Page 40 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

As Malta's naval importance grew, the
Knights shifted their focus to Valletta, but
Mdina retained its noble character.
Walking its streets, one can easily imagine
the Knights Templar traversing the same
passageways.
Our day also included a visit to Ta' Betta
Wine Estates, offering a different
perspective on Maltese viticulture. The
modern winery, with its sleek design and
egg-shaped fermentation vessels,
contrasted sharply with Mdina's ancient
ambiance.
Producing wine in Malta is challenging due
to the island's climate and soil, but the
resulting wines have a distinct character.
Winemaking here dates back to the
Phoenicians, but only recently have
Maltese vintners gained international
recognition. At Ta' Betta, we enjoyed a
tasting of wines named after famous
Maltese and Templar knights, accompanied
by local delicacies and visits from the
winery dogs.

40 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2025