Castello Zammitello was once again turned into an Austrian wine and beer garden for the eighth edition of Volksbank’s traditional summer party. At the Heuriger, as these special restaurants are called in Vienna, fresh sausages and traditional meat loaf are served directly from the barbecue.

Austrian wine, beer and other specialities were served to the bank’s customers and business partners, and authentic entertainment was once more provided by the Edelweiss-Buam from Matrei in East Tyrol.

“Volksbank Malta is a commercial Maltese bank with an Austrian background,” managing director Herbert Skok explained.

“Even though we are a Maltese bank, we like to show our Austrian background occasionally – this is why we organised our first Austrian summer party in 2005, and it has since become a yearly summer event, very much appreciated by our customers.”

“The Heuriger has turned into a meeting point for customers, business contacts and the German-speaking community in Malta,” said Mr Skok.

“Our guests enjoy sitting together on traditional wooden benches, with a bottle of Austrian wine or beer and simple but tasty Austrian food, meeting old friends and making new acquaintances.”

Members of the Austrian-Maltese Association, easily recognisable in their traditional Austrian outfits, were also invited.

“The association was founded two years ago with the intention to enhance social contacts between Maltese, Austrians, Germans and German-speaking nationals in Malta,” said Mr Skok. “While they organise their own events, members also enjoy this special party.”

The Heuriger was a big success once again, with guests spending an evening in a unique atmosphere, tasting Austrian specialities and dancing waltz until the early morning hours.