Malta is certainly one of the smallest wine-producing countries in the world. With 800 hectares of vineyards at the very most and wines not often exported outside the archipelago, its production is a source of intrigue. A trip to these islands is an opportunity to discover this dynamic wine industry, whilst reconnecting with its long history.
In this blog we shall be listing 5 wineries you can visit while staying at The Phoenicia Malta. Some have been established for quite some time whilst others are relatively new and of a boutique nature. All of them, however, offer lovely wines which will surely delight every wine lover visiting the islands.
1. Marsovin
Marsovin is a household name in Malta, synonymous with the production of premium wines. Marsovin owns 199.7 tumoli of land which make up their five Estates. These Estates, in Malta and Gozo are specifically intended for the production of premium quality, single-estate wines. It also contracts a total of 1116 tumoli around Malta & Gozo. Marsovin is famous for their summer events on their estates, such as ‘Marnisi under the Stars’.
2. Mar Casar
Mar Casar is a winery located in Siggiewi, on the west coast of Malta. It produces premium quality natural vegan and gluten free wines fermented using Methode QVEVRI. Grapes are grown under holistic permaculture, pesticide, herbicide and systemic chemicals free. Methode Qvevri makes use of Terracotta conical vases produced by Georges Kopadzde in Shroa, region of Imereti in Eastern Georgia (Caucasus).
3. San Niklaw
San Niklaw is located in the South-East corner of Malta where roads from Zejtun, Marsaxlokk and Marsascala converge. At the centre of the estate lies a 17th century chapel dedicated to St Nicholas attached to a country residence. The estate is composed of vineyards, an olive grove and a boutique winery and underground cellar dating back to the late 19th century. The vineyards were established in 2005 with the sole aim of producing estate grown world class wines.
4. Ta' Betta
Ta’ Betta Wine Estates is a four-hectare estate in Girgenti, limits of Siġġiewi. A private estate, immersed in a landscape of rare beauty and enjoying a view of the vineyard with the medieval city of Mdina in the background. Ta’ Betta produces fine wines and hosts exclusive wine events within its private grounds for its club members and discerning clients. The estate is beautifully done up, whereby attention to detail is evident.
5. Ta' Mena
Ta’ Mena Estate is an agritourism in Gozo, which includes a winery, a fruit and vegetable garden, area for events and more. Through their produce, they make their own olive oil, liquers, wine, and much more. Their wines are described as having a particular Gozitan character and most of the blends have been certified as GOZO D.O.K. Wines.
At The Phoenicia Malta we are proud of our local winemakers, which is why we endeavour to stock a variety of these local Maltese wines at The Phoenix Restaurant, The Club Bar or our Poolside restaurant. Ask your sommelier for their recommendation or alternatively speak to our concierge to book a private wine tasting tour.
