Hastings Garden in Valletta will be hosting the first Marsovin summer wine festival between 4 and 6 July as part of the Malta Arts Festival.

This was announced yesterday at a press briefing at Hastings Gardens, nestled by the bastions on the west side of City Gate. The gardens offer a magnificent view of the panoramic Marsamxett Harbour and guarantee a refreshing breeze.

Wine enthusiasts will be able to taste the complete collection of Marsovin’s oldest wines from the popular La Valette, Verdala and Caravaggio ranges to their prestigious premium estate and boutique wines, as well as sample authentic Mediterranean food prepared by Corinthia caterers.

“Marsovin has had a long history of supporting and sponsoring local exhibitions and artistes. Wine and its production play such an important part of the local Mediterranean cuisine,” said Marsovin’s marketing and export director, Jeremy Cassar.

Hastings Gardens will be divided into four sections, each representing a different country: Italy, Spain, Morocco and Malta – all well-known for their delicious wine and cuisine.

The area will be animated by Flamenco dancing, a string quartet, live rock and jazz bands as well as tribal music. An art exhibition featuring some of Malta’s distinguished artists will also be taking place.

Mr Cassar said Marsovin is combining all its efforts in organising such a festival and hopes to continue organising it in the forthcoming years.

“Such a festival promotes the capital city’s architecture and environment,” said Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier. He also mentioned that the wine festival will coincidentally fall on the second anniversary since Hastings Gardens were embellished.

Education and Culture Minister Dolores Cristina who was also present said, “The government is pleased to be entering into partnerships with the private sector to promote cultural events.” She also urged more organisations to give their contribution to Maltese culture and the arts since more needs to be done.

The minister expressed her pride that the Maltese tourism industry has lately identified viticulture as one of the country’s main characteristics.

She also took the occasion to remind the public that the annual arts festival will start on 1 July at the Ospizio – a new venue for cultural activities which is being restored and where a good number of activities should be held in the near future.