Delusional Winery: Meeting Mike and His Brilliant Wines Near Šibenik

Sometimes you stumble upon places that just click. Delusional Winery, perched on hills above Šibenik, is one of those spots where everything falls into place — the location, the wines, and especially the people behind it.

Mike, the winemaker, has that rare combination of passion and humor that makes wine tasting feel like hanging out with an old friend. His approach to natural winemaking is refreshingly honest — no pretentious talk, just solid wines that reflect the Dalmatian terroir.

We arrived just as the golden hour was painting the vineyards. The tasting deck offers killer views over the countryside toward the Adriatic, with Šibenik’s towers visible in the distance. Mike poured his signature reds for start and it was one of the best roeses I had in Croatia in a while. With us was his German helper Sam who ads another layer of charm.

The wines themselves tell a story. Mike’s cuvée blends local varieties with international grapes, creating something uniquely Dalmatian. The red we tried had that earthy complexity you get from natural fermentation, with enough structure to pair beautifully with local lamb or aged cheese.

What struck me most was Mike’s genuine enthusiasm. He’s not trying to impress anyone — just making honest wine in a spectacular setting. Mike Pulley fell in love with the wines of Dalmatia long before he realized he had Croatian roots. As a student, a spontaneous ferry from Ancona led him to Dubrovnik and sparked something lasting. Years later, after moving to London, his first return to Europe was to the island of Korčula.

There, small family wineries working with indigenous grapes like Grk drew him in completely. For the next decade, he chased small-production wines across Europe in a 1960s VW camper—through Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Loire, and beyond to Slovenia and Croatia. Dalmatia stood out: raw, beautiful, and deeply authentic. Especially when he found out that his family is originally from Pag Island. Then he found out about Babić, a native red grape from the Šibenik region. It changed everything. Struck by its uniqueness, he soon bought land and started planting his own vines.

The winery itself is unpretentious — wooden decks, simple furniture, and that million-dollar view. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, especially when the conversation flows as smoothly as the wine.

We talked about potential collaboration, and I’m excited about the possibilities. Mike understands that great wine experiences combine quality product with authentic storytelling, something that resonates perfectly with what we’re doing with Secret Dalmatia.

As the sun set over the vineyards, we finished the last drops of his rosé — light, crisp, and perfectly suited for Dalmatian summers. The evening felt complete, one of those moments when everything aligns just right.

Delusional? Maybe. But in the best possible way.

Good to know

• Located about 20 minutes drive from Šibenik center
• Tastings available by appointment — info@culinary-croatia.com
• Best visited during sunset hours for the full experience
• Mike speaks English
• Natural wines — minimal intervention, maximum character
• Web site: https://delusionalwine.com/our-story
  Lately, I started using my own blog posting tool that enables me to write faster and deliver more interesting content. Check it out at: ai2blogs.com