Ongoing excavations in the Mgarr ix-Xini Valley of Gozo have uncovered yet more evidence which casts light upon the use of viticulture during the Punic and Roman era’s.

The growth and industry associated with the production of grape juice and wine have played an important role in the economy of the Maltese islands since the Classical period. This has already been established from studies conducted in the past, and has now been confirmed by these excavations currently taking place in the Mgarr ix-Xini Valley.

The excavation work is an integral part of the Regional Park project, which is being undertaken by a partnership formed between the Local Councils of Sannat and Xewkija, together with the financial support of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Consumer Protection, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Consultation. The funds for this project were acquired through the Scheme of Financing of Small Places and Special Projects.

Parliamentary Secretary, Chris Said, said that this year the Government will be assisting in the financing and implementation of a total of fifteen special projects in this scheme and €237,000 will be issued for this purpose. The scheme is aimed at helping small municipalities with such projects by providing a direct financial allocation.

The Mgarr ix-Xini Valley is being rehabilitated and designated as a Regional Park, which will become accessible by a number of long abandoned existing paths which are being cleared. The valley abounds with natural beauty, including geological formations, and extensive flora and fauna.

The Excavations at Tal-Logga comprises a field with a set of troughs which have been hollowed into the rock under a small rock-shelter. So far, 15 sets of these troughs have been located in the Mgarr ix-Xini Valley and indications show that they were used for the pressing of grapes. Evidence has also been found which indicates that some form of quarrying was also carried out in the area.

It is believed that the grapes were probably harvested from vineyards in the field and were taken immediately to the set of troughs to be pressed into wine.

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