it really did add to the pleasure of my visit.
Tony from Esentepe had taught himself how to play guitar so this was an ideal opportunity for him to improve his technique along with learning a few new ones from Jamie, I must say I was fairly impressed and as I sat with my coffee and I did notice that as customers entered the smiles on their faces told me that they also enjoyed what they heard.
Just maybe there is that little bit of Jimi Hendrix or Brian May in all of us just waiting to escape and now is the time to find out so why not go along to The Food Lodge next Thursday to find out, I am sure you will all enjoy it as much as I did.
Jamie Vincent also known as The Man in Black has been performing at many venues on the island and we will shortly be including his schedule in the Weekly Events Calendar on cyprusscene.com so that you can find out where you can see him playing.
The guitar lessons are 10 TL and start at 10am you will find the mood very relaxed and one that I am sure most will feel comfortable with, if you do not wish to improve your guitar playing then it makes a wonderful setting just to sit and enjoy a coffee and a cake with friends.
To book please Tel: 0533 822 57 93 or email: jamievincent@hotmail.co.uk
By Jack Lobb
Cyprus has some 5,000 years of wine making history. However, the perception of the quality of wine produced is generally very low. It has been said that the weather conditions in Cyprus are not conducive to quality wine production.
Mustafa Seyfi, the owner of St. Hilarion wines, was however determined to prove this idea to be incorrect. After years of detailed research and advice from international wine consultants, the village of Gecitköy was found to be one of 
the coolest areas in Cyprus and the decision was made to locate his winery here.
Cyprus has several varieties of local grapes; including Mavro and Xynisteri but they are not suitable for the production of high quality wines. It was decided to introduce some of the best international varieties of grape vines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon. The vines have been planted according to the latest viticultural practices and the annual cultivation programme is built around restricting yield and enhancing quality.
The wine production facility is comprised of ‘state of the art’ equipment. Top quality temperature controlled fermentation vats were imported from Italy along with all the other necessary downstream equipment. Mustafa, states that the most important ingredient in his wine making, 
is knowledge and to this end he has visited many of the world’s classic wine regions and is assisted by expert consultants from the UK and South Africa. With no history of experienced qualified technicians, local people are being trained at his winery; giving them the necessary skills and to create local employment.
It has taken some 14 years to bring the winery to the level it is now and there is a continual stream of new investment taking place. The main vineyard in Gecitköy covers an area of approximately 50 donums and after the initial ploughing an irrigation and trellis system was put in place. In such a hot climate it is important that the vine canopy is developed to give the greatest shade possible; to give the balanced vines and quality fruit production.
The main vines chosen for Chateau St. Hilarion are the finest clones of international varieties including 
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. In addition there are small plantings of many other varieties; the reds including Merlot, Mourvedre, Cinsault , Grenache and the whites include Chardonnnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc.
There are now eleven wines in the St. Hilarion range, following the addition of the Levant range of table wines, which offer particularly price competitive red, white and rosé options.
Developments
Continuing the development of the company is a passion for Mustafa
Seyfi and in light of this further investment he plans including the opening of a distillery for the production of quality spirits.
Another first for the company is the opening of their Lion Heart ‘micro brewery’. This year has seen the launch of their range of five bottle conditioned real ales. These beers are produced using the finest malt and hops imported from the U.K. To learn more of these beers click here.
Cape Wines of Catalkŏy, who for many years had concentrated on the sale and marketing of South African wines, have been appointed to distribute the complete ranges of 
St. Hilarion wines and Lions Heart beers. These beers and wines are now becoming more widely available across North Cyprus and tastings for these products have become a regular feature of Cape Wines promotional activities for these products.
Jack Lobb from Cape Wines can be contacted for further details of availability or to arrange tastings of these products at both markets, restaurants and bars. Tel: 0533 842 6457 or email capewinesjacklobb@gmail.com
