Delicata wine festival draws the crowds

Emmanuel Delicata's second annual classic wine festival to celebrate the beginning of the Maltese grape harvest, ends today between 7 and 11.30 p.m. at the Upper Barracca Gardens, Valletta. The event was officially inaugurated by President Guido De Marco on Friday with a spectacular wine regatta involving six boats which raced from Delicata's winery on the waterfront in Marsa to a point directly below the gardens. There was also a re-enactment of the ancient practice of grape crushing.

New attractions at this year's festival include an audio-visual presentation of modern viticultural and wine-making techniques practised by Emmanuel Delicata, two exciting new wines - Dolcino Bianco and Dolcino Rose and al fresco dining with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Bill Hermitage will hold comparative tutored wine tasting at the Castille wine vaults at 8 p.m.

Entrance to the festival is free, although anybody wishing to taste the variety of wines will have to purchase an official Wine Festival glass. The glass may then be kept as a souvenir. A free mini bus shuttle service will be available to and from the MCP car park, Floriana, between 7 p.m. and midnight.