On Saturday, May 10, the baroque castle and marina Martinis Marchi on the island of Šolta came alive with the vibrant energy of the renowned eno-gastro event WINE & FRIENDS. We had the chance to be part of this story – a special atmosphere was felt from the very arrival, as if the entire island had opened up to celebrate the best it has to offer.
The event was designed to elegantly showcase the Martinis Marchi restaurant and Šolta as a premium destination for discerning hedonists, combining wine, cuisine, art, and heritage into a unique Dalmatian experience. Under the golden Mediterranean sun, we embarked on a thoughtfully curated sensory journey through five islands – Šolta, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Vis – each presenting one exceptional local winemaker.
International guests
The story was further enriched by international guests – wine producers from Italy, France, and continental Croatia – adding dynamic and dialogue among terroirs.
Highlighted winemakers this year were:
Stina Winery (Brač)
Tomić Winery (Hvar)
Zure Winery (Korčula)
Senjanović Winery (Vis)
Litterarii Winery (continental Croatia)
Balić Winery (Šolta)
Tenuta di Biserno (Italy)
Château Les Crosses (France)
Lanson Champagne (in collaboration with Vinoteka LU-MA), selected as the champagne of the 2025 season.
Wine&Friends
The day began with a warm welcome at the marina – klapa SOTTO VOCE and chilled Lanson sparkling wine greeted us in perfect harmony. The atmosphere then moved to the wine cellar, where tastings were accompanied by conversations about each winemaker’s philosophy, with particular emphasis on heritage and authenticity.
The evening was reserved for a festive dinner on the restaurant terrace – the Sunset Gala Dinner – prepared by the chefs of Martinis Marchi restaurant. Each course was an interpretation of island recipes, using local ingredients such as wild herbs, sea salt, seafood, and virgin olive oil, paired with carefully selected wines. Each plate was a small homage to the island and its flavors.
One of the most cherished moments of the day was an art workshop led by renowned painter Vicko Buktenica, who encouraged guests to become part of the creative process themselves. It was wonderful to see even the quietest guests relax with brush and colors – art on Šolta is genuinely as natural as wine.
At the center of everything was, of course, Šolta – with its olive groves, honey, wine, and warm-hearted people. Local partners Medar Tvrdić and Olynthia Natura further highlighted the island’s richness through their award-winning olive oil.
WINE & FRIENDS 2025 was a celebration of connection, enjoyment, and the ‘pomalo’ philosophy of life.
Photos Martinis Marchi
