Merill 2015 - 2016 [Groups Packages]

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GROUPS BROCHURE 2015 - 2016 T H E M A L T E S E I S L A N D S

description

Rural Tours & Local Products

Transcript of Merill 2015 - 2016 [Groups Packages]

Page 1: Merill 2015 - 2016 [Groups Packages]

GROUPS BROCHURE 2015 - 2016

T H E M A L T E S E I S L A N D S

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We are proud to present our brochure for 2015-16 which includes descriptions of our best-sell ing rural tours together with some new additions, our range of genuine local products and a better overview of the Meril l Rural Network.

Throughout the past five years we have been refining several services in this innovative and challenging market. We also continuously take into consideration the valuable feedback from our clients and guests. These perspectives enabled us to condense our services into a handful of experiences, which provide excellent alternatives to tourists as well as locals, while actively supporting farmers and artisans who are the main protagonists in the conservation of our rural areas.

By working with specialized services providers, we have finally introduced more elaborate culinary experiences on the farms. We are also investing a lot of our efforts in the art of professional degustation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Estate Wine; two age-old delicacies with intriguing yet different characters waiting to be discovered.

June 2015 also marks the end of a project co-financed by the European Union, aimed at supporting and enhancing our Rural Network. This journey saw the network members through an intensive training program, small-scale investments on the farms and workshops, as well as an extensive awareness and marketing campaign.

Enjoy discovering more the Meril l Rural Network together with all it has to offer.

SaħħaJune 2015

Wh

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Rural Tours

Jam Tasting Session 6

Traditional Coffee Experience 7

Aperitif with a View 9

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting 10

Cheese & Wine Tasting 11

Farmers' Lunch 12

Barbecue Feast 14

Strawberry Picking 15

Sea Salt Harvesting 16

Farm Visits

- Tas-Salut Fruit Orchard 18

- Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove 19

Artisanal Workshop Visit 20

Agri-Historical Tour 21

Garden Tour 22

Rural Network

Antoine 35

Benny 37

Carmel 38

Charlie 41

Karl 42

Mario 45

Patrick 47

Paul 48

Raymond 51

Żaren 52

Ind

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Local Products

Local Gifts

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil 26

- Miniature Jars 27

- Weaved Items 28

Eco-Hampers 29

Product Range 30

Information

Considerations 54

Rural Tours at a Glance 55

Contact Us 56

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Ru

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leaving more

than just footprintsOur rural tours have evolved to include the local community in a more active way. One of the pillars in rural tourism is economic sustainability and we pride ourselves in supporting local farmers and artisans. We do this by assisting them in finding alternative sources of income namely by diversifing the use of their farms and workshops, and finding new markets for their products.

Whenever possible we encourage group organisers to choose itineraries which include a visit to one of these venues. Walks and other activities, although being great ways to get in touch with the rural environment, do not contribute directly to its conservation. On the otherhand, if such activities are linked to a farm or workshop experience, the guests would be encouraging the local community to keep on working as environmental stewards and conserving our rural areas.

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Jam Tasting Session

The Maltese Islands are blessed with sunshine giving our fruits a natural sweet taste while ripening. Seasonal fruits used to be preserved in various ways making them available all year round. Nowadays one can find all kinds of fruits throughout the year but the art of preserving fruits and vegetables is sti l l part of local recipe cookbooks.

This experience offers the opportunity to taste a variety of preserves, including jams, marmalades and chutneys, exploring different textures and flavours accompanied by a cup of tea or traditionally brewed coffee.

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Available at an exclusive farm venue or off-site

Ideal for vegansServed with tea and brewed coffee

Group limit is of 50 persons

Four types of jams and marmalades

Available all year round

Suitable for morning or afternoon

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Traditional Coffee Experience

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Brewing coffee used to be a common habit in the Maltese Islands, and we are proud to embrace the revival of such culture. Slowly brewed coffee blended with spices, oozes out aromas that complement freshly baked biscuits, sourced from local bakeries.

We purchase fair trade coffee, as we are committed to support rural communities' hard work to produce the finest coffee beans. Enjoying traditionally brewed coffee is the perfect treat to discover the roots of Maltese food culture.

Available at an exclusive farm venue or off-site

Ideal for vegansServed with tea, biscuits and marmalade

Group limit is of 50 persons

Historic and culinary theme

Available all year round

Suitable for morning or afternoon

Merill 2015 - 2016

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Aperitif with a View

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Farmers work tirelessly to care for their land, produce food and green our landscape. The nutritional properties of such fresh fruits and vegetables have long been discovered by our ancestors.

We have combined all of these elements to bring about a unique and refreshing sensory experience. During this activity guests wil l be greeted at an exclusive orchard with beautiful unobstructed views, where they will be treated to a selection of local seasonal delicacies.

Estate extra virgin olive oil and pure single-source honey will be amongst the highlights of the visit.

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Tour at an exclusive farm venue

Ideal for vegansNibbles and refreshments included

Group limit is of 50 persons

Tasting of extra virgin olive oil and pure honey

Available all year round

Suitable for brunch time or late afternoon

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting

This experience is ideal for those who wish to explore in more depth the world of olive oil. From getting to know the aromas of a pure unadulterated extra virgin olive oil to unveiling some of the misconceptions and myths surrounding this fascinating delicacy.

The degustation involves an intimate seated setup for a small number of participants. The guests wil l be walked through the tasting process of a number of high quality olive oils. The optional on-farm tasting session is enhanced by a tour around an exclusive estate olive grove.

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Available at an exclusive farm venue or off-site

Seated setupFour types of olive oil

Group limit is of 12 persons

Specialised culinary experience

Available all year round

Suitable for morning or afternoon

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Cheese & Wine Tasting

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Local cheese and local wine are a perfect combination. The ġbejna is a traditional Maltese cheese made of sheep milk with a delicate taste and creamy texture. It blends perfectly with our range of estate wines passionately produced using local grapes.

Guests wil l learn about viticulture in Malta and estate wine making, while enjoying these delicacies.

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Available at an exclusive farm venue or off-site

Ideal for vegansTasting of three types of local wines

Group limit is of 50 persons

Tasting of two types of ġbejna

Available all year round

Suitable for afternoon sessions

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Farmers' Lunch

The Farmers' Lunch is a unique experience to awaken the senses. Set in beautiful rural surroundings, this l ight lunch is a blend of flavours and a real treat to those who appreciate seasonal, fresh and genuine local products.

The non-cooked lunch features a variety of fresh locally sourced ingredients including different types of bread, sheep cheeses, vegetables, herbs and dips. As the name implies, it is the typical food a farmer eats for lunch to refuel after a morning of hard work in the fields.

Traditional brewed coffee and biscuits wrap up this culinary experience.

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Available at an exclusive farm venue

Optional free-flowing wine packageFresh locally sourced ingredients

Group limit is of 50 persons

Extra virgin olive oil tasting included

Available all year round

Ideal booking time is at 1300hrs

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“My brother and I, Carmel, are verypassionate about viticulture. Knowing that guests are appreciating the fruit of our hard labour compels us to strive harder to produce an even better product.”

Paul, Viticulturalist

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Barbecue Feast

An excellent opportunity for meat lovers. This culinary feast enjoyed at an exclusive venue in rustic surroundings includes gril led beef, smoked pork and gril led chicken accompanied by abundant appetizers, pasta and fresh vegetable salads. Fruit and ice cream will be served as dessert.

During the gril l ing session the guests wil l learn more about the local agro-alimentary scene and discover different seasoning and cooking methods.

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Available at an exclusive farm venue

Optional free-flowing wine packageAbundant servings

Group limit is of 50 persons

A treat for meat lovers

Available all year round

Ideal booking time is at 1300hrs

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Strawberry Picking

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This hands-on activity wil l take us to the vil lage of Mġarr, which is known for the popular strawberry festival held in Spring. In fact, the best period for this activity is between April and June.

Strawberry picking is an agri experience that allows guests to enjoy delicious strawberries at the peak of their flavour and appreciate the scenic beauty of the farmland. A snack at one of our exclusive farm venues will follow the strawberry picking experience.

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Exclusive visit at a farm venue

Delicious nibbles includedA punnet of strawberries per guest

Group limit is of 50 persons

Duration of 2 hours

Available from April to June

Suitable for early morning or late afternoon

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Sea Salt Harvesting

Although this activity probably dates back to Roman times, the same ancient methods and simple equipment are sti l l used today. The harvesting technique, culinary use and cosmetic applications have been passed over from one generation to another.

This workshop presents an opportunity to learn this interesting skil l from a gentleman who grew up managing his family’s salt pans and is keen to share his enthusiasm about this tradition.

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Exclusive visit at Darmanin Salt Pans

Idyllic seaside locationDelicious nibbles included

Teambuild element for up to 50 persons

Duration of 2 hours

Available from June to August

Suitable for early morning or late afternoon

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“Keeping up the tradition of sea saltharvesting has alwaysbeen the centre ofmy life. To witness my son striving to carry on the tradition and sharing his knowledge with the guests, makes all the hard work worth while.”

Żaren, Sea Salt Harvester

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Farm Visit at Tas-Salut Fruit Orchard

Nestled in the hil ls of Mġarr overlooking the splendid Ġnejna Bay is a group of ferti le, terraced fields renowned for their delicious produce.

The Tas-Salut Orchard is tucked away behind a group of large boulders that safeguard the arable land from harsh weather conditions. This orchard has many different tree species including orange, apple, fig, pomegranate and the small Malta June pear known as the bambinella.

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Exclusive visit at Tas-Salut Orchard

No tasting sessions includedDuration of 1 hour

Group limit is of 50 persons

Suitable for photography and nature enthusiasts

Available all year round

Suitable for any time of the day

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Farm Visit at Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove

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This beautiful grove is situated in the limits of Mġarr offering stunning views of lush green farmland. The olive grove is a hub for fauna, particularly birds and insects, due to its abundance of aromatic herbs, some of which indigenous to Malta.

Enhanced with several apiaries situated in between olive trees, this farm provides perfect grounds for a relaxing learning experience.

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Exclusive visit at Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove

No tasting sessions includedDuration of 1 hour

Group limit is of 30 persons

Suitable for photography and nature enthusiasts

Available all year round

Suitable for any time of the day

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Artisanal Workshop Visit

Malta is blessed with many artisans who keep ancient traditions alive. Amongst these we showcase individuals who produce artisitic works through hand made products such as fi l igree, pottery, ceramics and weaving. Culinary attractions include traditional bakeries which may sti l l be found in the heart of rural vil lages.

During a workshop visit guests wil l be able to interact with the artisan and discover the roots of Maltese culture.

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Available at exclusive workshops

Local produce may be purchasedSupporting generations of traditions

Group limit is of 40 persons

Historical, artistic and culinary themes

Available all year round

Suitable for any time of the day

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Agri-Historical Tour

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The history of honey production in Malta dates back to hundreds of years ago, merging historical and agricultural aspects together. A short walk up an ancient Roman road will lead us to rock-cut apiaries, guarded by the oldest carob tree on the island. A burial site in Xemxija overlooks a prominent natural marsh, an ideal resting area for birds.

While exploring the Buskett area, one can appreciate how nature and mankind have worked together in order to establish a citrus grove surrounded by Mediterranean maquis and woodland. Furthermore, a walk through the countryside in Mġarr wil l lead us to a watch tower and stunning views of the North Western coast.

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Short walking distances

Optional visit at an exclusive farm Combining historical and natural attractions

Group limit is of 30 persons

Expert guide accompanying group

Available all year round

Four hours including travelling time

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Garden Tour

Botanical gardens are an attraction in every country and Malta is no exception. Our gardens are small treasures of botanical diversity and historical background.

The tour wil l entail walk-through explanations to educate the visitors about features of the garden. After going through a second garden with a completely different design, we will have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

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Duration of 3 hours

Optional high teaHighlighting historical attractions

Group limit is of 30 persons

Visit at two botanical gardens

Available all year round

Suitable for morning or afternoon

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Rekindling our senses

For millenia the Maltese Islands have been renowned for their strategic location and size, as well as for their devoted labourers and blessed soil. These elements helped put these tiny islands on the Mediterranean cultural and culinary maps.

Our commitment is to help revive Maltese typical local products, hence supporting farmers and artisans. We do not aspire to reinvent the wheel, but merely to rediscover genuine ingredients, authentic food and processed products.

Appealing locally-produced packaging, made of upcycled material whenever possible, also contributes to the reduction of carbon footprint. Our unique products are entirely produced and created by local farmers and artisans, making them perfect genuine gifts for your guests. Our selection of products is available as souvenirs including weaved items, miniature jars and bottles.

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Local Gifts - Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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One of our very first products at Meril l. Like all other products it is sourced directly from growers. During harvesting, the olives are handpicked, cold pressed and bottled with no added preservatives. Quantities of this estate olive oil are very l imited and are usually available in smaller-sized bottles, including travel-friendly 100ml souvenir bottles.

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Local Gifts - Miniature Jars

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The 100% pure honey is sourced from various genuine beekeepers in Malta. Like the olive oil, honey is also a very l imited product. The extensive list of health properties make it a very popular product and therefore the availabil ity of honey is very l imited. When it is a good harvest, it is also available in bigger jars.

Jam jars are the product we recommend most as a gift. Locally grown oranges, strawberries, lemons, pumpkins and tomatoes, amongst other fruits, are processed with no preservatives into jams and marmalades and are ideal for the preparation of treats and sweets. They are perfect as genuine, local souvenirs or gifts and are also available in jars of various sizes.

Sea salt is also an excellent option for bulk souvenirs. It is a must have in the kitchen and it is uti l ised for several natural beauty products. Other products that come in jars are the condiments grown by Meril l’s network of farmers and processed using traditional methods. These include olives, capers, pickled onions and sundried tomatoes. Besides being an option as savoury gifts they are suitable for vegans and are ideal to prepare local dishes.

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Local Gifts - Weaved Items

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The artisanal items within the range of Meril l products include placemats and carpets that have been weaved by Antoine Tan-Newl, a skilful and experienced artisan, using a 400-year-old loom.

Weaving is considered to be one of the oldest trades sti l l used in the world, introduced in Malta with the arrival of the Phoenicians. These items are very hard wearing, durable and are even machine washable. Being ideal for decorating the dining room or added as soft furnishings to any room, they make very appropriate gifts. They also come in a variety of colours and patterns.

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Eco-Hampers

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All of our products can be nicely packaged, as individual gifts or in hampers. Meril l’s eco boxes are also locally made and all packaging material used in the hampers is recycled.

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Capers

Carob Syrup

Estate wine

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Lemon Jam

Olives

Orange Marmalade

Pickled Onions

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Product Range - a non-exhaustive list

Pumpkin Jam

Pure Honey

Sea Salt Crystals

Strawberry Jam

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomato Jam

Weaved Bags

Weaved Place Mats

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Empowering the local rural community

The Meril l Rural Network is an initiative which brings together a number of farmers and artisans from all over the Maltese Islands. The aim of this network is to create awareness about local agriculture, revive traditions, and empower the rural community to diversify their income in a sustainable manner.

Organised visits and excursions, give the network members an opportunity to make use of their venues, products and services to offer new experiences to locals and tourists. All the farmers and artisans in the network are a precious resource for our enterprise since they provide us with unique venues and genuine products. In return, we provide them with a structured organisation to market their skil ls, their hard work and their produce.

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Antoine Weaving Workshop, Rabat

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Weaving was introduced in Malta with the arrival of the Phoenicians. This trade has so far endured the challenge of times and has lately increased in interest and appreciation.

Antoine followed his father's footsteps and has been in the weaving trade for the past thirty five years. Equipped with wooden looms, warps and shuttles, Antoine spends most of his time deftly producing works of art. He is passionate about disseminating information about weaving and regularly hosts groups inside his small workshop in Rabat.

Thanks to the investment made through the Meril l Rural Network, Antoine can now process local sheep wool and produce 100% 'Made in Malta' weaved items.

Antoine is greatly supported by his wife Doreen, and his family. His mother Maude, who is specialised in the Bizzil la craft (Maltese Lace), is also sti l l very active in the handmade industry.

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Benny Fruit Orchard, Mġarr

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Strawberries are probably the most popular crop grown in the area of Mġarr and one of the largest and best producers here is Benny, better known as ‘Benny Tas-Salut’. Tas-Salut is also the name given to one of Meril l’s exclusive venues which is an orchard featuring a wide variety of fruits and plantations. Oranges, apples, figs, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, marrows and a variety of herbs, are found in l ittle pockets of land that have been created around large boulders beneath the Skorvit ridge overlooking Ġnejna valley. This diversity makes it unique because in other contries one usually finds orchards growing one type of produce.

Like many local farmers, Benny limits the use of pesticides to instances of absolute necessity. One way of doing this is by practicing ‘biological control' where living organisms are used to naturally kil l insects that are harmful to cultivated plants. Benny owns fields in different areas in Mġarr and in its l imits. Together with his hard working wife Tessie and their two sons they all work in the fields on a full time basis.

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Carmel Vineyard, Rabat

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The Cortis brothers are renowned for their extensive knowledge about vines in Malta.

Carmel, also an able carpenter, is very passionate about the vines, and spends a lot of time tending to the vineyards together with his brother Paul. His wife Grace, and their children also work very hard especially during harvest time.

Carmel sees farmers as environmental stewards who often go out of their way to protect the environment and keep local traditions alive.

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Charlie Olive Grove, Binġemma

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Charlie is the proud owner and manager of the Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove together with his brother Raymond. He is a very skilful, resourceful and proactive person who constantly thinks of ways how to improve the olive grove, enriching it with varieties of flora and attractions. Charlie is extremely knowledgable about many species of plants and herbs and is very passionate especially about local and endemic varieties.

Charlie was the first member of the Meril l Rural Network, and together with his wife Bella and their family they have hosted many locals and tourists at their grove since 2011. Within the grove everyone contributes to the production of fine extra virgin olive oil.

Besides being a part time farmer, Charlie is also a professional landscaper and a commercial diver.

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Karl Poultry Farm, Dingli

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Karl is the youngest farmer within the Meril l network. As a poultry breeder he is committed to produce the best food products at the highest animal welfare standards. He obtained a Diploma in Animal Management at MCAST in 2010 and started working fulltime on his family’s farm soon afterwards.

Professional animal management is at the top of his priorities and he has introduced new feeding regimes and technology to produce better quality meat in a more sustainable way. He regularly conducts research on his own initiative in order to improve the standards of his farm and keeps up with the developing trends.

Karl has hosted technical tours at his farm and is always will ing to support others who wish to take agriculture as a lifestyle.

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Mario Orchard, Dingli

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In the picturesque vil lage of Dingli, amongst its rural areas, one finds a small orchard growing juicy bambinella fruits. The bambinella, also known as the small Malta June Pear, is an endemic variety of pear - a very small pear. Mario tends to this grove as a hobby and is one of those farmers committed to the conservation of local varieties.

Mario started working in agricultre at a very young age, producing a variety of crops and fruits.

His wife Cynthia has involved herself a lot during the years and now enjoys tending to her large patch of flowers. Mario has now passed on his full time farming endeavours to his children.

Merill 2015 - 2016

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Patrick Vineyard and Arable Farm, Burmarrad

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Only a few viticulturalists invest their energies to the production of endemic varieties. Patrick grows the Girgentina grape at Għajn Riħana Vineyard in Burmarrad which lies beneath the Mosta ridge. Driven by passion Patrick aims at preserving and enjoying the fruits of this variety.

Patrick is also a hard working farmer growing and sell ing a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. He also manages other fields and is well-known by many clients who purchase fresh produce daily in Mosta. He works as a team with his wife Tessie and their children. His youngest son, John, pursued studies in agribusiness and is focusing his energy on gaining as much experience as possible under his parents’ guidance.

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Paul Vineyard, Rabat

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Travel and experience were great teachers for Paul and Carmel who always seek to deepen their knowledge about vines and viticulture, in a quest to improve their own product.

The two brothers invest in technology to facil itate their work, and also provide other viticulturalists with specialized imported machinery.

To Paul, the vineyards not only produce great vines but beautify the landscape of the vil lages of Rabat, Mtarfa and Żebbug and in particular the famous patch beneath Mdina.

Paul is supported by his wife Josette, especially during harvest time when all the family gets together to give a helping hand.

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Raymond Olive Grove, Binġemma

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Raymond has been farming land from a very young age. The knowledge and passion he has for the land and its produce has been passed onto him by his late father. Apart from producing fruits and crops, Ray also sells his own produce. It is very important to him to learn about trends in developing niche products. This experience makes him a very valuable individual within the local agricultural industry.

Ray is very proud of his produce and invests a lot of time and energy on his farm. The land he manages is found in Mġarr and Mosta and includes greenhouses growing tomatoes, courgettes and herbs, and fields growing pumpkins as well as permanent crops such as plums. Ray loves nature and also breeds birds as a hobby. Together with his brother Charlie, he established the Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove, which has now become popular as an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The extra virgin olive oil produced at the grove is of an exceptional quality. Ray believes that their olive oil, l ike any other local product, outperforms foreign ones in terms of quality.

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Żaren Salt Pans, Marsaskala

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Żaren has been a sea salt harvester since childhood. Now in his late seventies, he sti l l produces sea salt from his patch of salt pans in Marsaskala. Together with Mario, one of his sons, they strive to conserve the family's tradition. A tradition that has been within the family for around 200 years.

The salt pans they manage have been man-made, shaped by means of a pick axe. Salt is harvested every summer from June until the first rains in September. They pump up sea water into the pans and allow evaporation of a week to occur. Żaren ‘sweeps’ up the salt daily during the summer months, pil ing it up into heaps of salts.

Since the area is not enclosed Żaren has to guard the salt pans ti l l nightfall to make sure that no one walks over the pans, holds barbeques around them or allows animals near them. Żaren, his wife Nina, Mario and his family enjoy hosting guests to be able to explain and show them the sea salt harvesting process.

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s Hosting and guiding

Our eco activities are planned to detail in order to deliver the best experience possible to your guests. These sessions are hosted by knowledegable and trained staff and activities are conducted in English.

The service of l icensed guides is not included within the packages.

Rates include:

• 18% VAT• Hosting and event

coordination• Contingency planning• Refreshments as indicated

All rates exclude:

• Transport arrangements• Licensed guide• Commission fees

Lunch substitute

All of our experiences, with the exception of the Farmers' Lunch and Barbeque Feast, are not to be considered as substitutes for lunch. Therefore 'tasting' sessions may not be booked for lunchtime.

Bookings

Bookings are accepted against a 30% deposit.

• Deposits are not refundable should the event be cancelled. This does not apply if an event is postponed.

• If an event is cancelled during the 30 days prior to scheduled activity, deposit shall not be refunded and full payment shall be honoured.

Familiarisation/Inspection Visits

A nominal fee is applicable for fam trips and inspection visits.

Transport

Most of our clients make their own transport arrangements when engaging us to organise tours and experiences. However, we may assist with booking the right means of transport if needed.

Small vehicles such as minivans and jeeps are the recommended means of transport since most of the locations of our tours and experiences are set in rural areas. One to two extra seats need to be made available for our guide and/or expert, depending on the experience.

Do not hesitate to contact us for recommendations about transport options for each experience.

Health & Safety

Guests need to be aware of basic health & safety procedures. These will be explained in detail on the consent form provided prior to the activity.

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Tour

Season All year All year All year All year All year All year All year Apr - Jun

Jun - Aug All year All year All year All year All year

Duration in hours 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 3

Max. Capacity 50 50 50 12 50 50 50 50 50 50 30 40 30 30

Tasting Session ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Eco Expert ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Hosting ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Optional off-site setup ● ● ● ●

Teambuild Element ● ●

Merill 2015 - 2016