More than a century after Chevalier Anthony Cassar founded Marsovin in 1919, the winery continues to celebrate Malta's creative spirit through its 1919 Artist Edition wine collection - a range where each vintage tells a story through both wine and art.

Inspired by the belief that winemaking and artistic expression share a common language, Marsovin commissions a Maltese artist every year to create an original artwork for the labels of its 1919 White, Rosé, and Red wines. Over time, the initiative has grown into a distinctive tradition that reflects the island's cultural identity while highlighting the character of locally crafted wines.

Red fields at dusk. 1919 Red - Vintage Label Painting (2025) by Johanna Barthet 

Sunkissed fields. 1919 Rose - Vintage Label Painting (2025) by Johanna Barthet

Now in its 22nd vintage, the 1919 collection has become one of Marsovin's most recognisable projects, celebrating both Malta's indigenous grape varieties and the work of local artists. Past editions have featured works by some of Malta's most respected names in art, including Debbie Caruana Dingli, Kenneth Zammit Tabone, Denise Borg Millo, Catherine Cavallo, Andrew Diacono, Andrew Micallef, Celia Borg Cardona, Selina Scerri, James Vella Clark, Caroline Navarro, Richard Saliba, Mark Mallia, Mark England, Victoria Tonna, Gabriel Caruana, Rupert Cefai, Andrew Borg, Debbie Bonello, Sarah Calleja, Henry Falzon, and Fabio Borg. These artworks form part of Marsovin's growing art collection, displayed at the Marsovin winery.

For the 2025 edition, Marsovin presents the work of Johanna Barthet (b. 1967), whose emotionally evocative paintings explore vulnerability and human experience through expressive figurative works, landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes.

"When Marsovin approached me to create the artwork for this year's 1919 collection label, I felt very honoured," said Barthet. "As an artist, I am naturally drawn to different forms of art, including wine labels, and this was something that had always been on my bucket list."

Marsovin CEO Jeremy Cassar said the project reflects the winery's commitment to both Maltese culture and local winemaking.

"Supporting Maltese art while investing in wines made from our indigenous varieties has been an incredibly rewarding journey. The 1919 project continues to resonate with people because it reflects something authentically Maltese - our culture, creativity, and passion for wine."

The Wines

The 1919 White blends Girgentina, Chardonnay, and Moscato, offering aromas of crisp apples and lime with delicate floral hints of orange blossom.

The 1919 Rosé, made from Ġellewża, Grenache, and Shiraz, displays aromas of rose petals and ripe cherries balanced by subtle mineral and herbaceous notes.

The 1919 Red, crafted from Ġellewża and Merlot, is a full-bodied wine layered with forest berries, amarena cherries, and figs, complemented by pepper, sweet spice, and a touch of fresh tobacco.

The 1919 range is available in 75cl and 1.5-litre magnum bottles from www.marsovinwinery.com and at select restaurants across Malta and Gozo.