Wine festival in Valletta

Delicata's three-day Classic Wine Festival opened last night in the beautiful surroundings of Upper Barrakka gardens in Valletta, celebrating the start of the local grape harvest.

Invited guests tasted the vast range of wines on offer while a wine 'regatta' involving boats, horses and carriages added a flavour of pageantry to the event.

Freshly harvested grapes were taken across the Grand Harbour from Fort St Angelo on six boats to a point in front of Barbara Bastions, where they were then loaded onto horses and carts.

Maltese gastronomic delicacies chosen to complement the wine are on offer, while the ancient practice of grape pressing is being demonstrated.

Tonight, visitors will be able to watch a spectacular fireworks display from the feast of St Lawrence across Grand Harbour at Vittoriosa.

Entrance to the festival is free, although anybody wishing to taste the variety of wines will have to purchase an official wine festival glass. Doors will be open between 7 and 11.30 p.m.