If Valletta had to have a heart, then Ellul Wines and Spirits has undoubtedly chosen the prime location. Situated just a few paces away from the Law Courts at the corner of two of Valletta's most beautiful streets - whether you make your way to Ellul's Wines and Spirits from Republic Street towards Upper Santa Lucia Street or through the cobbled paving in Treasury Street, as the sun starts to hit Valletta and shifts it from a solitary sonata to a vivid concerto of colours and smells, the crisp cream umbrellas and chairs neatly poised in Santa Lucia Street host their early morning clients, some eagerly awaiting their daily croissant, as their petit déjeuner, others expecting their strong cappucino or espresso before they embark on their day of hustle and bustle in the City. The afternoon sun greets a different type of customers, and namely those who either have a sweet-tooth and are looking for that something sweet to hush it up, or those who feel like a quick lunch, away from the clutter of Republic Street and those others who would rather just sip at a glass of wine or a tot of whisky complimented with a hand-rolled Cuban, Domenican Republic or Honduras cigar from the vast collection which the Ellul's proudly host. Whatever time of the day it may be, at the Ellul's business is good. Founded by Fortunato Ellul, who was then known as 'Tal-Maxxata', things have come a long way for the Ellul's, and although the 'Maxxata', an anisette based alcoholic drink which Fortunato Ellul used to make way back in 1860, is no longer produced by the Ellul family, they have indeed excelled and made sure to make their one hundred and fifty four (154) year old experience unsurpassable. The late art-deco oak exterior which exquisitely surrounds the entrance to the shop which Matthew and Andrew, now the fourth generation of this enthusiastic line of business men run, hosts a vast selection of fine chocolates, spirits, decanters and a charming collection of luxury wines from all around the world, a variety of best vintages, chilled at the right temperatures in a climate controlled wine cellar ready to be shared by those who are passionate about wine and about life. This is their secret to keeping 152, Santa Lucia Street, Valletta a milestone for all those looking for both their average bottle of wine or for something more. The Ellul's have expanded their wine collection to include premium fine wines and related accessories, as well as distinctive individual and corporate wine gifts with the aim of bringing the best of the wine worlds to enthusiasts throughout Malta. This stunning collection is also supported by Wine Tasting Sessions which usually take place on weekly evenings - an event that has become synonymous for the Ellul Brother's passion for everything right. "We strive to enhance our customers wine drinking experiences by offering a vast selection of wines from around the world. With more than five hundred (500) unique domestic and imported premium wines on our shelves, Ellul Wine's and Spirits has a flavour for every palate. Our selection of hard to find collectors wines and affordable everyday wines offers a special something for every wine lover. Additionally, our expansive range of wine related accessories prove the perfect compliments to the wine enthusiasts world," claims Director Matthew Ellul with a passionate shine in his eyes. These two young entrepreneurs have just returned from a once in a life time trip to Bordeaux, where they sampled some of the world's top wines and dined at exclusive châteaux, an experience which they will never forget and which their clientele will surely benefit from. Matthew and Andrew are both WSET qualified, an asset which all their customers cherish, since they will never disappoint you when it comes to choosing that special bottle of wine which would surely impress as soon as the cork leaves the neck of your selected bottle. Whisky lovers are also spoilt for choice since the Ellul's make sure to leave their customers well accustomed to a broad range which crosses Europe and the world as far as Japan and back. Whisky Classes have also become a much awaited event at the Ellul's, with whisky fans eagerly awaiting this event with much anticipation. With the same enthusiasm as his elder brother, Andrew, also a Director at Ellul's Wines and Spirits, explains that: "Whether you prefer to sip and enjoy (as we would recommend), or take shot after shot, it goes without saying that whiskey has long been the go-to spirit for many all across the globe. Our love for whiskey runs deep, which is exactly why we took the time to bring various blends from around the world. We’ve got all the best gifts for those of you that are obsessed with whiskey the same way we are.'
Once the magic of the moon hits Valletta's solitary pedestrian pavements and the Ellul's are entertaining their customers with these evening sessions - the legacy lived on by four generations of the Ellul's is truly felt alive. The Ellul generation lives on through Matthew and Andrew Ellul who make sure that customers at Ellul Wine's and Spirits do not only visit this charming shop because it suits all their needs, but because their customers know that they both share their passions with the same intensity as they do, whatever they may be. For upcoming events, queries or private or group wine or whiskey tasting bookings, contact us on [email protected] or visit our page Ellul Wines and Spirits.
