For wine lovers, August is the month synonymous with the Delicata Classic Wine Festival and this year being their 100th anniversary, things will be bigger and better.
This successful event, now running in its sixth year, attracts thousands of people during its four-day period, and will be returning once again to the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta between 9 and 12 August. As is the custom, the festival will inaugurate the beginning of the Maltese wine harvest and is expected to give wine enthusiasts of all ages something to talk about for weeks to follow.
A wide selection of unique Malta and Gozo grown quality wines will flow throughout the whole event. You can enjoy the taste of wines from authentic wines produced entirely from Malta-grown grapes such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and of course our unique, very own, indigenous Girgentina and Gellewza. Simply buy a 100th anniversary Delicata glass at the entrance, which is then yours to keep as a souvenir, and drink as many of the wines on show as you like. Wine glass and entrance fee is just LM3.75 per person.
Various food areas will accompany the wine, which offer a range of tasty international dishes like chicken tikka masala, roast loin of pork and pasta all expertly prepared by Island Caterers. This years “specialist food area” sees the introduction of a delicious sushi bar operated by Hugo’s Lounge. A cheese counter, focaccia bar and dessert stand will also be available.
Food lovers will also be able to enjoy the open-air fully-seated Grand Harbour Restaurant on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, that will be set up in the lower gardens. Diners can enjoy a full three-course meal which includes a pasta starter, a freshly-prepared mixed grill of fish or meat followed by dessert. The price of Lm9.75 also includes a half bottle of Delicata wine per person. For reservations, contact Island Caterers on tel.: 2375-1930.
Live music will be on each night of the festival with regulars which include Steve Cole, Joe Brown, Big Band Brothers, Chiara and George (Puse) Curmi and his band. The William Dance Company will also be performing the Delicata Harvest Dance routine every night.
Kastilja, a locally-grown 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is bottled especially for the festival and will be on sale at the fair. The label of this wine is the result of a competition that Delicata held earlier this year, giving local artists the opportunity to have a piece of their art featured on the label of this exquisite limited edition wine. The collectable Kastilja will only be available for sale at the Delicata Wine Festival in Valletta and again in Nadur and is available in both 75cl bottles and three-litre double magnum bottles. Only 300 bottles and 50 double magnums have been produced.