Museo del Vino Málaga Expands Its Archives with Historic Swiss Wine Trade Donation
The Museo del Vino Málaga has enriched its collection with a significant new archival donation detailing the international wine trade between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Housed in the 18th-century Palacio de Biedmas, the institution continues to document how regional agriculture, design, and tasting culture intersected with global markets.
Unlocking International Wine Heritage in Málaga
The newly acquired records originated from the Swiss trading house "Málaga Kellerien," established by Alfred Zweifel in Lenzburg, Switzerland. Donated by Stefan Alveno Persili—a Swiss physician and collector—the collection provides a rare window into how European merchant houses distributed and marketed southern European fortified wines across Central Europe.
For visitors interested in the economic and cultural history behind local vineyards, these archives shed light on early transnational distribution networks, promotional strategies, and commercial communication practices. The documents range from everyday administrative records like invoicing and order processing to catalogs and printed materials that shaped brand identities abroad.
Exploring Winemaking History in Málaga
Beyond traditional exhibits of historic bottle labels and lithographs, additions like this help contextualize the broader heritage of the region's viticulture. The material also echoes themes found in cultural representations of the local industry, such as the film “Villa Málaga. El tiempo de un vino,” which highlights the emotional and historical significance of the region's winemaking traditions.
Visitors planning a trip can explore more cultural highlights across the city using the interactive Musemap map view, or browse additional local exhibitions through the Musemap whats-on guide to plan their visit with Musemap (musemap.art).
