Christmas in Malta is a feeling. Everyone comes together; we eat, drink and wander down memory lane with the people we cherish most. That shared sense of community and culture is what inspired this year’s idea: a celebration of our roots and our Maltese traditions.

A toast to tradition

Every year, creating a concept for my clients’ Christmas gifts has become something of a ritual. It’s my favourite personal project; from brainstorming to execution to the final delivery. I wanted to create something meaningful, memorable, and lasting. Something that could be enjoyed by everyone, not just my clients.

The idea began with a simple memory: those childhood visits to Nanna’s during Christmas. The secret wink she would give just as you stole a tiny sip of her vermouth. In most Maltese homes, there’s always a bottle tucked away, waiting for the holidays. It’s part of our Maltese festive DNA.

And that’s when I knew exactly who to approach. Maltese Vinter Malcolm Baldacchino has been crafting his prestigious wines since 2014 under his label Baldacchin. His vermouth carries a legacy that stretches back to 1947. The recipe was originally passed down by a local farmer who had kept it since the post-war years when vermouth was quietly made on the island to serve soldiers stationed there after World War II.



 

Vermata

Together, we created something new but that still felt nostalgic. Vermata is crafted from a blend of wines from different sourced from different regions around the island. The creative direction embraced deep green tones and vintage-inspired typewritten fonts that echo old family recipes and familiarity.

In the end, Vermata become more than a product. It became a tribute to our roots and our stories.  We have officially launched Vermata at Kixott in Mosta in December 2025 with an event dedicated to celebrating local talent while we enjoyed the drink together with family and friends. Just as it was meant to be enjoyed: shared.