Charles Bugeja

Q: What inspired you to establish Ta’ Xmun Olive Grove, and how has the journey been so far?
A: I inherited the land from my late father and initially cultivated olive trees and produced extra virgin olive oil for personal satisfaction, enjoying the peaceful environment. It was my family who encouraged me to offer olive oil tasting events, and later, an academic also suggested exploring the grove’s potential for such experiences. To be honest, I never expected such an overwhelming response, and I’m truly grateful for how this journey has unfolded. It’s been incredibly rewarding!

Q: What makes Maltese olive oil unique, and what should visitors look for when tasting high-quality olive oil?
A: Maltese olive oil is rich, golden, and full of Mediterranean flavour, embodying the essence of our island’s cuisine. With over 2,000 years of history, each drop tells a story of Malta’s vibrant past. Visitors, including tour guides, gastronomy journalists, bloggers, and chefs, often seek high-end organic extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbal and fruity notes. When tasting quality olive oil, look for freshness, a balanced blend of fruitiness, bitterness, and peppery notes, and a lingering taste that reflects Malta’s sun, soil, and traditions.

Q: How do experiences like yours enhance agri-tourism in Malta, and what role does olive oil play in the island’s culinary heritage?
A: Malta’s deep-rooted olive oil traditions allow us to offer intimate, educational experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Our tastings immerse visitors in the island’s agricultural history, offering hands-on participation and insight into olive oil’s essential role in Maltese cuisine. Olive oil is at the heart of our culinary heritage, infusing Mediterranean flavours into every dish and linking the past with the present through each drop.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of running an olive grove and hosting tastings?
A: Maintaining healthy olive trees and producing high-quality oil requires constant care, especially in a pesticide-free grove like mine where nature is unpredictable. Hosting tastings also demands careful planning to ensure a memorable and authentic experience. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Seeing visitors appreciate the effort behind every drop, sharing Malta’s culinary heritage, and connecting with people from around the world make it all worthwhile.