Today the Spiteri family in Gozo is producing its own wines under the supervision of Italian oenologist Sig. Claudio Debortoli. But this winery was founded by Carmena Spiteri who set up the agricultural company in Marsalforn valley with her husband Frank way back in 1971. Nowadays the Ta’ Mena estate cultivates 25 hectares of land, 15 hectares of which are cultivated vineyards, mainly situated in Marsalforn valley, Ramla valley and San Raflu valley. The name Ta’ Mena has its origins in the owner’s name as everyone knows her by the diminutive Mena.

The range of wines now consists of several varieties. Tal-Latini is their entry level collection of wines which is mainly marketed for the retail sector, such as supermarkets and confectioneries. The “1551”, the second wine collaboration, is dedicated to those who suffered so much for the defence of the island of Gozo during the invasion by the Ottoman Empire on 18 July 1551. It is a date which is written in every Gozitan’s heart.

Concept wines, another range of wines, includes Enchor Chardonnay. It has been given the name of one of the medieval sun dials found in the Maltese islands. Then there is Maillot – a blend of five varieties dedicated to the Gabillott, the farmer who besides collecting the ground rent from other farmers is also the tenant who pays the landowner.

Marsamena is the flagship of Ta’ Mena winery. This is a blend of five varieties aged in new French barriques, dedicated to the founder, Mena Spiteri.

Gerit Vermentino will be launched during Easter time. Also, soon to join the concept wines are two red wines namely Baskal and Dorff. Ta’Mena wines are distributed by Attard and Co. Foodstuffs Ltd.