The Malta Food Agency, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, organised an evening of appreciation for Maltese wines on Monday, 29 September 2025, at the Parliament Building in Valletta. The event was intended to celebrate the excellence of local wines and to show appreciation towards the producers who, through their continuous dedication, are strengthening Malta’s reputation in this sector.
The evening brought together distinguished guests, representatives from the wine industry, and stakeholders from the food, tourism, and cultural heritage sectors, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps. The strong attendance was a testament to the growing interest in Maltese wine and its potential as an integral part of the country’s gastronomic and cultural identity.
The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Anġlu Farrugia, opened the wine exhibition in Malta’s Parliament, describing wine as a product as old as civilisation, with origins 8,000 years ago in Georgia and Mesopotamia. He noted its role in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and highlighted Malta’s own history of vine cultivation since Phoenician and Roman times.
He praised the resilience and creativity of Malta’s wine industry, which today reflects the islands’ soil, climate, and culture, while also reaching international markets.
Speaker Farrugia said Parliament hosts such events to affirm its role as a home for culture and identity. He concluded that wine is not only agriculture or gastronomy, but also a reflection of humanity’s long journey, shared in friendship and joy.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, stated that this event was an opportunity to show our appreciation towards local wine producers, who with passion and dedication are adding value to our agriculture and gastronomy. This activity further embraces our vision that the food sector, which also incorporates the wine sector, continues to be strengthened as an important economic pillar for our country, while also enhancing Malta’s cultural identity and culinary experience.
The Chief Business Development Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Justin John Camilleri, highlighted the importance of collaboration and unity. While expressing a sense of pride that the Malta Food Agency has reached this stage, he maintained that where there is unity, there is strength. He emphasised that strong belief in this sector led to it being given the importance it deserves, with an event held in the building of the country’s highest institution, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker. He went on to explain how the agency joined forces with the Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta to create a common and unique commitment: that of placing food at the top of the national priorities, since food is an essential part of tourism, culture, history, and the people’s wellbeing. He added that this is only the beginning, and that these partnerships will continue to be strengthened and expanded so that food and local producers are given the recognition they truly deserve.
This initiative demonstrated how Maltese wine is increasingly becoming an integral part of Malta’s cultural and gastronomic identity. The evening also provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between national institutions and wine producers, while highlighting the potential of this sector as a positive force for the local economy and tourism.
The Participating wineries were: Emmanuel Delikata Winemaker, Markus Divinus, Marsovin, Meridiana Wine Estate, San Niklaw Estate, Ta’ Betta Wine Estates and Tal-Massar Winery.
