In 25 years of visiting Croatia, and tasting the fruits of the winemaker’s harvest, it has been a tremendous pleasure to observe and enjoy the evolution of the Croatian wine regions as it mounts its resurgence from the long period of communism and heartbreaking homeland war. Each of the distinct wine regions in Croatia offer something unique, breaking new ground with old vines.

In the small village of Plastovo, near the ancient town of Skradin, not far from the pristine waterfalls of the Krka River, you will discover a rare partnership of innovation and talent. Alan Bibić and his wife Vesna have created a venue for which to offer guests a truly unique experience….

Vesna Bibic, Alan Bibic & Wanda S. Radetti

In Dalmatia, the name Bibich induces visions of boutique wine production, generations of family vintners, with a devotion to the native grape and respect for the land.

Within the walls of a humble garden is a collaboration composed of artistry, passionate winemaking, a gifted chef and intelligent team. This synergy is revealed in Vesna’s beautiful avant-garde menu composed of creative molecular gastronomy dishes, aired with  delicate Bibich vintages, set in the minimalistic garden , where you will want to linger all day.

The garden setting where the BIBICh team showcase their wine and culinary brilliance is not in fact a vineyard, although their wines are grown in three separate vineyards nearby. This enchanted garden courtyard, shaded by a century old vine, is devoted to presenting an experience – one which they have truly mastered.

When guests arrive, they will likely be greeted by the lovely and knowledgeable Jelena. Arriving at the Bibich garden has a feeling of being welcomed into the home of a friend, or an intimate garden party hosted by wine savant.

Several options are available to suit your desires, from the casual visit to experiential dining. Wines are presented with each course, and your host will offer a detailed description of each wine, modes of production and regions. Dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients, and regularly vary.
Tours of the cellar can be arranged. Reservations are not required for daily offered tastings in the estate shop. Lite snacks are available and select wines can be purchased on site. However, we suggest our travelers who love wine, food, and culture, opt for a more immersive experience.

Depending on the size of your group, and specifications, some examples of offerings are as follows;

Food & Wine Pairings
• Seven course food and wine pairing, offered at lunch
• Full Tasting Menu – 13 creative courses, paired with 13 wines, perfectly paired, can be offered for lunch or dinner

Special Presentations for Group
• Tasting of 5 selected wines accompanied by 5 courses, served in the tasting room of the winery, served to groups of 10 of more.
• Wine & Tapas is presented to groups of 15 or more, with 4 selected wines and tapas, served in the courtyard
• High Tea – Offered in the afternoon, small bites served with sparkling wine, a selection of teas, coffees, and fresh juices. For parties of 6 or more
• Winemakers dinner, and barrel tasting offered on request.

Wanda visited most recently in July 2019 and enjoyed the menu here below;
• Homemade black cracker from Adriatic cuttlefish prepared with local spices, cream of garlic and cuttlefish haze on top
• Cuttlefish crispy cone filled with cuttlefish cream
• Deconstructed beat root with poppy seed butterball
• “Black is Black”: Sea brim prepared in carob flour, cuttlefish puree, cuttlefish not-caviar, salted with black salt with a touch of nigella
o Mrs Vesna’s signature dish, “Black is black”, is served on handmade black plates made by her mother
• Eggs and bacon or pasta no pasta: deconstructed eggs and bacon in pasta form
• White is White: free range rooster breast filet, pag cheese cream, white almonds, white caviar, butter powder
• Skradin risotto: famous cult dish from small town of Skradin ,always prepared for at least 8 hours
• Beef cheeks prepared in premium Bas De Bas wine for 12 hours, polenta and rosemary
• Black olive and four stages of Pag cheese
• Deconstructed tiramisu with our prošek “Ambra”

Visit our YouTube page for videos from Wanda’s visit to the Bibich winery

About the Author:
Luxury Travel Designer and Destination Specialist, Tara Busch, has had a love of travel and an adventurous spirit since childhood. Tara’s background as a history and geography teacher, and avid world travel fueled her dream of pursuing a career in travel. Always seeking out authentic experiences, she enjoys spending time with locals, trying regional cuisine and slow travel.