OPG Caric in Ivan Dolac: Feel Free & Enjoy ROT!

South side resident Peter Illing in the second on his articles on the new eateries on the south side of Hvar. 

OPG "Caric" is a family owned ecologic agricultural production located on the south side of Island Hvar, above the connecting road from Ivan Dolac to Bojanic Bad. After being 25 years in hospitality business on the island, retired Sime Caric had the vision to build a small restaurant with an extraordinary view above the sea on his land with the probably best view to the islands Vis, Korcula, Scedro, Lastovo, Lukavci and Susac. This place is ideal to get in contact with the spirit of the South of Island Hvar. Directly surrounded by the flavor of herbs and pines, mixed with the summer breeze of the sea and within the vineyards of Plavac Mali.

The wines of Ivan Dolac have a very high ranking not only according to Jelsa Tourist Board, but also in international reputation:

„A dry red top-quality wine with a Designation of Origin made from the Plavac Mali cultivar. The wine has a deep ruby color, is light, dry, with a rich bouquet and has the aroma of the grape variety itself. It is best served at 18 °C with seafood, grilled high-quality fish, crab, red meat and game. Ivan Dolac has an eco-product label. It was awarded a Gold medal at the 2005 International Wine Competition in Znojmo, Czech Republic. Alcohol content 14.5 % vol. (www.pz-svirce.hr)“

A dozen parking lots are in front to the beautiful sea view and the ground called „ROT“, as every piece of land on the island has its own name in the cadastar. Everything was built in the last 5 years, stone by stone by own hands of the family, to create a paradise for tourists. Especially those who just want a small break during walking, cycling or climbing or after swimming in the sea on the south side. Also starting in this season, the place got to be well known for real homemade and fresh Raznjici as well as special fish or grill orders.

Mladen Caric is not only quick in the kitchen, but also with his fingers, playing guitar and singing traditional Klappa songs for his guests. This typical domestic sounds makes the homemade red and white wines and Prosek taste even better. We met a perfect family team, with Sime, Wiljana and their sons Mladen and Jurica, sharing all they have for a pleasant stay close to paradise in an open kitchen treatment.

And you definitely do not need wine to feel superiour and full of sovereignty at this place. It is an undiscribable feeling sitting above and getting a new perspective on life.