From grape to glass
Malta, the small Mediterranean island with a long and fascinating history, is rapidly gaining recognition for its rich winemaking heritage. Hand-pick and stomp grapes or attend wine tastings to truly connect with Malta’s centuries-old wine culture and traditions.
Pick grapes and experience traditions
During harvest season, vineyards across Malta and its sister island Gozo welcome visitors eager to try grape picking firsthand. For those seeking an even deeper cultural immersion, traditional grape stomping events recreate age-old methods where grapes are crushed by foot in large clay or wooden vats, combining community, heritage, and fun.
Among these vineyards, Marsovin, Malta’s flagship winery founded in 1919, offers the chance to participate in harvest activities and to tour their modern facilities, taste their elegant whites, robust reds, and delicate rosés, and learn about their practices emphasizing respect for the land and nature’s cycles.
Winemaking history and terroir
Maltese winemaking dates back over 3,000 years to the Phoenicians and Romans who first cultivated vines on the islands. Today, local vintners build on this legacy with a blend of tradition and innovation. The warm Mediterranean climate, combined with Malta’s unique limestone and clay soils, create ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes.
Malta’s vineyards are typically small and family-run, which allows for hands-on care throughout the growing season. Harvesting is mostly done by hand, preserving the integrity of the grapes. Winemaking techniques combine modern methods, such as controlled fermentation and aging in stainless steel or oak barrels, with respect for traditional processes.
Unique grape varieties and wines
Malta’s indigenous grape varieties include ġellewża, a red grape that produces medium-bodied, fruity wines with notes of red berries and spices, and girgentina, a white grape yielding fresh, aromatic wines with hints of citrus and flowers. These local grapes often form the backbone of Maltese wines but are also blended with international varieties such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.
More than just wine: pairing with Maltese flavors
Wine is inseparable from Malta’s rich culinary heritage. Tastings are often paired with traditional Maltese dishes, enhancing the sensory experience. One popular pairing is hobż biż-żejt, rustic Maltese bread topped with ripe tomatoes, capers, olives, and a drizzle of local olive oil, which beautifully complement the crisp acidity and fruit-forward character of Maltese whites. Other local specialties, such as fresh seafood and hearty stews, harmonize perfectly with fuller-bodied reds made from ġellewża or blended varieties.
A complete sensory journey
Beyond tasting, visitors can explore historic wine cellars and vineyards, witnessing how Maltese winemakers blend tradition with innovation. The island’s intimate scale and strong community spirit offer a personal atmosphere, making every wine experience memorable.
