THE STORY
Garagiste Days
In the heart of Mtarfa, a passion for winemaking took root. For 11 years, Mark Borg perfected his craft as a "garagiste," transforming a humble garage into a crucible of innovation.
This wasn't mere experimentation—it was the foundation of what would become Malta's most distinctive boutique winery.
Today, Markus Divinus produces fewer than 6,000 bottles annually, each one a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
THE DIVINUS PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is rooted in respect—for the land, the grape, and time itself. We believe that exceptional wines aren't merely made; they're meticulously nurtured by selecting the best parcels available. Our dedication to small-batch production ensures the highest standards of quality and attention to detail. Whether it means de-stemming grapes by hand or rejecting any batch that doesn't meet our stringent criteria. We do not produce second wines, focusing exclusively on crafting top-tier wines that reflect our unwavering dedication to excellence. Through sustainable practices and patient craftsmanship, every bottle of Markus Divinus embodies our passion and commitment to quality.
The Vineyards
For over 20 years, Mark Borg has been dedicated to scouting and collaborating with a diverse array of vineyard parcels across Malta. The vineyards encompass more than 20 plots, primarily located in Siġġiewi, Rabat, Dingli, Għemieri, and Għajn Rihana, each boasting unique terroirs that include limestone-rich soils, Terra Rossa, clay, and xerorendzina soil (bajjad). This extensive variety in soil types, combined with a diversified selection of grape varieties, rootstocks, and cultivation methods, enables us to produce wines that are true representations of our land. We pride ourselves on nurturing some of the oldest vines, aged between 28 and 55 years, particularly our indigenous varieties.
FERMENTATION LAB
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, allowing complete control over the transformation of our grapes. To preserve the unique characteristics of each variety, multiple yeast strains are carefully selected, while precise fermentation techniques ensure harmony in every bottle. Different periodic harvests help extract optimal acidity, while classic methods such as pigeage and manual pump-overs enhance structure and depth. Red wines undergo extended maceration to soften tannins, while whites ferment at exceptionally low temperatures, often with lees contact, to develop richness and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is carefully balanced to refine acidity and create seamless integration. Despite our growth, we remain true to the philosophy of our garagiste roots—treating each wine with meticulous care. Each variety is fermented separately, following tailored approaches that respect its character and guide the final blend. Cleanliness and sterility are paramount, ensuring that every decision remains in our hands, ultimately reflected in the quality and precision of our wines.
BARREL ROOM
A sanctuary where time works its magic, our barrel room is where patience and precision shape the soul of our wines. Each oak barrel is carefully selected to nurture our wines to perfection, with 70% crafted from French oak to impart structure and finesse. We work exclusively with Seguin Moreau’s Icone range, ensuring consistency and harmony across our aging process. Some wines rest in new oak to develop bold character, while others mature in second- or third-year barrels, intentionally embracing a refined, classic touch. For our whites, bâtonnage is employed to enhance texture and depth, allowing each wine to evolve with elegance. Under precise conditions, our wines gain complexity and character, emerging as pure expressions of our craft.
WINE LIBRARY
More than a cellar, our Wine Library is a testament to time. Here, we preserve our history bottle by bottle, vintage by vintage. This carefully curated space houses our legacy—from current releases to precious library wines that tell the story of our evolution.
We set aside approximately 20% of each vintage to witness how our wines continue to develop over time, with vintages spanning from 2005 to the present. Each bottle is individually numbered, a mark of our dedication to detail and authenticity. The first 24 bottles of every vintage are intentionally set aside and, in a way, forgotten—left to age undisturbed, waiting to be rediscovered in the future. It is here, in this space, that we conduct our most intimate tastings, sharing not just our wines, but the stories, the vintages, and the passion that define Markus Divinus.
Markus Divinus Through Time
Markus Divinus shows a timeline of how passion evolves into a legacy. At the heart of this journey are the people behind the passion—who pour their hearts into every bottle. Their dedication, drives Markus Divinus forward. With each vintage, we capture more than just the essence of the land; we preserve the spirit of those who have contributed to our growth, creating wines that speak not only of time, but of the hands and hearts that shape them.