One of the biggest reasons many people choose to visit—or eventually relocate to—Cyprus is the lifestyle. Life here isn’t only about the climate; it’s about how you spend your time.

Cyprus offers far more than beautiful coastlines and year-round sunshine. One of the greatest advantages of island life is the growing selection of lifestyle experiences available to both visitors and expats. From wine tastings and culinary workshops to hiking, sailing, and cultural events, these activities offer an opportunity to experience Cyprus beyond the typical tourist attractions while connecting with the local community.

There is no shortage of beaches, historic landmarks, and scenic hiking trails in Cyprus. Yet one of the greatest advantages of living on the island is discovering the growing number of boutique experiences that bring together food, culture, and community.

If you’re looking for something different to do during your stay in Cyprus—or you’re an expat searching for ways to meet new people while learning a new skill.

Recently, we attended one of these intimate experiences, and it proved to be far more than just a cooking class. It was an evening of interactive learning, cultural discovery, exceptional food, and wonderful company

—a sushi making and wine pairing workshop was an excellent choice to spend a weekday evening.

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Watch Our Experience

We documented the entire evening—from preparing the sushi to tasting each wine pairing and exploring the venue.

Watch our full vlog below to experience the workshop firsthand.

P.S. Feel free to judge my Japanese pronunciation… I promise I’m a better realtor than linguist.

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A Boutique Experience in an Elegant Setting

Hosted at Meryem’s Estate, the evening began during sunset with guests gathering on the balcony before moving inside for the workshop. The elegant estate, complete with its grand staircase, white columns, and marble finishes, provided a beautiful backdrop for the evening and immediately set the tone for a relaxed yet dimensionally enriched experience.

With just seven participants, the workshop felt personal and conversational. By the end of the evening, complete strangers had become friends over shared conversations about food, travel, history, wine, and culture.

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Learning the Art of Sushi Making

The workshop was led by chef Soner Ozyalcin, who shared recipes inspired by a friend’s Japanese grandmother, along with fascinating stories about Japanese traditions, mythology, and the origins behind each dish.

Before anyone picked up their chopsticks, we even learned to say “Itadakimasu (いただきます)”, the traditional Japanese expression of gratitude before eating.

Participants prepared multiple varieties of sushi while learning techniques that can easily be recreated at home.

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Understanding Wine Pairing Through the Five Basic Tastes

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the evening was discovering how different wines complement specific flavour profiles.

The tasting was guided by Cem Tilki, founder of the Wine Travellers Club, who explained not only which wines pair well with different foods, but why they work together. We also learned how serving temperature affects aroma and flavour depending on a wine’s alcohol content.

Throughout the evening we explored the five dominant taste characteristics:

• Sweet
• Sour & Freshness
• Salty
• Umami
• Bitter

Each was paired with a different sushi style and carefully selected wine, transforming what might otherwise seem like a simple dinner into an engaging educational experience.

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Highlights from the Pairings

Some of the standout pairings included:

• Hosomaki (Kappa Maki) with sake, demonstrating how cucumber’s freshness balances the vinegar-acidity of sushi rice.
• Rainbow Futomaki paired with a Chilean Chardonnay to complement sweeter flavour notes.
• California Roll served alongside a half-sweet Gewürztraminer from Alsace—our favourite pairing of the evening.
• Salmon Nigiri matched with a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc to balance rich salmon and aromatic wasabi.
• Salmon Sashimi paired with Pinot Noir, showing that red wine can work beautifully with certain fish.
• Gunkan Maki accompanied by an off-dry Sauvignon Blanc Muscat to soften the spicy, pungent flavours of wasabi.

Beyond tasting, we also learned interesting food science—from why soy sauce enhances fruitiness in wine to how wasabi acts as a natural antibacterial accompaniment to raw fish.

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More Than a Cooking Class

Perhaps the greatest takeaway wasn’t the sushi itself.

It was the conversations.

With such a small group, discussions naturally flowed between Japanese cuisine, agriculture, travel, wine production, food science, and local life in Cyprus. By the end of the evening, everyone left not only with new recipes and certificates, but with new friendships as well.

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Perfect for Visitors and Expats

Experiences like these perfectly showcase another side of life in Cyprus.

For visitors, they offer a memorable evening beyond sightseeing.

For expats, they provide an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people, build friendships, and become part of the local community while learning something new.

As Cyprus continues to grow, more boutique workshops, tasting events, wellness retreats, culinary experiences, and cultural activities are emerging across the island—adding another dimension to the Mediterranean lifestyle many people come here to enjoy.

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Cost and Duration

• Price: 3,250 TL (approximately US$81 in July 2026)
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Included: Sushi-making workshop, guided wine pairings, all ingredients, instruction, tasting experience, certificate, and recipe handbook.

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Final Thoughts

When people think of Cyprus, beaches, sunshine, and ancient history usually come to mind. But it’s experiences like this that truly enrich island life.

Sometimes, the best memories aren’t made by simply visiting a destination—they’re made by becoming part of it.

Cyprus has so much more to offer than the pristine beaches and polished nightlife it is famous for. Beyond the coastline is a thriving community built around shared interests, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections.

One of the things I enjoy most about living here is being part of communities that reflect my own passions—from hiking the mountains and practising yoga to attending events with the Wine Travellers Club and the Entrepreneur Business People Association. These experiences have introduced me to fascinating people from all walks of life and have enriched my experience of the island in ways no guidebook ever could.

At Mediterranean Condos, we believe buying a home is about more than real estate—it’s about embracing a lifestyle.

Whether you’re here for a holiday, considering relocation, or already call the island home, taking part in local experiences is one of the best ways to develop new skills, meet interesting people, experience Cyprus beyond the usual tourist attractions and become part of its community.

Till next time, stay blessed.

Soylem Coli

Mediterranean Condos