Wine
Gastronomy
Malta has a growing reputation for its wine production. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine tours and tastings while exploring the wineries dotted across the Islands.
Wine
The main island, Malta, has several wineries, and Gozo, the smaller island, also has its share of vineyards primarily located in the villages of Gharb and Xaghra.
The main wineries organize guided tours and tastings. Depending on the season, tours cover the entire production from the initial fermentation through to the aging process.
Malta's wine festivals are a delightful blend of cultural heritage, gastronomy, and entertainment. These events are held during the summer months, providing a platform for winemakers to present their products. The festivals are typically held in locations with scenic views, adding an extra touch of magic.
When doing a wine tour, you can expect to indulge in a delightful Maltese platter perfectly complementing the local wine.
The platter is made up of various local ingredients including:
- Gbejniet, a small round cheeselet made from sheep or goat's milk.
- Bigilla, a traditional Maltese dip made from mashed beans seasoned with garlic, parsley, and local olive oil.
- Sun-dried tomatoes which have a mild sweet and salty flavor.
However, the humble hobz biz-zejt is the main highlight of this platter. The fluffy inside and crusty outside bread is dipped in local olive oil and spread with a sweet Gozitan tomato puree.
The Islands are home to two indigenous grape varieties:
- Gellewza is a red grape variety known for producing wines with a rich red color, medium to full body, and flavors of ripe red fruits.
- The white Girgentina is a large grape variety, with amber-colored, thick-skinned berries which are both fragrant and fruity, resulting in wines that are crisp and full-flavored.