Split Native Opens Wine Bar with a Window Service
After years on the world's seas, maritime master Stipe Čipčić has 'anchored' in Plinarska Street, opening a unique concept inspired by Florence.
After years on the world's seas, maritime master Stipe Čipčić has 'anchored' in Plinarska Street, opening a unique concept inspired by Florence.
Stipe Čipčić (30), a maritime master who has been sailing ships around the world since he was 23, realized a long-dreamed-of project in the heart of Split this summer. In Plinarska Street, not far from the Croatian National Theatre, he opened the bar DEC, named after the abbreviation for deciliter, where wine is served through a small window. All you need to do is ring the bell, order a glass of your favorite variety, and relax in an ambiance that blends Tuscan tradition with Dalmatian spirit.
He first learned about wine windows while reading about the Italian Medici family, one of the most influential in Renaissance Europe. It was Cosimo de' Medici who enabled the development of viticulture and the direct sale of wine from households. Later, Stipe visited Florence with a friend who was playing football in Italy at the time and experienced the unique atmosphere of those windows.
"Even then, I told him that I would love to open a concept like this in Split one day. Although the idea of bringing that feeling here existed from the very beginning, due to the nature of my job and constant separation from family, friends, and Split, I didn't have the courage or the opportunity to embark on such a project for a long time. Only after six years and much deliberation did I decide to realize this idea and start making it happen," Stipe told Gloria.
The biggest reason for changing his life's path was his grandfather Zvone, the most special person in his life. In the bar, there is a photo of the two of them with a touching message. For the last three and a half years of his life, his grandfather was seriously ill, and every time Stipe left for the ship felt like a farewell.
"Unfortunately, on July 24, 2024, he left us while I was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and couldn't be by his side. That was one of the hardest moments in my life. It was because of him that I found the extra motivation to make this project happen. I wanted to create a place that would always be a memory of him as well," Stipe revealed.
A lot of love and attention to detail went into the interior and exterior design, and he extended special thanks to his fiancée Zorica, who was his greatest support throughout the entire process and whose ideas shaped the final look of the space.
Guests have the option to sit inside in a warm, relaxed setting or outside on the street where the pulse of the city is best felt. The concept has been exceptionally well received by locals, and tourists find the whole experience of ordering through the window interesting and fun, which has made it go viral.
"They've embraced the atmosphere I wanted to create-a relaxed place where anyone can enjoy a glass of wine, whether alone, with company, or as a couple," Stipe said.
Currently, the selection features wines from all parts of Croatia, with plans to gradually expand the offering to include selected international wines. His favorite Croatian wine is Kaštelanski crljenak, which is also the 'brother' of American Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. Alongside top-quality wine, visitors can also purchase t-shirts with the logo, featuring an image on the back of the Cathedral of St. Domnius and Gregory of Nin holding a glass of red wine. Interest has exceeded all expectations, and they quickly sold out, with a new order and other exciting novelties in the works.
Although he has been a sailor for eight years, Stipe is currently investing most of his energy into Wine Bar DEC. When asked which famous person he would most like to serve a glass of wine to, he didn't choose a global star.
"Without a doubt, my grandpa Zvone. That would be the most meaningful glass of wine," he concluded.
