A Blossoming Wine Scene

Maltese wine can’t be found outside the island, so coming here is an excellent opportunity to taste something unique - the result of the island’s rich soil, light sea breezes and 300 days of sunshine a year. We highly recommend hiring a car to visit the local vineyards and taste their award-winning wares: Marsovin Cellars, the Tal-Massar Winery, Meridiana Wine Estate, San Niklaw, Marnisi Estate, Markus Divinus and Delicata Winery.

Global grape varieties grown on Malta include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato, and there are also the native varieties Gellewza and Ghirghentina, which are producing excellent wines with a distinctive body and flavour.

In semi-tropical gardens near iconic Dwejra Bay on Gozo, The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo is a fabulous hideaway with the indulgence of not only a spa but also an authentic Ayurveda centre – one of the largest in the region. Its three stylish restaurants offer Maltese and other Mediterranean cuisine, and there’s a pool bar for signature cocktails and global eats. Rooms, suites and apartments with full kitchens have charming Gozitan decor and up to three bedrooms – ideal for multigenerational holidays or other trips with family or friends.

The Embassy Valletta Hotel is the perfect place for immersing yourself in the history, culture and convivial life of the Maltese capital, while on-site temptations include a seventh-storey rooftop cocktail lounge and deck pool with electrifying views over the city, an in-house cinema and a therapy room. There’s also dining in the intimate Courtyard with its great wine list, light bites and high teas.

Lastly, with a private boat jetty, a lido with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, private yacht hire, an extensive spa and six swimming pools, the Corinthia St George’s Bay in St Julian’s appeals to us with its glamorous feel. It also has five restaurants combining to offer barbecue grills, salt-baked fish served aflame at your table, Italian favourites and more.