A guide to Malta’s wine festivals

Whether it’s with Ġellewża or Girgentina, go grape at these summer celebrations of all things viticulture

Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the New World of wines, Malta is responsible for some seriously seductive vintages. To celebrate its prolific viticulture, the archipelago is home to a peppering of jubilant wine festivals that take place throughout summer. From events put on by the island’s finest local producers to international expos showcasing wines from around the world, these unmissable Malta wine festivals are an oenophile’s paradise.

Delicata Classic Wine Festival

Hosted by Malta’s oldest family-run winemaker, the Delicata Wine Festival celebrates everything fabulous about Maltese wine. Coinciding with the start and finish of the Maltese grape harvest, the Delicata Classic Wine Festival takes place across four days in Valletta’s stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens and over three days in Nadur, Gozo.

With unrivalled vistas across Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Three Cities, this convivial Malta wine festival marries incredible scenery with local culture, delicious regional delicacies and plenty of fine wines. Guests can savour Delicata’s award-winning vintages, such as semi-sparkling Frizzantes, Girgentina and Ġellewża and a selection of white, red and rosé boutique wines.

Marsovin Summer Wine Festival

Held each July in the verdant paradise of Valletta’s Hastings Gardens, the Marsovin Summer Wine Festival is a lavish three-day affair uniting fine wine with delicious food and great music. A prestige Maltese wine producer with over 100 years of history, Marsovin showcases 30 of their exquisite certified D.O.K. and I.Ġ.T. quality wines from grapes grown around Malta and Gozo.

For viticulture novices and enthusiasts alike, the festival has a dedicated Wine Educational Area that offers blind tastings for guests to learn more about the wonders of wine. Food comes courtesy of local restaurants, and everything is soundtracked by the uplifting beats of Malta and Gozo’s leading live bands. A true feast for the senses, the Marsovin Summer Wine Festival is a superlative summer event to unwind at while sipping Marsovin’s crisp Caravaggio Chenin Blanc and overlooking Marsamxett Harbour.

Malta International Wine Festival

Despite being a relative newcomer to the Malta wine festival scene, the Malta International Wine Festival is fast becoming a contender for the wine event of the year. Putting both local and international wines firmly in the spotlight, this three-day event in the fortified city of Cospicua presents over 100 of the best wines from all corners of the globe.

Set on the scenic waterfront, wander past stands occupied by expert winemakers and winery representatives who are on hand to dispense their wisdom and introduce their products. Masterclasses and talks by sommeliers are where to pick up expert tips, while delicious thematic food and wine pairings are held throughout the festival.