Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1538140
24 T he National Viticulture and Oenology Centre (NVOC), within the Research and Advisory Services Directorate at Buskett, stands at the forefront of efforts to preserve, research, and promote Malta's unique viticultural heritage. Central to the NVOC's mission is the safeguarding and propagation of Malta's autochthonous grapevine varieties—plants that are not only genetically distinct but also historically under-documented. While the well-known Ġellewża and Girgentina remain important, the NVOC is also reviving rare and lesser-known varieties such as Marsusa Sewda, Beżżul Abjad, and Insolja Bajda. To support this mission, a newly inaugurated interactive museum has been established at the NVOC. is space allows visitors to explore detailed information about these grapevine varieties and, in the future, to sample the distinct wines they produce. ese vines, collected from private growers and old vineyards, underwent DNA testing in specialized Italian laboratories, confirming their genetic uniqueness and isolation from other Mediterranean cultivars. Since 2021, grafted specimens have been under observation at the NVOC to evaluate their environmental adaptability, rootstock compatibility, and viticultural performance. ese early trials have already shown promising results as many of the native varieties exhibit strong tolerance to the local climate and lower water requirements compared to foreign types. Rootstock trials have further highlighted how different native varieties respond to local grafting options, revealing key insights into vigour, compatibility, and chlorosis resistance. Parallel plantings of international benchmark varieties— such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc— enable direct comparison in phenological behaviour, grape quality, and market potential. As the first harvests come in, grapes from DISCOVER MALTA'S GRAPEVINES AT THE NEW INTERACTIVE WINE MUSEUM M a l t a 's n e w i n t e r a c t i v e w i n e m u s e u m s h o w c a s e s r a r e n a t i v e g r a p e v a r i e t i e s , c o m b i n i n g c u t t i n g - e d g e r e s e a r c h a n d p r e s e r v a t i o n e f f o r t s t o c e l e b r a t e t h e i s l a n d s ' u n i q u e v i t i c u l t u r a l h e r i t a g e a n d p r o m o t e f u t u r e i n d i g e n o u s w i n e p r o d u c t i o n .