The burgeoning reputation of Maltese Wine has seen it celebrated across Europe –and Ta’ Mena Estate provides the opportunity to sample some of the finest Maltese vintages found on the archipelago of Gozo.  The estate, owned by the Spiteri family, was founded by mother Carmela, (popularly known as Mena) who worked hard to purchase and cultivate the land until her pre-mature death in 1986, when the project was partially shelved.
 
In 2002 the Spiteri family decided to start again to regenerate the 25 hectares of agricultural land to realise their late mother’s dream of integrating agriculture with tourism so that one sector sustains the other. 
 
It’s a good job they made the decision to preserve the wine making traditions of Malta, as they offer a product with a difference.  Distinctly unique to Gozo, Ta’Mena wine embellishes the region’s history, folklore and culture.  A visit here is not just a chance to sample some fine wine but to learn about crops, trees and the food making process.  Agri-tourism, a concept that is flourishing around the world, has been truly embraced here, and on this estate you can enjoy it with a Gozitan Green Touch. 
 
Wines
 
The grapes grown on the Ta’ Mena Estate produce great wines with a particular Gozitan character.  There are 10 blends which have been certified as GOZO D.O.K Wines (Certified Denomination of Origin) which is the highest wine certification for Maltese wines.  Their wines are very delicate and extremely well balanced.  Typical of the Mediterranean sunny climate, they are very fruity and full bodied; the wines themselves have earned the so called “Island Effect” because of traces of salt tasted on the palate. 
 
Marsamena Range
 
These two fruity and full bodied wines are typical of Gozo viticulture; the peculiar name derives from Marsalforn Valley where the estate is located, and from the name of founder Carmena Spiteri.
 
Ancient Gods Range
 
Inspired by Ancient Greek history, this range is inspired by that heritage which is still present in Gozo thanks to the many prehistoric temples and caves.  The names are derived from Greek mythology; Aris – a chardonnay which is produced from hand-picked grapes, Juel – a vermentino vintage, Arion – a Gozo red wine, and Zelus – a Gozo Red Syrah.
 
Wind Range
 
The particularity of the Gozo D.O.K Wines are characterised by traces of sea-salt blown into the vineyards by the different winds coming from all directions.  With this in mind, these wines are named after some of the most important winds such as Sciroc – South East Wind, Gregal – North East Wind, Tramont – North Wind and Maestral – North West Wind.
 
Food
 
It is not just fine wine that is on offer at Ta’Mena – they also produce typical Gozitan foods using traditional recipes which were first used by their fore fathers.  A key component of these traditional dishes was the use of the Mediterranean sun and other natural preservatives such as marine salt (once the only means of preserving food.) These methods are still employed by Ta’Mena today, most notably in products such as the sun-dried sweet tomato paste, wild capers in vinegar and prickly pear liqueur. 
 
Guests are invited to involve themselves in fruit and vegetable picking and experience the preparation of these traditional food products, which include:
 
·         Sun dried tomato paste
·         Sun dried tomatoes
·         Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
·         Olives in brine
·         Gozo peppered cheese-lets
·         Pickled onions
·         Gozo honey
·         Carob syrup
·         Various fruit jams (pomegranate, prickly pear, fig, orange, melon, apple, strawberry, plum)
·         Seville orange marmalade
·         Candied peel
·         Prickly pear and pomegranate liqueurs
·         Prickly pear and pomegranate dessert wines
·         Chutneys
·         Capers in vinegar
·         Traditional sweets and biscuits
 
Their products can also be bought from their shop at Ta’ Mena Estate.  They have also set up an online shop.
 
Activities
 
A visit to Ta’ Mena really allows you to immerse yourself in the typical Gozitan country-side, which is resplendent with breathtaking views.  The estate is situated in the picturesque Marsalforn Valley, and includes a fruit garden, an olive grove with about 1500 olives trees, an orange grove as well as over 10 hectares of vineyards.  Enjoy the panoramic views of the Gozo Citadel and the rolling hills that are dotted with villages. 
 
With a location that is only three kilometres from the blue Mediterranean Sea and within easy reach of the fishing village of Marsalforn and the world famous Ramla Bay, this estate is an excellent point of departure for interesting sightseeing tours of the extensive heritage found in Gozo.  This includes the Neolithic Ggantija Temples (the oldest free standing buildings in the world, they date back over 5,500 years), the Citadel with its outstanding bastions, the Archaeology Museum and the Cathedral, the geological park of Dwejra  and the Azure Window, and all the exceptional churches, various museums and other places of interest in the different villages of the island.
 
Tours
 
You can enjoy guided tours around the estate, followed by wine and food tasting sessions, which can include light lunches.  Hands on agricultural experiences are also available during the harvest seasons.  The estate offers an experience with a difference with its self-catering apartments.  They can also offer accommodation in typical rustic farmhouses complete with all amenities and private swimming pools.
 
Activities organised at Ta’ Mena include:
 
·         Guided tours around the estate and wine and food tastings (pre-booking required with minimum of 15 persons)
·         Walking tours (no pre-booking required)
·         Grape and live harvest experiences during season  (pre-booking required with minimum of 10 persons)
·         Group functions including team building activities complete with lunches.
·         Several wine festivals during the year.  (look out for them on their Facebook page)
·         Whole day activities including traditional breakfast, cooking session, fruit picking according to season, tours of the estate, tasting sessions, lunch and a visit to their winery.  This event can only be organised for groups of no less than 25 persons for a minimum cost of €38 per person or for a minimum charge of €850
·         Wedding and anniversary receptions, birthday parties and receptions for any other occasion.
 
For more information visit http://www.tamena-gozo.com/ or contact Ta Mena via email: info@tamena-gozo.com or phone: +365 21564939

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