Fabien Etienne: "The dining and drinking scene in Malta has seen remarkable improvement"
Sommelier and wine consultant Fabien Etienne, born in France and living in Malta since 2016, is Star Wine List's new ambassador for Malta. Now he has created our very first guide to the best wine bars and wine restaurants in the country.
"I'm honoured to serve as an ambassador for Star Wine List. I look forward to seeing more restaurants and hotels elevate and enhance the quality of their wine selections," he says about his new ambassador role.
Fabien Etienne was born and raised in Brittany, France, and graduated from Hospitality in Vannes. After that, he has acquired experience from several high-end gastronomic restaurants around the world. He moved to Malta in 2016 and has resided there ever since.
In 2017, Fabien created a wine consultancy business with the mission to enhance and raise wine knowledge in Malta.
"I work as a freelance wine consultant, assisting clients such as restaurants, hotels, and private individuals in enhancing their knowledge and understanding of wines. My services range from conducting staff training to organizing wine events. My goal is to elevate the wine knowledge in the country and foster a deeper appreciation for services and wine."
There's a renewed appreciation for local wines, reflecting a broader global shift towards quality, variety, and sustainability
How would you describe the dining and drinking scene in Malta at the moment?
"The dining and drinking scene in Malta has seen remarkable improvement over the past five years. Since the arrival of the Michelin guide, many restaurants have elevated their standards, with numerous excellent restaurants already in place. I'm confident this trend will continue."
What are the emerging drinking trends you are seeing?
"Like many places around the world, Malta is also experiencing trends such as craft beer, gin and craft spirits, as well as a growing interest in natural and organic wines. Additionally, there's a renewed appreciation for local wines, reflecting a broader global shift towards quality, variety, and sustainability in drinking preferences."
What wines, styles and regions are most in demand?
"Being close to Italy, we have a fantastic selection of Italian wines. Following Italy, French wines are also well-represented. Despite being a small island, Malta boasts a significant diversity of wines from around the world. This exposure allows us to experience a wide variety of styles and regions, including California, Washington, Georgia, Slovenia, Hungary, Portugal, and many others."
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