Photos: Vina Marijan
Tonči Marijan won the first-ever Decanter Gold for the Plavac Mali variety, elevating it to the elite ranks of the world’s finest wines
Wine is not only a drink – it is a live story about the country it came from, the time that shaped it and the people who laboured to make it. When we swirl it and feel its aroma, we are not doing just that; we are being immersed in tradition, heritage and skills passed down from one generation to another.
This idea will surely come into your head while you are entering Tonči Marijan’s charming winery in the picturesque village of Pitve. Your gaze will be drawn to a blackboard with the words by Luis Fernando Olaverri written in chalk: ‘Wine is the only artwork you can drink.’
After a successful career as a manager, Tonči Marijan decided to make wine in this idyllic corner of the island of Hvar, dedicating himself exclusively to winemaking that prioritises superior quality over quantity. To him, wine is not only a product but also an expression of love for the island and its rich winemaking tradition that dates back to the Greek and Roman times.
‘My native island, Hvar, is a true marvel of nature – it is the best place to live and create in. But what has always fascinated me is the huge potential Hvar has for producing top-quality wines. It is with that vision in mind that I embarked on my own wine journey, having decided to take an independent path after years spent at Dalmacijavino and Badel 1862. Although those years have provided me with invaluable experience, there was a growing desire in me to do something authentic, something that is my own. And that’s how this winery came into being – a place where wine is not only a product, but also an expression of character, terroir and passion. Leaving the well-trodden path of major winemaking companies, I stepped onto a new stage, making my own wine name by producing authentic, sometimes bold, wines that won’t leave you unaffected. It was far from easy, but today, fifteen or so years later, I can say I have found my customers – those who recognise and appreciate the character and quality poured into every bottle. I have built a recognisable wine identity, attracting wine enthusiasts who share my passion for and dedication to wine, and, to top it all, my daughters, Franka and Dominika, have also put their love into winemaking and joined me on my wine journey’, says Tonči Marijan.
The central part of Tonči Marijan’s winemaking philosophy is the unwavering commitment to the grape varieties native to Hvar, especially Plavac Mali. Thanks to Tonči Marijan’s passion and vision, this variety, known for its strong flavours and character, was recognised internationally. His dedication and efforts were crowned in 2019, when the winemaker from Hvar achieved a historical success winning the first-ever Decanter Gold for the 2012 Plavac Mali Vron Bod in the prestigious category of wines above 50 pounds.
