Delicata keeps its annual summer appointment with the wine festival

The Delicata classic wine festival is back for its 15th consecutive edition at the Upper Barrakka Gardens from 4th to 7th August.

The festival is the showcase for Malta’s wines, with 24 different wines to choose from and to sample as often as one likes. Vintages of nine Delicata award-winning brands will also be served from stalls spread along garden.

These include the semi-sparkling Frizzantes, a selection of delectable white, red and rosé Medina and Victoria Heights boutique wines, noble mono-varietals of the iconic flagship Gran Cavalier selection and Malta’s most internationally awarded Grand Vin de Hauteville range. Besides Dolcino and the Maltese Falcon wines, varietals of the Classic Collection as well as the Pjazza Reġina blends will be available to taste too.

The entrance is free and attendees must purchase a wristband for the night and a glass for €14. The wristband is the ticket for sampling the wine. No wine will be served to anyone under 17 and patrons are reminded to enjoy responsibly.

The last glasses and wristbands are sold at 11pm. The last wine is poured at 11.30pm and the festival closes at midnight.

Live cooking stalls will be serving an array of Maltese favourites such as suckling pig,  Mediterranean and Indian dishes, sushi as well as a selection of pizza, various cheese and charcuterie platters, and desserts.

This special 15th edition sees the introduction of a new fast track facility for Delicata Privilege Card holders. Card holders have the advantage to skip the queue at the cash points on the night by pre-booking online at www.delicata.com.

Another first is Salute! which is a fully-seated al fresco wine and fine dining experience laid on at the reserved lower level of the Saluting Battery on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Salute! offers a delicious menu of plated dishes and matching wines, all served under the starry sky over the Grand Harbour. This is organised by the Delicata Winery in close collaboration with Island Caterers. Salute! event tickets are secured at €45 per person in advanced through www.delicata.com/salute/.

Cash & Band and Red Electrick will kickstart the festival on Thursday night; Planet Seed and the Spiteri Lucas Band will perform on Friday whilst Xarulù and The Crowns play on Saturday. Relick and the George Curmi il-Pusé will be on Sunday.

The Delicata Classic Wine Festival is supported by Mapre Middlesea,  Petrolea, APS Bank, Mediterranean Building Finishes and Mediterranean Scaffolding Ltd.

Festival and fast track details can be obtained from www.delicata.com, or call (356) 21 825 199.