The dry spell throughout winter led to poor grape harvest, but the quality of Maltese wine was not impacted, Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said. 

Several plants were ruined as a result of the lack of rain throughout winter, leading to a reduction in the production of grapes. 

The government has therefore decided to help with planting more seeds, particularly those locally produced like girgentina and gellewza.

He said that the improvements in recent years meant Maltese wines were competing well with imported wines. A tender published recently is aimed at carrying out an extensive campaign to promote Maltese wines.

Mr Galdes was speaking ahead of the second edition of the Qormi Wine Festival which will take place on Friday and Saturday.