Wine First TV Turns Its Lens On Malta & Gozo

Our own Josef Bonello co-hosts two episodes of global TV series Wine First, focusing on the island wines and set to air in 2026.

HORECA Malta takes a behind-the-scenes look.

Tellus Works, the Norwegian production company behind the global TV series Wine First, has just completed filming two episodes in Malta and Gozo, focusing on the islands’ evolving wine sector and distinctive Mediterranean character.

The seven-day shoot, financed by the Malta Tourism Authority, brought the show’s established host and worldrenowned Norwegian Sommelier, Liora Levi, together with Josef Bonello, Brand Ambassador for Wines of Malta and Gozo, who co-hosted the episodes and guided the team through the local industry.

A scouting visit in summer to the seven wineries that had shown interest in the project was meant to help Tellus Works select three wineries to feature in one episode. However, the wonderful diversity of styles experienced soon inspired the production team to consider two episodes instead of one, with all seven wineries to feature.

Visits to Emmanuel Delicata, Marsovin, Meridiana, San Niklaw, Ta’ Betta, Markus Divinus as well as Tal-Massar in Gozo provided a convincing demonstration of where the industry stands today and where it is headed.

Recent years have seen a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the reinterpretation of native grapes, factors that align well with current global trends in premium wine production.







Filmed for broadcast on PBS in the US and other international networks in 2026, the two episodes aim to introduce global audiences to a small but dynamic wine-producing region that has so far remained under the radar.

Over the course of the production, the Wine First crew documented the full breadth of the archipelago’s winemaking landscape - from long-established producers to emerging boutique operations. The episodes place a strong focus on the islands’ indigenous grape varieties, Ġellewża and Girgentina, both of which are enjoying renewed attention from winemakers keen to highlight Malta’s unique identity.

The crew filmed extensively during their visit, allowing them to capture the authentic identities of every winery with its own unique philosophy, approach and direction.

In addition to the winery visits, Wine First retained its trademark mix of wine, gastronomy, and culture. The Malta and Gozo episodes include segments on traditional Maltese cuisine and local produce, as well as scenes from Mdina, the islands’ ancient, fortified city as well as Valletta and its bustling life.

The production also explored the significance of 2700 year old Phoenician shipwrecks and amphorae found on the seabed around the islands, illustrating Malta’s historic role in Mediterranean wine trade routes.

According to Tellus Works CEO Morten Ottesen, the Malta shoot ranks among the most visually and narratively compelling of the series so far. “These episodes will be truly exceptional,” he said.

“From the quality of the wines and the depth of the history to the landscapes and hospitality, Liora and Josef have captured something special. These are the most fantastic shows our viewers will have seen.”

Post-production on the Malta and Gozo episodes will take place in Norway over the coming months, with the release scheduled for 2026.

The episodes are expected to give the islands unprecedented exposure within international wine and tourism circles, positioning Malta and Gozo as serious, if small-scale, contributors to the wider Mediterranean wine narrative.