Title – Name
Butul Farmhouse
Scope / Sector / Industry
Agritourism accommodation
Country / Region
Slovenia, village of Manžan
Why is it good practice?
Butul Farmhouse is a good example of an agritourism venture, as it offers an authentic, essentially gastronomic product that respects local production and heritage. Initially, it operates as a working farm, producing wine, olive oil and other products using ecological methods, while through hospitality and participatory activities (such as cooking, tastings and botanical tours), it strengthens the local economy and keeps the agricultural traditions of Slovenian Istria alive. The business cooperates with local producers, offering a tourism model that benefits the community and, at the same time, transmits ecological values and respect for the natural environment to visitors. The combination of sustainability, cultural identity and authentic experience makes Butul Farmhouse an important example of responsible tourism. It shows how a farm can function not only as a place of hospitality, but also as a lever for the cultural and economic revitalization of the countryside.
How is it applied?
Butul Farmhouse is an agritourism property located in the village of Manžan, near the coastal town of Koper, in the heart of Istria in Slovenia. It operates as a family-run farm with olive groves, vineyards, vegetable gardens and botanical gardens, offering guests a countryside experience with an emphasis on sustainability, nature and local tradition.
Guests of the farm have the opportunity to stay in its traditional guesthouse and benefit from services such as sauna, aromatherapy and treatments with bee products. However, despite the existence of the guesthouse, the family does not treat the farm as a tourist product but as a place that can bring a visitor closer to the agricultural land, local products and local flavors. The absence of signage on the farm is characteristic, in order to avoid a surprise tourist visit.
In fact, the heart of Butul is the farm itself, where the collection of wild plants, the cultivation of herbs and spices, and the production of essential oils, hydrolysates, herbal teas, and homemade cosmetics play a leading role. Its olive groves and vineyards host traditional varieties such as Malvasia, Refošk, and Istrian Muscat, while cultivation and winemaking practices follow natural principles, without unnecessary interventions.
An important part of Butul Farmhouse’s activity is its culinary studio, which is a key point of creativity. There, through the Slow Food philosophy, the products cultivated on an area of 6 hectares are transformed into gastronomic dishes, made with local, seasonal and clean ingredients, which the visitor can taste. In addition, the farm produces jams, syrups, canned vegetables and enriches wines, beers, cheeses and cosmetics with its herbs, which are either utilized within the framework of its operation or sold in the shop with gastronomic products it has. It is worth noting that the family also makes wooden packaging, labels, plates and utensils from stone and wood, giving a unique aesthetic to the overall experience.
In addition to accommodation and gastronomy services, guests have the opportunity to actively participate in activities such as cooking classes with local products, wine and olive oil tastings, nature walks and guided tours of the farm’s gardens, vineyards, beehives and meadows. The Mediterranean cuisine workshops are designed for everyone, from beginners to experienced chefs, and throughout the year, a variety of them are implemented, depending on the season. For example, in April the workshops focus on asparagus, in summer on Mediterranean vegetables and fruits, while autumn is dedicated to olives.
In addition to the above, the Butul farm is a model of collaboration, maintaining ties with around 40 local producers and institutions. Since 2014, it has collaborated with the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, offering internships and educational trips to students. They participate in innovative projects with partners such as the SloVino Institute and cheesemakers in the Julian Alps, producing experimental cheeses with herbs and other natural additives. They also collaborate with a microbrewery in Slovenia, creating beers with local grains and herbs from the farm. Their products are available both in Slovenia and in major European cities, while through cooperation with well-known restaurants they connect different regions of the country in a common gastronomic network.
Also, in the context of promoting local gastronomy, the Butul family organizes approximately 100 gastronomic events annually, while also participating in many international events. It has contributed to the creation of major events, such as Sweet Istria in Koper, while in recent years it has been emphasizing small and authentic events in its village, such as the “Kaki Walk” (Pohod kakijev) and the “Green Bean Festival” (Šagra fižoletov), with the aim of highlighting the local gastronomic heritage.
Furthermore, in 2010 the family created the Mediterranean Herb Garden in Istria, which was awarded as the best tourist product of the Municipality of Koper, while in 2011 it reached the semi-finals of the national competition Sejalec, an event of the National Tourist Board of Slovenia for the best national tourist product.
The general philosophy of the farm is based on tradition, intimacy and personal contact, while it aims to inspire visitors to redefine their eating habits in a healthier direction. Every element of the experience, from the story behind each material to the shared meal with the family, is designed to be authentic, tangible and educational.
Where is it applied?
Butul Farmhouse is aimed at visitors seeking authentic and sustainable culinary experiences, away from mass tourism and is ideal for eco-conscious travelers interested in nature, local production, agri-food and responsible lifestyle.
When did it applied?
Butul Farmhouse, in its current location, began operating in 2000.
Results
Butul Farmhouse has received important distinctions and awards that highlight its potential in sustainable agritourism development and local culture:
- Slovenia’s Hidden Gems 2018 – Won first place in the national competition “Slovenia’s Hidden Gems” with the program “Mediterranean Flavours of Slovenian Istria”, selected as the best travel product initiative, among 18 finalists.
- Best Tourist Product of the Municipality of Koper (2010) – The creation of the Mediterranean Botanical Collection received the top distinction in the local tourist product competition.
- Semi-finalist Sejalec 2011 – Qualified as one of the best tourist products at the national level, winning a place in the final phase of the national competition.
- Contribution to the National Program “Slovenia Green” – Actively participates in the framework of the National Sustainable Tourism Plan (“Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism”), with recognition of its work at national and international level. Furthermore, Butul Farmhouse was recognized as a good business practice offering a sustainable gastronomic experience in the European MEDFEST Program.
Other information
The official website of Butul Farmhouse is: https://butul.net/