For wine lovers, August is the month synonymous with the Delicata Classic Wine Festival.

This successful event will be held at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta between 3 and 6 August.

Following the previous five editions, the festival will inaugurate the beginning of the Maltese wine harvest and should give wine enthusiasts of all ages something to talk about for weeks to follow.

Over 20 Maltese wines from locally grown grapes such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and many more will be available.

Simply buy a glass at the entrance, which is yours to keep as a souvenir, and drink as many wines as you like.

Various food areas will accompany the wine, offering a range of delicious international dishes to choose from. This year there will be a fresh oyster bar, a focaccia bar and a refreshing wine sorbet bar.

Food lovers will also enjoy the open-air fully seated Grand Harbour Grill restaurant set up in the lower gardens offering diners a freshly prepared mixed grill of fish or meat with a great view.

The festival will kick off with a jazz night on Thursday, and other performers such as Joe Brown, Claudette Pace, Steve Cole, George Curmi (Puse) and Charles (City) Gatt will keep the public entertained throughout the festival.

For the first year ever, Delicata will commemorate the Wine Festival with a special edition wine – Kastilja, a locally-grown 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The label is the result of a competition held earlier this year, giving local artists the opportunity to feature their art on the label of this exquisite limited edition wine.

Kastilja will be available for sale at the Delicata Wine Festival in Valletta in both 75cl and 3-litre double magnum bottles.