Wine & Beverages

Malta has a surprisingly good wine scene — and a beer culture that combines British heritage with a Mediterranean climate.

Maltese Wine

Malta has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, but modern quality production only began in the 1990s. Today, there are two protected designations of origin: DOK Malta and DOK Gozo. The main native grape varieties are Ġellewża (red, robust, strawberry-like) and Girgentina (white, fresh, citrusy) — both grow only in Malta. In addition, international varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay deliver surprisingly good results on the barren limestone soils.

The best wineries: Marsovin (largest winery, tours available), Meridiana (premium wines, Tuscan consultant), and Ta' Betta (small boutique winery on Gozo). A bottle of local wine costs 12–25€ in restaurants, from 5€ in supermarkets.

Beer

Cisk (pronounced: Tschisk) is Malta's national beer — a light lager that perfectly suits the heat. Brewed by Simonds Farsons Cisk since 1929. Besides the classic lager, there is Cisk Excel (low-calorie), Cisk Chill (with citrus), and seasonal craft variants. A second local beer is Blue Label Ale — maltier and richer. In recent years, a small craft beer scene has emerged, especially in Valletta and St. Julian's.

Kinnie

Kinnie is Malta's iconic soft drink — a bitter-aromatic refreshment made from bitter oranges and herbs, produced in Malta since 1952. It tastes like a mix of Chinotto and Bitter Lemon. You either love it or hate it — but you have to try it. Kinnie is available in every bar, restaurant, and supermarket. Perfect as an aperitif with ice and lemon.