The village of Qormi appears to have had as many as 72 different wine-bars and pubs in the history of its making. Today, unfortunately, few survive.
This is part of the information which was unearthed during research for the wine-themed exhibition that was inaugurated yesterday for the launch of the fourth edition of the Qormi Wine Festival.
Although a variety of events have been organised for the festival, the culture of wine has been given prominence beyond the usual realms of wine-tasting.
The exhibition was, therefore, set up to demonstrate the importance of the wine culture in Qormi as brought down through generations. The exhibition highlights the various methods of wine production, the equipment used and even the way the wine was sold in the streets.
Walking into the rustic hall where the exhibition is found (just minutes from St George's Church, in Triq il-Blata) your eyes are first met by a huge map tracing out the village of Qormi indicating the streets and village squares where most of the wine-bars were concentrated.
It appears that Triq il-Kbira, Triq il-Vitorja and Misraħ San Franġisk were the most densely populated in terms of wine-bars with as many as four or five often located within metres of one another.
The research on Qormi's wine-related history was carried out by Pawlu Sammut and George Mifsud Chircop who also aptly included a wide variety of Maltese idiomatic expressions in connection to wine in the exhibition.
Several life-size mannequins caught in a stance of action also comprise part of the exhibition. They have been strategically placed around the hall and appear to be dutifully carrying out several tasks related to the different stages and procedures of wine-making.
Much attention to detail has been given to the exhibition - all objects and still-life presentations are genuine. Bottles are full of coloured wine-like liquids, plates are complete with rocket leaves, ġbejniet (cheeselets) and Maltese bread, and corks are scattered on different surfaces.
A number of children, youths and a few elderly persons who were dressed in traditional folk costume, were nicely camouflaged within the overall exhibition ambience.
The Qormi Wine Festival and the wine-themed exhibition is organised by the Kumitat Festi Esterni San Ġorġ Martri and their youth commission, in collaboration with the Qormi local council, the Ministry of Rural Affairs, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sport, and Marsovin.
This year the Qormi Wine Festival: A Taste of the Mediterranean, will be held on September 5 and 6. On both days, events start at 8 p.m. and proceed till midnight.
A wide selection of wines will be available as well as food stalls featuring traditional Maltese food and sweets, while Spanish, Italian and Greek dishes will also be on offer.
The events programme includes Greenfields, Big Band Brothers, Astra Folk Group, Enzo Gusman, Tony Pace and traditional għana singers.
For more information call 7906 2455, 7920 3512 or e-mail: qormiwinefestival@gmail.com.