About winery

The Plančić family from the village of Vrbanj on the island of Hvar are pioneers of Croatian private winemaking. Their rise began in 1986 when they won gold and silver medals at an international wine competition in Novi Sad, at a time when it was challenging for private producers to bottle wine and sell it under their own label. Following this success, they dedicated themselves entirely to winemaking, creating a small empire of 30 hectares of vineyards with plans for an additional 242 hectares on leased land. Although they reached great heights, financial difficulties led to the loss of their winery, vineyards, and land, leaving the family almost overnight without income. Antun Plančić returned to Hvar with his daughter Magdalena, while his wife Mirjana stayed in Split with their younger daughter Annet. On Hvar, Antun and his brothers Mario and Jerki began passing their knowledge to Magdalena, slowly reviving the family tradition. After creditors were paid, the family was left with seven hectares of vineyards and an opportunity for a fresh start with a slightly revised philosophy. Today, their vineyards grow indigenous varieties such as Bogdanuša, Parč, Pošip, Vugava, Plavac Mali, and Darnekuša, located on the terraces of the Dubje region in central Hvar. They market ten labels, among which “Pharos Grand Cru,” a blend of Plavac Mali and Darnekuša, stands out. Another intriguing label is “Pharos Opol,” a semi-red wine made from Plavac Mali, produced by drawing off the must after three days of maceration. Depending on the serving temperature, this wine showcases characteristics of both rosé and red wine. The Plančić Winery underwent a small rebrand when young Magdalena Plančić joined the family business, aiming to modernize tradition and bring a contemporary approach to winemaking. Magdalena introduced her first independent project – the “Moderna” brand, designed as a modern step forward in the tradition of the Plančić Winery. Although under the “mentorship” of her family, the project was given creative freedom and focused on the HoReCa market. The brand emphasizes grape varieties and modern expression rather than the family name. The Moderna brand includes two wines – the white Optimus and the red Superbus. Optimus is a blend of indigenous varieties Pošip, Bogdanuša, Vugava, and Parč, while Superbus combines Plavac Mali, Darnekuša, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines represent a departure from the previous policy of single-variety wines, offering more complex, full-bodied wines with a long aftertaste, tailored to broader audiences. Moderna wines are produced in limited quantities, sourced from UNESCO-protected vineyards and single vineyard locations. The visual identity, crafted by Magdalena, reflects a contemporary approach, while the family’s support remains integral – Antun oversees the vineyard, and uncle Marijo handles cellar operations. The Moderna brand represents a fusion of indigenous varieties and internationally recognized grapes, offering a unique experience with a Croatian signature. At the Plančić Winery, visitors can enjoy wine tastings, and through their dedication, the family has once again established themselves among the leaders of Croatian winemaking.