Delicata festival fast approaching

It is now 10 years since the very first Delicata Classic Wine Festival took Valletta by storm, and since then the event has grown from strength to strength. Without doubt, Malta’s greatest wine event will return to the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta between August 4 and 7, just four weeks from now.

As is the case every year, this “not to be missed” event inaugurates the Maltese grape harvest. It is a spectacular, unique event that is guaranteed to keep wine drinkers of all ages happy for weeks to come.

The Delicata Classic Wine Festival, which will attract thousands of people over its four-day period, will be open to the public between 7 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. Visitors need to simply buy a glass for €10 at the entrance (which is then theirs to keep) and they can drink and try as many wines as they like. Whether their preference is a glass of inexpensive dry white wine or a top-of-the-range barrel-matured Gran Cavalier red, the price remains the same.

This is a real value-for-money event that is a wine lovers’ dream, to be able to try as many wine styles and grape varieties as they like. The last glasses will be sold at 11 p.m., last wine poured at 11.30 p.m. and the festival closes at midnight. No glasses will be sold or alcohol poured to anyone under the age of 17.

There will be a wide range of DOK Malta and Gozo quality wine brands available to taste, such as Gran Cavalier, Grand Vin de Hauteville, Pjazza Reġina, Medina, Victoria Heights, the Maltese Falcon and Delicata’s Frizzantes, all produced from a number of locally-grown grape varieties such as Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and of course the two unique indigenous Maltese grapes, Girgentina and Ġellewża.

Food areas will have a range of international and Maltese dishes to choose from, including suckling pig, Maltese rabbit, pasta, paella, pizza, cheese platters, desserts and a seafood bar. A fully-seated restaurant area located in the Saluting Battery, overlooking spectacular views of Grand Harbour and the ancient Three Cities, will also be in operation. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made in advance by contacting Island Caterers on on 2375 1930 or 2375 1944 or e-mail events@islandcaterers.com.mt.

As for entertainment, this year a special 10th anniversary attraction will be a two-hour live concert by Airport Impressions on the opening night (Thursday), The Spiteri Lucas band on Friday, Big Band Brothers on Saturday and Valletta’s very own George (Pusè) Curmi and band winding up this year’s event on the Sunday night. In addition J.Anvil will be in attendance and perform every night. On September 2, 3 and 4 the event moves to Nadur, Gozo where Delicata’s Classic Wine Festival will take place at the promenade overlooking breathtaking views of Comino and Malta. Live entertainment will be performed by Chasing Pandora, Cash and Band, Inside Plan and J.Anvil. There will also be a number of delicious food stalls for visitors to try.

A shuttle service from Mġarr Harbour to Nadur will be available throughout the festival.

Delicata Classic Wine Festivals are organised in close collaboration with the local councils of both Valletta and Nadur and are sponsored by Go and BoV.

For more information on the Delicata Wine Festivals visit www.delicata.com.