Our innovative eno-gastro event WINE&FRIENDS, 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 our baroque castle, again, 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, we work hard to bring together carefully selected and diverse wineries, and this year, they were Ca'del Bosco Winery, represented by Vinoteka Wine&Co, Litterarii Winery, Korlat Vina, Kota Winery, Rizman Winery and Italian winemaker Fumanelli.
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 a 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.
An exclusive six-course gala dinner in the wine cellar of the Martinis Marchi Hotel rounded off the event.
This year, special interest was stimulated by the guest appearance of the acclaimed restaurant chef Alfred Keller in Lošinj's Boutique Hotel Alhambra, earning them the first Michelin star!
Chef Michael Gollenz, who, together with the Martinis Marchi Restaurant team, meticulously prepared the menu and extraordinary dishes for pairing food and wine after six years of working with the great Swiss chef Stefan Heilemann, who became famous with two Michelin stars, came to Lošin and already after six months, Alfred Keller received this valuable recognition and this culinary virtuoso was declared the "Great Chef of Tomorrow" according to the prestigious gastronomic guide Gault & Millau Croatia in the same year.
In addition, our Restaurant Martinis Marchi was again awarded 15.5 points and three Gault&Millau Croatia points in the category of the best restaurants in 2024 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.
WINE & FRIENDS - GALA DINNER 2024
Welcome drink
LANSON Champagne
COLD APPETIZER
(Chef Michael Gollenz /
Alfred Keller Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Kingfish / Maple / Lemon / Daikon
Winery KOTA – Kota 267
WARM APPETIZER
(Chef Michael Gollenz /
Alfred Keller Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Scallop / Carrot / Coconut / Tom Ka
Winery RIZMAN – Rusula rose, 2023
WARM APPETIZER
(Chef Michael Gollenz / Alfred Keller
Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Duck leg / Spinach / La Ratte / Beurre Noisette
Winery LITTERARRI – Emeritus Chardonnay 2020
COLD REFRESHMENT
(Chef Michael Gollenz /
Alfred Keller Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Cucumber / Granny Smith / Gin Tonic refreshment
Winery CA'DEL BOSCO – Cuvee Prestige Edizione
MAIN COURSE
(Chef Michael Gollenz /
Alfred Keller Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Black Angus Beef Filet / Onion / BBQ
Winery FUMANELLI – Amarone 2018
DESSERT
(Chef Michael Gollenz /
Alfred Keller Restaurant - Alhambra Boutique Hotel)
Raspberry / Basil / Yogurt
Winery KORLAT – Merlot Boutique '19