Delicata Classic Wine Festival 2026
7, 8 and 9 August 2026
Wine, music and summer evenings overlooking the Grand Harbour
A MALTESE SUMMER TRADITION
Each August, as the sun drops behind Valletta’s bastions and the Grand Harbour begins to glow, the Upper Barrakka Gardens take on a different rhythm. Music carries across the city and wine glasses are raised.
This year, The Delicata Classic Wine Festival returns for its 23rd edition on 7, 8 and 9 August 2026. Join us for three evenings dedicated to Maltese wine in one of the island’s most iconic settings. This is not simply a wine event. It is a highlight in the Maltese summer calendar.
GREAT AWARD-WINNING WINES
More than 20 Delicata wines will be served by the glass, offering a true cross-section of the winery’s craft.
These include the semi-sparkling Frizzantes (6 coins) made from the very rare native old bush vines Girgentina and Ġellewża, a selection of delectable white, red and rosé home-grown Medina (6 coins) and Victoria Heights boutique wines (6 coins), noble mono-varietals of the iconic flagship Gran Cavalier selection (8 coins) and Malta’s most internationally awarded Grand Vin de Hauteville range (8 coins).
Besides the sweeter lifestyle Dolcino (4 coins) and the exclusive Falcon wines (4 coins), the popular lush Casella Moscato and other varietals of the Classic Collection (4 coins) as well as the much-loved Ziffa wines (6 coins) will also be on show to taste. And, you also get a chance to enjoy Delicata’s SpritZZers (4 coins).
Whether you favour something fresh and vibrant or layered and complex, there is a wine for you with a story rooted in Malta.
HOW IT WORKS
Entrance to the festival is free. To taste the wines, you purchase a festival wine purse for €25. This includes a souvenir Delicata wine glass to keep and 24 wine coins, which are exchanged at the stalls for 125 ml servings.
All wines are served by the glass. No bottles. No tasters. Simply proper pours, enjoyed at your own pace. Glasses and left-over wine coins are not refundable and not convertible to cash or bottles. By purchasing you consent to the terms and conditions.
ONLINE PRIORITY LANE
Cash and major credit cards are accepted at the door on the night. But, you can also purchase your wine purse and souvenir glass online in advance – at no extra charge!
Just settle the standard fee online and then, on the evening, collect your wine coin-filled purse and included festival wine glass from the special online priority lane outside the gardens. You will save time queuing at the most popular wine event of the year.
ENJOY DIFFERENT CUISINES
Live cooking stalls will be serving a tempting variety of both traditional Maltese and international dishes to tease a wide range of palates prepared by some of Malta’s top caterers.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
The 2026 edition also boasts a unique line-up of Malta’s top musical talent.
Experience three nights of premier Maltese talent, ending with a tribute to timeless pop classics featuring vocalists Glen Vella, Ludwig Galea, and Michela Galea performing alongside the Spiteri Lucas Band.
Daily Lineup
Friday: Performances by Relikc and Glen & Amber Live in Concert
Saturday: Sets from Kevin Paul & Band and Airport Impressions
Sunday: First-up are The Crowns, followed by Spiteri Lucas Band & Friends
PLAN YOUR EVENING
Getting to the gardens (Google Map) is possible from the main entrance to the right of Castille Hotel of course. Patrons are reminded to enjoy themselves responsibly and never drink and drive.
There are private taxis in the vicinity. Reliable rides will be offered by our rides-sharing partner BOLT offering shared and private rides to anywhere in Malta at competitive rates.
IMPORTANT 
– When booking any ride online, do NOT pin your pick-up location inside the Upper Barrakka Gardens but well outside on Street / Triq Girolamo Cassar.
Whilst entrance to the Festival is free, strictly no wine will be served to anyone under 17.
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.
The event is supported by Visit Malta.
Join us this August and experience the taste of Malta!
See you there!
Disclaimer: The info provided is accurate at the time of writing 8 April 2026. However, the winery shall not be held accountable in case of any possible changes. For more information contact the Emmanuel Delicata Winery on 2182 5199 or via email on [email protected].
