Combing tourism with the freshest Croatian ingredients.
Vuglec Breg, one of tourist attractions of Hrvatsko Zagorje, is a family business which has grown into a true oasis for visitors looking for nature and relaxation. The business is managed by Mario Vuglec and his father Boris. “The guests who come to us are awoken by birds, during the day they taste our wine and food specialties and engage in various sports activities, or they simply rest and enjoy the view of the surrounding hills. Our guests truly enjoy the combination of nature and catering”, proudly explains Mario Vuglec. During the year, they employ around 20 workers, with precise numbers changing depending on the time of year and number of guests, reports Poslovni.hr on October 11, 2015.
Mario’s mother Ksenija works as an accountant and is responsible for the procurement of goods for the kitchen, while Anita and cousin Ines are in charge of the sales and take care of all the needs of guests. The rest of the Vuglec Breg team is comprised of chefs and waiters, employees working in vineyards and two maids. “The idea came from my father who was born here, spending a wonderful childhood on this hill. After many years in the construction industry, he has decided to invest in this neglected property, which would otherwise become just another abandoned hamlet in Hrvatsko Zagorje”, recalls Mario.
A part of the current property had already been owned by the family, and the decision to purchase the remaining portion was made in 2000. Three years later, they planted their first vineyard and started creating a tourist village by renovating old dilapidated houses. In the winter of 2005, they opened the restaurant, and then, in the summer of next year, they received their first guests in the newly renovated homes. “The investment was worth approximately 18 million kuna, which we partly financed with our own resources, and partly with a loan. He have recorded an average annual growth of around 15 percent”, explains Vuglec.
Much of the offer is based on seasonal ingredients. Everybody knows that Zagorje cuisine has plenty of local specialties such as turkey or duck which the family prepares for its guests in a baker’s oven and serves with homemade “mlinci”. A part of their autumn offer are mushrooms, and numerous meals with pumpkins and chestnuts. “The specialty we offer the year around are ‘štrukli’, which we prepare in a clay pot baked with sour cream, and guests are always delighted with them. Since the cooks are from Zagorje, the specialties are prepared according to recipes of our grandmothers. All guests are welcome to visit our winery and taste the wines and champagnes”, says Vuglec.
Like many similar family estates, Vuglec Breg organizes team-building programs. “We take our regular activities, such as grape harvesting, preparing ‘štrukli’ or making bread, and turn them into a competition for participants. It is important for them to relax, connect as a team and have a lot of fun”, explains Vuglec.
