Wine Tasting in Malta

Malta has made wine for a long time, but its modern quality wine industry is young, and a tasting here is a chance to try local grape varieties. The two native varieties are Ġellewża, a red grape, and Girgentina (also spelt Għirgħentina), a white. Both are permitted for wines labelled DOK Malta, the controlled designation of origin for wines from the island of Malta, alongside international varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both also appear in semi-sparkling frizzante styles, Girgentina as a white and Ġellewża as a rosé.

Meridiana Wine Estate, Ta' Qali

Meridiana was founded in April 1987 and works a 19-hectare estate at Ta' Qali, on land reclaimed from a Second World War airfield below the walls of Mdina. Tours visit the fermentation hall and the underground cellar inside a farmhouse-style winery built of local limestone, and finish with a tasting on terraces overlooking the vines. As of November 2026 the estate lists opening hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with Saturdays on request, reservations required, and closure on Sundays and public holidays. Its contact and tour-booking forms are under maintenance, so contact the estate by email to arrange a visit.

Marsovin cellars

Marsovin traces its history back more than a century to Chevalier Anthony Cassar, who started out as a small wine producer. Its cellars sit in a building dating from the time of the Order of St John, and staff lead visitors through a guided tasting. Bookings have to be made in advance.

Making a day of it

Meridiana is a short ride from Mdina and Rabat, so a morning tasting pairs naturally with an afternoon in the old city and lunch nearby. Ask the winery how to get there by bus or taxi, and do not plan to drive afterwards.

• See St Paul's Cathedral and the Domus Romana in Mdina and Rabat on the same day.
• Match the wine with Maltese food on a food tour or cooking class.
• Try a glass with stuffat tal-fenek, the rabbit stew that is Malta's signature dish.

Book ahead with the winery, ask which native-grape wines are open that day, and arrange a driver or taxi if you plan to taste more than a sip.