Gozo’s largest wine festival – the Delicata Classic Wine Festival – returns to Nadur next week for the 17th year, held in conjunction with the Nadur Local Council.

Taking place at – Gnien il-Kunsill – on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of August, visitors will have the opportunity to sample over 20 wines, with vintages of nine Delicata award-winning brands being served from as many stalls spread along the garden’s periphery.

Wine coins will once again be the common currency at this summer’s festival, exchangeable for glasses of the many different wines.

The winery explained that to try the wines, all festival revellers have to do is purchase 24 wine coins in a complimentary purse and a souvenir glass (yours to keep too), all for €16. “The coins are non-refundable and not convertible to cash.”

“The correct change of wine coins handed over at the stalls will prompt dedicated wine stewards to pour a standard 150 ml glass of the wine on show in the clearly marked festival glass. We generously serve all wines by the glass: no tasters, no bottles,” said Delicata.

“Different wines hold different currency: the charge ranges from 8 wine coins for a glass of the flagship selection Gran Cavalier and Grand Vin de Hauteville to 6 coins for Medina, Victoria Heights and Frizzantes, and 4 coins for a 150 ml pouring of other quality wines such as the Classic Collection, Pjazza Regina, The Falcon, Dolcino and others,” explained the winery.

There will be a tempting variety of both traditional Maltese and international dishes to tease a wide range of tastes.

These will include a selection of pizza, traditional Gozitan ftajjar, fried rabbit, hog roast, Chinese dishes, Swiss sausages, BBQ grills and various baguettes and desserts.

For entertainment over the weekend, the festival features the Big Band Brothers, Grovestreet Band, J. Anvil, D Capitals, Upper Lip Band, Jolene Samhan and Band, DJ Ron Briffa, Cash and Band, Strait Ahead, Rebecca Bonello and Band, and DJ Pierre Cordina, and many more.

For those who do not want to come by car, Delicata said that the special shuttle service laid on to commute to and from the festival is a practical option.

The shuttle mini-bus service between the Mgarr ferry terminal and Gnien il-Kunsill costs €2 for a return trip.

The shuttle starts operating upon arrival of the ferry leaving Cirkewwa at 6.45pm and ceases operations at 00.15am from Nadur to catch the ferry leaving Gozo at 00.45am. Private taxis will also service the venue.

Whilst entrance to the festival is free, strictly no wine will be served to anyone under 17 and patrons are reminded to enjoy responsibly, the winery said.

Wine glasses are sold until 11 pm, wine is poured up to 11.30 pm and the festival closes at midnight. Mineral water and soft drinks are also available for purchase.

For more information contact the Emmanuel Delicata Winery on 2182 5199 or via email on info@delicata.com.

Photograph by Alain Salvary

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