Josef Bonello

Q: Tell us about your educational background and your work experience to date?

A: Proud to say that I received my academic education at St Aloysius’ College (not so sure they are equally proud of the result). My work experience has largely been dominated and fuelled by the wine industry, having worked for several wine producers and importers of some of the biggest wine brands in the world. Bacchus has safely tucked me in the Vineyard of Eden and I have no plans of moving from there ever. It has given me too much to adequately express in words.

Q: Why are you so passionate about the wine industry?

A: I wouldn’t know how to answer that question but I would say that as wine slowly unveiled its mysteries to me, I really had no choice any more. The complexity, opulence, generosity and so many other qualities of this wonderful world simply seduced me before I knew it, and today I am happiest when I tell its story in my own humble, inept language. Wines speaks of the land which grows its grapes and people who grow it and make it. All I long for is to let everyone in on this almighty wonder.

Q: Mention 5 words to describe yourself and your work ethic.

A: Faulty, Loyal, Aged, Consistent, Perceptive.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

A: I will be focused on a new wine-related role I have been entrusted with, more of which I will divulge in a future edition of HORECA Magazine. I cannot see myself anywhere but immersed in the world of wine even deeper than ever. I wish to travel a bit more, and savour a simpler life closer to Bacchus and Nature.

Q: Tell us one of the most rewarding experiences in your profession to date.

A: Working with some of Malta’s wineries in specific moments of their growth and giving my own small contribution towards their success is something I am very proud of and immensely grateful to all those who have entrusted me with such roles. A close second would be introducing some wonderful international brands to Malta such as Braida, Jermann, Benanti, Damilano, Catena Zapata, Trimbach, Feudi di San Gregorio, Cavallotto, and several others thanks to my roles within local wine importers.

Q: What growth do you anticipate for the hospitality industry in the next 20 years?

A: It seems clear that in most sectors of the hospitality industry, more and more customers are looking for more exclusive experiences, deeper immersions and greater authenticity for the money they are willing to part with. If this is the case in any way, then i believe Malta has a challenge and opportunity in equal measures. We can offer an genuine, gorgeously mediterranean flavour to visitors because we have it ourselves. However we have now over-cluttered and the level of adaptation required is massive and possibly prohibitive. I have a dream, which could easily be pushed out by a nightmare.