There is something just so incredibly charming about a quiet little wine bar away from the hustle and bustle of busy life.
Sometimes you just want to curl up in a peaceful and dimly lit ambience and enjoy a nice bottle of wine while catching up with a friend or two.
Thankfully, Malta has plenty of wine bars to choose from but to make your life a tiny bit easier we have gathered a list of ten wine bars across the islands that are a must visit for every wine lover.
1. Del Borgo, Birgu
Tucked away in the narrow streets of the historical town of Birgu, this wine bar has charm like no other. Situated in a cellar, which was once the cellar of a century’s old palazzo, this wine bar provides you with a Bible of a wine list. There are hundreds of wines to choose from and each option is better than the one before it!
2. The Little Red Door, Valletta
This wine bar may be found in Malta’s capital city of Valletta but it is still hidden away from the beaten tourist track. You will be welcomed by the titular red door, and not only do they have a great and affordable wine selection, their cheese and meat platters are absolutely to die for. They have all kinds of cheeses and cold cuts from which you can choose according to your own liking.
3. Onella, Naxxar
Onella is a cosy place right next to the parish church of the quiet village of Naxxar. It has over 125 different bottles of wines to choose from. The wine bar can be found within a 19th century house built by Vincenzo Bonavia that will transport you back in time. This wine bar is run by the Fernandõ Gastrotheque team, a restaurant which was recently recognised on the Michelin Guide
4. Four Seasons, Hal-Balzan
At this Birkirkara/Hal-Balzan wine bar you will be welcomed by its friendly Maltese owner who will attend to your every need and make sure you have a memorable experience. The wine bar itself is lit by candles, making this ideal for a romantic night out.
5. Trabuxu, Valletta
This wine bar in Valletta was the first of its kind to open in Malta’s capital city. It’s tucked away in a 400-year-old stone vaulted cellar in Valletta’s Strait Street. Apart from having plenty of wine to choose from, Tarbuxu is known for their variety of cheeses unlike anywhere else on the island. It is also the perfect spot for those trying to find complete relaxation as no children under 12 are allowed.
6. L’Enoteca, Rabat
L’Enoteca is a family run business that perfectly captures the essence of a neighbourhood wine bar. What truly sets this wine bar apart is the fact that you will be seated in a historical cave dating back thousands of years. The perfect romantic setting! However, don’t worry if you’re a bit claustrophobic as they have plenty of tables al fresco as well.
7. Cruor, Naxxar
Opened only last year, Cruor wine bar is a gem in the heart of Naxxar. Not only does it have a great variety of wine for you to choose from, it also has an open kitchen which truly elevates the dining experience to the next level. The dishes are deliciously unique and will wash down perfectly with that nice bottle of wine.
8. Cent’Anni, Gharghur
Found within an old house in Gharghur, this wine bar oozes with your typical and traditional Maltese charm. It has a long list of fine and affordable wines. Cent'Anni is decorated from top to bottom in old wine bottles and it truly feels like you’re stepping in someone’s Maltese home rather than a typical modern restaurant.
9. The Old Charm, Naxxar
Situated in an alley way in an old house in Naxxar, The Old Charm is the ultimate cosy spot for bottle of wine and a platter on a cold winter evening. Apart from serving cold cuts and cheese platters, this wine bar also doubles as an Indian eatery with a variety of Indian dishes to order from.
10. Cantina Michele Chiarlo - Vini e Capricci by Abraham's, Xewkija Gozo
The team behind Vini e Capricci are arguably Gozo’s resident wine experts. Their wine cellar, aptly named 'Cantina Michele Chiarlo' houses over 700 different types of wines from 56 wineries all across the world. They organise plenty of wine tasting sessions where you can not only sample their wine but also taste their delicious tapas.
Which ones did we miss?