In seven days’ time, Delicata’s 13th Classic Wine Festival will get under way in the heart of Gozo’s viticultural area, Nadur, in celebration of the closing weeks of the Maltese and Gotland grape harvest.
Over 20 DOKO and IGT quality wines from Malta and Gozo will be available for visitors to try. The festival is run in close collaboration with the Nadur local council and takes place at the Ġnien il-Kunsill which enjoys spectacular views of the Nadur valley leading down to Mġarr and across the channel, taking in the islands of Comino and Malta.
The event takes place over three evenings from 7pm onwards. Glasses can be purchased until 11pm, with all the wine stands stopping to pour wine at 11.30pm. The festival finishes at midnight.
There is no entrance fee but any person (over 17 years of age) who wishes to try the wines available, needs to purchase a souvenir glass, which is then theirs to keep. Glass purchasers will have to wear a wristband, which will change colour every night and must be worn on the wrist.
Live entertainment is on every night with Francesca Zarb, Gozo Boy, This.Co, Rebecca Bonello, Kelly Cassar and Upper Lip performing on Friday, J Anvil, Straight Ahead, Jolene Samhan, Isaiah Muscat, Joseph Refalo and Planet Seed performing on Saturday and Pierre Zammit, The Travellers, Elaine Haber and Gozo’s very own Cash & Band, playing on Sunday.
A number of food stalls will serve various dishes, including traditional Gozitan rabbit, Chinese cuisine, baguettes, ftajjar, pizza, crepes, pasta, ravioli, barbecue foods, deep-fried American-style potatoes, nougat and more. Close to the entrance there will also be a fully seated à la carte restaurant operated by the Xlendi-based Hotel San Andrea, serving a selection of fine Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
For food and wine lovers, there are a few great combinations to try out. The rabbit goes down very well with a glass of the brand-new Medina red Ġellewża, while those trying oriental dishes should either go for a medium dry Dolcino rosé or white, or if one prefers something slightly drier, the Medina Vermentino Zibibbo.
Pasta or a pizza can be combined with the IGT wines Pjazza Reġina, Classic Collection or the Maltese Falcon wines. One combination that’s definitely worth a go is the Gozitan ravioli with a chilled glass of Grand Vin de Hauteville Viognier.
Visitors from Malta do not need to cross the channel with their car as a shuttle service to the festival will be available from outside the ferry terminal in Mġarr for €2 (return trip) per person.