An interactive museum dedicated to Malta’s winemaking heritage opened its doors in Buskett on Thursday, following the completion of a major restoration project. The Viticulture and Oenology Study Centre, inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, will serve as a national hub for education and research in the wine and vine sector, while also preserving a piece of the country’s rural heritage. Housed in a restored historic building in Buskett, the centre spans half a hectare and features a working wine cellar, a vineyard, and a laboratory for analysing the physical and chemical properties of wine. It is now open to the public as an interactive museum aimed at farmers, students, and anyone interested in the science and tradition of viticulture. The €225,000 project was completed in two phases, focusing on structural restoration and the development of new educational features. The museum includes exhibits on Malta’s winemaking history, cultivation methods, and grape varieties, with a strong emphasis on interactivity and hands-on learning. A highlight of the initiative is an ongoing study into 17 native Maltese grape varieties. These have been verified through DNA analysis, with the aim of adding them to Malta’s official national register of vine types. The varieties are being evaluated both for their agricultural viability and their potential contribution to the future of Maltese wine. “This project is a clear example of how the cultural fabric, the natural environment, and scientific research can come together to create spaces of learning and appreciation for sectors that are a vital part of our agricultural and cultural identity,” Refalo said.