Everyone deserves to wind down after a long day at work or after a hectic week. You can choose to stay at home lounging on the sofa but a more sophisticated alternative would be to put on your favourite dress and visit a wine bar with your family and friends. Whether it's a chilly winter night or a breezy summer evening, if you're looking for a place to feast upon some delicious nibbles while indulging in a fine bottle of wine, a good bar will tick all the boxes. The Maltese Islands boast a wide selection of wine bars to choose from.

Which are the most common types of wines?

If you feel like giving yourself a treat and partake of a good bottle of wine, then you must consider swinging by a wine bar to satiate your appetite. A good bar would stock a vast array of both local and foreign wines which are greatly renowned and regularly selected. If you're a tourist on holiday in Malta, we do suggest you try out our local wine which is gaining strong reputation amongst locals and foreigners alike.

Whether you prefer sweet red wine, dry white wine, rose wine or sparkling wine, a wine bar has the capacity to satisfy everyone's taste buds. You can taste some distinctive Italian wine and savour a glass of French wine. Famous wine from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand and Australia is also commonly found. Prevalent wine in Malta include Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Chianti, Merlot, Moscato, port wine, prosecco, sangria, Pinot and Syrah, amongst other types of wine.

Wine can be ordered by the bottle or else by the glass if you're not a heavy drinker or if a wine tasting experience is what you have in mind. If you're still in the beginner levels of becoming a wine connoisseur, worry not. Staff should be well versed in the bottles they offer and would be able to offer advice on wine pairing, and help their customers in choosing a bottle which is in line with their taste. Good bars keep their drinks stored in wine cellars or in temperature controlled coolers in an endeavour to offer their wines in their optimal state.

Most bars usually also offer spirits and alcoholic drinks to cater for everyone's cravings. Do note that bars can only serve wine to people over the age of 18.

What food should you pair your wine with?

Drinking a glass of wine on an empty stomach is not the ideal way to spend your evening. This is why it is customary for wine bars to provide a choice of mouth-watering nibbles to indulge in while sipping on a glass of wine. Most popular include cured meats and cheese platters, together with platters brimming with traditional Maltese food. Do check out their website or social media pages to check menus beforehand and determine the types of food they offer.

How's wine bars' ambience?

A wine bar has it all: an exquisite selection of fine wines, delectable bites and if chosen with care, the right ambience. Traditional wine bars are located in quaint alleys in village squares around Malta and Gozo and they emanate a cosy and intimate aura. More modern wine bars can be located in various touristic areas. The bar you opt for depends on your personality and the vibe you're looking for, whether it's more somewhere quiet and traditional, or a trendier place with live music by the sea.

Some establishments also offer the possibility of renting out an exclusive room for a private function- be it a birthday party or a hen night.

Check out the number of listed wine bars on Yellow located all around Malta and Gozo. Whether you're planning a night out with your friends, or you wish to celebrate your anniversary with a glass of champagne in a romantic environment, you'll most certainly enjoy a memorable evening and experience new flavours in a wine bar. It would be best if you make a reservation, especially if you intend on visiting during the weekend as they may be very busy. Your wine evening is just a phone call away! And why not grab some food beforehand at one of these top restaurants in Malta with Online Booking and Reservation.