📍 Gozo

Gozo (Maltese: Għawdex) is the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, north-west of the island of Malta, and also a wine designation. It is part of Malta. The island is green and hilly, with small fields divided by stone walls and many small family vineyards.

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Soils are limestone, often thin, so vines grow on terraces. Yields are small, and the sea breeze tempers the heat.

The main grapes are the local Ġellewża (red) and Girgentina (white), plus international varieties. Ġellewża gives light, fruity reds with soft tannins, Girgentina fresh, light whites. Red, white, rosé, sparkling and sweet wines are made; the Gozo designation covers the island's wines.

Volumes are tiny and Gozo wines hardly leave the island, so they are best tried on the spot, in wine cellars and restaurants. The island of Malta lies to the south-east and produces more wine. Gozo wines go well with local food such as fish, rabbit and gbejna cheese, and the reds with stewed meat.