There are many events in the local calendar that exude a sense of summer, but Marsovin’s Summer Wine Festival probably takes the cake. And yep, it's that time of year again! The sought-after annual event will take place at Hastings Gardens in Valletta from the 12th to 14th July, and it’s also the winery's 100^th anniversary, so it’s even more cause to celebrate!

The highly anticipated wine event

The festival will include a vast selection of over 30 certified DOK- and IGT-quality wines from grapes grown around Malta and Gozo, which will be served from various bars spread across Hastings Gardens. Some of the amazing wines to taste on the night include:

1. The commemorative 100th Anniversary Wine

2. Verdala Fizzante: a light, refreshing newly launched sparkling wine made from indigenous Maltese grapes.

3. 1919 Rose: a wine dedicated to different artists, which this year depicts Gabriel Caruana.

4. Marnisi: the only organic local wine.

5. Guze Moscato - Zibibbo: a sweet wine made using the Late Harvest method.

The tried-and-tested token system will be used and encourages patrons to taste and enjoy the selection of quality wines made available without overdoing it! And, as a yearly visitor myself, I can say that the system works!

Things to do at the Wine Fest (besides the obvious)

The Marsovin Summer Wine Festival is packed with things to do.

1. Wine Educational Area

Just like previous years, Marsovin has created a designated ‘Wine Educational Area’ which will offer fun and interactive ways for guests to learn more about viticulture. It will feature a blind tasting of a selection of wines, followed by a detailed explanation of each one, and the opportunity to win prizes. If you’re thinking of attending, book your place on [email protected].

2. Food 

Marsovin has got you covered with a selection of different stalls showcasing various cuisine. Renowned Asian fusion restaurant TemptAsian will man a sushi bar; Eat Me I’m Famous will offer freshly-made pizza; The Palace Hotel will be present with premium cold cuts and cheeses; Fat Louie’s will serve some of their signature dishes and The Pulled Meat Company will prepare an array of mouth-watering Maltese dishes and more.

3. Live entertainment

This year’s line-up includes some of Malta and and Gozo’s leading bands, including Red Electrick, The Travellers and The New Victorians, as well as multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Matthew James; up-and-coming band Royals and Analise & Band, who will be singing along to some popular tunes. 

So, how does it work?

A fee of €20 per person will be paid on entrance, which includes €20 worth of wine tokens and a Premium Festival Wine Glass, which you use while going around the different wine stations. You even get to keep it afterwards! Wine tokens can be exchanged at all wine bars in the form of a taster, by the glass, or by the bottle, and token amounts vary accordingly.

Entry tickets can also be purchased in advance starting from 17th June, and are available from The Master Cellar in Naxxar and Marsovin Cellars in Paola.

What are you waiting for? Get booking! For more information you can visit the Festival’s website.