Things to Do: Wine Tasting

I have decided to blog about some of the fantastic places you should visit while in Malta learning English.

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting one of Malta premium wine estates, in Ta'Qali near Rabat, called Meridiana.

The idea of having a local wine produced here germinated in 1985 as a result of a conversation between Mark Miceli-Farrugia, a wine-trader, and a Bordeaux oenologist. As a result, two years later, Meridiana Wine Estate was established in April 1987. The company's pioneering mission is to produce "World-Class Wines of Maltese Character" - internationally acclaimed wines made from wine-grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil. Until then, all "Maltese wine" was produced from a mixture of table-grapes, imported wine-grapes, and sugar.

The estate I visited was in Ta' Qali, Malta's agricultural heartland. It lies scenically below the ancient, walled-city of Mdina so you might be tempted to visit the ancient city at the same time as long as you don't taste too much wine!!

Meridiana produces several wines. These are listed below:


White Wines
I S I S
(Chardonnay of Malta)
Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Isis is characterised by fresh, natural, tropical fruit flavours. The name Isis recalls the Phoenician goddess of sailors whose vigilant eye still graces the prow of the Maltese fishing luzzu. This is my personal favourite. I always recommend this to students to take back home with them as it is comparable to other foreign wines!

M I S T R A L
(Premium, Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay of Malta)
Made exclusively from mature Chardonnay grapes, Mistral is fermented on its lees in new French oak barriques. This premium white wine is characterised by a delicate balance between its firm, complex structure, its ripe acidity and its buttery peach-like fruitiness. The name Mistral derives from Malta's prevailing North Westerly wind which cools the Company's vineyard, thus favouring the cultivation of the Chardonnay grape.

Red Wines

M E L Q A R T
(Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot of Malta)
Made from an artful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, Melqart is characterised by ripe berry flavours which are enhanced by careful maturation in barrique. The name Melqart recalls the Phoenician god of sailors worshipped in Malta during the Punic period.

B E L
(Syrah of Malta)
Made exclusively from Syrah grapes, Bel is characterised by silky, prune and peppery spice flavours which are enhanced by careful maturation in barrique. The name Bel recalls the Phoenician god of fertility worshipped under various names throughout the Punic world. This wine is the perfect drink with a juicy steak.


Tours to this estate can be organised and take a couple of hours. Contact us for more information