Martinis Marchi, a unique property that includes an exceptional heritage castle, a renowned restaurant and an award-winning marina on Šolta, has been opening the season for ten years with the innovative eno-gastro event WINE&FRIENDS, which skilfully promotes and establishes Šolta as an exceptional destination and offers a superb hedonistic and gastronomic experience gathering established local and international winemakers and experts, combining art and heritage and emphasizing local producers and foods.
In the beautiful setting of the baroque castle, now the Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi, located in the village of Maslinica on the west coast of the island of Šolta, a unique wine and gastronomic event was held last weekend that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of the pleasant Dalmatian way of life and enjoyment.
Every year, the estate’s hard-working team and Martinis Marchi restaurant team led by Toni Miloš bring together carefully selected and diverse wineries, and this year, they were: Litterarii Winery, Korlat Vina, Kota Winery, Rizman Winery and Italian winemakers Fumanelli and Ca’del Bosco (represented by Vinoteka Wine&Co).
The gathering started with the refined and powerful Champagne Maison Lanson presented by Wine&Friends Vinoteka & Wine Bar. Local producers and products that Šolta is famous for are always offered and presented with particular attention: honey from the Tvrdić family, Balić Winery and Šoltan olive oils Olynthia Natura and award-winning Šoltan olive oil.
‘The guiding principle of our team when creating an offer through the operations of hotel, restaurant and marina is to offer each guest a unique and authentic experience. Creating emotions and events that stand out and promote the beauty of the simple Dalmatian way of life is our desire, and enjoying beautiful moments in this historical setting, the untouched nature surrounding the estate and the people who recognize it is the vision we are guided by. From this desire was born the idea for such an event, which lovers of high gastronomy, wine, art and pleasure enjoy.Special emphasis in our restaurant is always in cooperation with local producers on the freshness of ingredients and the preparation of dishes that are characteristic of our climate, and we are happy that our guests recognize this effort and are so glad to return, pointed out the host of the evening, procurator of the estate Ivan Kuret.
In the afternoon, visitors enjoyed a presentation of wine with a carefully selected selection of top cheeses in the rooms of the 300-year-old heritage castle and then in an exciting exhibition of the academic painter and sculptor Neno Mikulić and his brother, a self-taught painter, Dado Mikulić, as well as in the painting workshop of Vicko Buktenica, a Šoltan painter. naive, whose Buktenica Gallery is an essential stop to experience Šolta pristinely.
The others enjoyed the luxurious gardens of the castle, the scents of Mediterranean plants, carefree conversations, and socializing with a view of the beautiful archipelago, the award-winning best small marina, and visiting local wineries.
The event rounded off an exclusive six-course gala dinner in the wine cellar of the Martinis Marchi Hotel. This year, special interest was stimulated by the guest appearance of renowned restaurant chef of Alfred Keller in Lošinj’s Boutique Hotel Alhambra, which proudly holds one Michelin star.
Chef Michael Gollenz, who, together with the well organized Martinis Marchi Restaurant team, meticulously prepared the menu and extraordinary dishes to match food and wine, came to Lošinj and six months after Alfred Keller restaurant received this valuable recognition and culinary virtuoso was declared ‘Great Chef of Tomorrow’ by the prestigious gastronomic guide Gault & Millau Croatia.
Restaurant Martinis Marchi was again awarded in the category of the best restaurants in 2024 with 15.5 points and three Gault&Millau Croatia points at this year’s seventh edition of this international guide, Gault&Millau Croatia 2024, held a few days ago.
The combination of food and wine, a fantastic musical backdrop, and this perfect evening is the best invitation for the next event at this exceptional place. The hosts have announced it for August 3, when traditionally their famous themed Martinis Marchi summer party is held.
Photos Martinis Marchi
