When most people think of Malta, they picture rocky Mediterranean beaches, buzzing harbors, and honey-colored medieval towns glowing in the sun. Wine rarely comes to mind. Yet, surprisingly, this tiny island has nurtured a handful of wineries that produce bottles with character and heritage.
Space is limited, and in some cases grapes are brought in from nearby Sicily, but Malta’s winemakers have learned to work with the land, the limestone soil, and the hot summers—often with a little state support when the climate turns extreme.
For domestic consumption, it’s a thriving niche, and for visitors, it’s a chance to taste wines that exist far outside the mainstream. If you want to try new wines or sip something unexpected in a place better known for history and sea views, Malta’s wineries are an experience worth seeking out.
Malta’s Wineries: Excursions and Wine Tasting
Meridiana Wine Estate – Ta’ Qali
Meridiana Wine Estate is one of Malta’s true vinicultural success stories. Established in 1987 by Mark Miceli-Farrugia with guidance from Bordeaux oenologist Denis Dubourdieu, it pioneered the production of “World-Class Wines of Maltese Character.” The estate lies in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, on land once used as a wartime airfield and today shaded by the ancient walled city of Mdina.
Over 91,000 vines were planted here in the mid-1990s, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, cultivated on 19 hectares of calcareous soil with blue-clay subsoil that gives the wines freshness and lively acidity. The winery itself is built from local limestone in the style of a traditional farmhouse and includes underground cellars where French oak barriques help reds mature at a steady natural temperature.
Meridiana produces around 140,000 bottles annually across ten labels, with most of the wine sold domestically, though select vintages reach Japan, France, Switzerland, and the United States. Flagship bottles like Isis Chardonnay and Nexus Merlot have been praised by critics including Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, helping put Malta firmly on the wine map.
Marsovin Winery
Marsovin is one of Malta’s oldest and most respected wineries. It is located in Paola, near the capital. Founded in 1919 by Chevalier Anthony Cassar and adopting the name Marsovin in the 1950s, it remains family-owned under Jeremy Cassar, the great-grandson of the founder, where they produce over 1 million bottles annually. The cellar tour promises to show visitors the practices of Marsovin, which have been perfected over generations.
It’s not just the locals who consider Marsovin a top-tier winery; it’s recognized internationally, too. The Times in Malta wrote about La Valette, which was launched in 1964 following a massive export to some of France’s supermarkets.
The experience takes you through the 400-year-old cellar, where you’ll learn about the craftsmanship that goes into producing Marsovin’s wine. It lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs $70, and you’ll be served up to six different wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Each wine is carefully paired with local delicacies, like cheese and fresh seafood.
| Google Rating | 4.6/5.0 (80+ ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.6/5.0 (72+ ratings) |
“This is an absolute must to experience when visiting or living in Malta. The staff, the family, and the wines are absolutely top-notch. The venue itself is perfect, no matter the size of the group. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and sweet. We’re very impressed and highly recommend this place.” Mia C, TripAdvisor
Tal-Massar Winery
Tal-Massar Winery is another family-owned winery nestled in Għarb, a historic village in Gozo. Due to the lime calcareous soil, it only produces 20,000 bottles each harvest, but the team promises that this creates the best-quality grapes. Carmelo Hili founded Tal-Massar in 1934 after returning from America, and now it’s led by Anthony Hili, the third-generation vintner, and his wife, Marisa. And who better than to hold wine tasting sessions?
For $52 per person, you’ll join a two-hour session hosted by Anthony and Marisa. Three different wines will be served, including a dessert wine. You’ll also enjoy a cheese and meat charcuterie board with Maltese bread, Galletti, Gozitan olive oil, and homemade sun-dried tomato paste, all while soaking in the glorious views of the vineyards and beyond.
The wines you taste might include: Tanit, a light Vermentino wine with peach and melon aromas; Manzara, a passionfruit and red berry rosé; San Mitri, a deep red Sangiovese wine; Barrel Aged San Mitri; Garb, a 2018 vintage sweet red Nero d’Avola; and Livia, a 2014 vintage liqueur wine.
| Google Rating | 4.8/5.0 (90+ ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.9/5.0 (390+ ratings) |
“Everything was absolutely delicious, highly recommend. Lovely evening tasting four delicious wines, olive oil, and the honey they produce. Served with meats, cheeses, homemade sundried tomato paste, and brownies to complement the wines. Anthony and his family were knowledgeable and generous, and it was great hearing how they have built up the vineyard along with their plans for the future.” Gemma M, Google
Markus Divinus
Markus Divinus is perched on Malta’s western cliffs in a countryside village, Dingli, and is the smallest winery in our recommendations, with only 6,000 bottles produced yearly. The small production is intentional, meaning the team can create high-quality wines and ensure attention to detail. Before opening nearly a decade ago, founder Mark Borg perfected his craft in his humble garage for 11 years.
There are 10 experiences available at Markus Divinus:
- The Island Terrior ($64): Four wines to taste and local bread with Zafrana olive oil.
- Angel Share ($81): Six wines and local bread with Zafrana olive oil.
- Pruning ($81): Four wines with fresh local nibbles, local cheese, and charcuterie.
- Bud Break ($99): Five wines with fresh local nibbles, local cheese, and charcuterie.
- Veraison ($110): Six wines with fresh local nibbles, local cheese, and charcuterie.
- Artisan Affair ($128): Eight wines with locally sourced cheeses and dry-aged sausages, and other delicacies.
- Vintage Affair ($151): Eight wines with cold cuts and artisanal charcuterie.
- Winemaker’s Share ($128): Eight glasses, including vintages, and storytelling by Mark Borg. Paired with local bread and Zafrana olive oil.
- Barrique ($256): 11 glasses, and storytelling by Mark Borg. Paired with local bread and Zafrana olive oil.
- Culinary Affair (price dependent on package): A seven-course experience with Maltese cuisine, each paired with a signature wine.
Each wine has its own story and technique; the complete selection is available here.
| Google Rating | 4.8/5.0 (40+ ratings) |
“Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic and personal wine experience in Malta! We had the pleasure of visiting for a private wine tasting and charcuterie experience to celebrate my partner’s birthday, and it was truly a highlight of our trip to Malta.”Enrico A, Google
Ta’ Betta
Last but by no means least is Ta’ Betta. It sits in the Girgenti countryside in central Malta with panoramic views over Mdina, Valletta, and the Mediterranean coast. In 2002, Astrid and Juanito Camilleri took over Ta’ Betta, where they started to shape the land and plant the vines in 2003. Over the last 20 years, they’ve produced reds, whites, and rosés.
The winery is on the estate’s southern flank, and with Mdina’s vistas, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some exclusive wine tasting. It’s closed to the general public but welcomes all visitors for tours and picnics in the vineyards, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just curious about elevating your senses.
A vineyard picnic costs $58 for a bottle of Isabella Guasconi (rosé) or $70 per person for a bottle of Jean Parisot (chardonnay) or red wine. The bottles are paired with a platter including charcuterie, cheese, fruit, olive, bread, and homemade olive oil. You’ll be escorted to a secluded spot among the vines, where you’ll soak in those vistas. Other events are held here, like the BBQ under the olive trees, so keep an eye out for those.
| Google Rating | 5.0/5.0 (120+ ratings) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 5.0/5.0 (4+ ratings) |
“Fantastic place with a heart and soul. I can’t remember the last time I had better wine. Thanks for a great time, and I hope it wasn’t my last visit here.”Powel K, Google
Explore Malta’s Wineries
You don’t have to be a wine professional to be welcomed at Malta’s wineries. Here, wine goes beyond the glass, rooted in family and culture. Each estate has its own personality, story, and technique, and whichever you choose will leave you with a delicious taste of the wine and an appreciation of the Maltese craftsmanship.
See our favorite list of Malta’s seafood places.
