Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Bibich Wines in Dalmatia, Croatia

​Nestled in the charming region of Dalmatia, Croatia, lies the exquisite Bibich Winery Plastovo, a place where over 500 years of tradition meets the warmth of family love. These vineyards, nurtured through generations, produce wines that reflect the authenticity and dedication of the Bibich family. Visiting this historic winery isn’t just about tasting wine; it's about immersing yourself in the stories, the culture, and the heartfelt hospitality that has been passed down through centuries. Notably, Bibich Winery was featured in an episode of No Reservations when Anthony Bourdain visited Croatia. He was particularly impressed by the place and the Bibich Bas de Bas Crno wine. 

For me, visiting vineyards is more than just an activity—it's a passion. Discovering new wines, pairing them with delectable food, exploring décor, art, and gardens, all while soaking in the ambiance of a place, is an ideal holiday. Bibich Winery ticks all these boxes, being a family-run business steeped in soul, heart, and a lot of hard work. Their tagline, "Authenticity through generations," is more than just a slogan; it’s a way of life. Meeting any member of the Bibich family is a blessing—they greet you with genuine love and are always ready to share stories and engage in lively conversation.

A Tradition of Joyful Visits

​Visiting Bibich Winery has become an annual tradition for me, one that brings immense joy. This summer in August was no different. Almost seven years ago, I was introduced to Bibich wines at a hidden gem of a restaurant in Murter, Croatia, called Konoba Boba. Every visit to Bibich Winery offers something new, and this time was no exception.

As we entered the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by a jovial host who, with typical Croatian humor, teased us about being late, causing a moment of nervous confusion before we all shared a laugh. We were immediately offered a glass of the refreshing Bibich Brut sparkling wine. As I walked around the property, sipping the crisp wine, I noticed several new and old features—a new tasting room, a shop, and some familiar spots like the branded bike leaning against the wall, the cart at the entrance, and the elegant cypress trees marking the entrance to the second terrace.
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In the cellar, we were greeted by none other than Alen Bibich himself, a true innovator in the world of wine. He was busy with his colleagues, ensuring the quality of the wines aging in the barrels. After a brief exchange of updates, I mentioned that we were eager to explore the winery and taste a few wines in a more structured way, as is often the case when coming from a fast-paced city like London. Alen’s response was a gentle reminder of the Dalmatian way of life—slow down, enjoy the process, and embrace the natural rhythm of life, just as one does with wine.

A Culinary and Wine Experience to RemembeR

​We were handed a menu to choose a few bites and some wines to taste. I was particularly eager to try their new orange wine, Zutina, which we paired with a tasting platter of ten different bites, each with its own story, featuring locally sourced truffles—a rarity in the Dalmatian terroir, more commonly found in the Istria region. All the ingredients were sourced from the surrounding area and crafted by the renowned Bibich chef, Vesna Bibich, Alen's wife. The risotto arancini, a highlight of the meal, was out of this world. 
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While orange wine isn’t usually my first choice, it’s been gaining popularity, especially as a summer option for food pairing. Intrigued by its growing trend, I was keen to taste and share my thoughts on Zutina.

Zutina Orange Wine: A Masterpiece of Complexity

​Zutina is a complex yet well-structured wine, with notes of rowan, apricot, and peach. The grapes, of the 'Debit' variety, are organically grown and hand-harvested. The wine undergoes a 30-day maceration on the skins, giving it its distinctive colour, during which time natural yeast fermentation takes place. After pressing, the wine spends six months in neutral American oak barrels.
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Like any quality orange wine, Zutina is excellent for food pairing, especially with fish, risotto, and salads. It's recommended to decant the wine to fully appreciate its complex aromas. If you have the chance, I highly recommend trying Zutina—it's one of the cleanest and most refined orange wines I've had the pleasure of tasting.

A Visit Worth Every Moment

Once again, visiting Bibich Winery was a feast for the senses. My taste buds were delighted, my eyes were captivated by the beauty of the surroundings, and the perfumed aromas of the wines filled the air. Most importantly, my heart was full, reminded to slow down and embrace the Dalmatian ‘fjaka’—the art of doing nothing and allowing your mind to wander. It's a philosophy I strive to embrace more often, one that I'll carry with me until my next visit.

To learn more about the Bibich family and their fascinating journey in winemaking, visit the Dobra Hrana blog.

To visit Bibich Winery check out for details here.