by InTrieste
The summer season in Friuli Venezia Giulia will once again be flavored with the region’s finest local produce as the popular “In rifugio c’è più gusto” event returns for its second year. Starting June 22 and running through July 27, this series of ten gourmet stops promises to offer an authentic taste of the local culinary heritage amid the breathtaking scenery of the Friuli Venezia Giulia mountains.
Launched last year by Assorifugi FVG in collaboration with PromoTurismoFVG and the Fondazione Agrifood&Bioeconomy FVG, the event pairs ten mountain refuges with ten companies bearing the “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” brand. This initiative aims to promote not only the appreciation of the mountainous region and its rich summer offerings but also a commitment to sustainability, showcasing local products and traditional practices.
A Celebration of Regional Flavors
The program includes ten high-altitude events where visitors can indulge in quality raw materials, meet local producers, and spend a day in the serene mountain landscapes with family and friends. Each workshop, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free of charge and open to all, with no reservation required. Designed to engage all age groups, the workshops will also feature special dishes on the refuge menus, crafted from ingredients provided by the participating local companies.
The festivities begin on June 22 at Fornas Refuge in Tolmezzo, hosted by Anna and Umberto. Here, AnnApi from Cormons will introduce attendees to the enchanting world of bees and honey through a workshop where participants can make wax candles and seed bombs for bees, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Carnic Alps.
Exploring Authenticity and Sustainability
On June 29, attendees have multiple options:
- At Pelizzo Refuge in Savogna, Gianna and Lorenzo will open their doors to Aurora Azzurra Gregorutti from Majano, who will demonstrate saffron production and harvesting techniques. Meanwhile, children can explore the art of mosaic making amidst the Valli del Natisone.
- De Gasperi Refuge in Prato Carnico will host Antico Molino F.lli Persello from Colloredo di Monte Albano, offering insights into traditional milling practices and tastings of polenta and other delicacies made with the mill’s flours.
- Pian dei Ciclamini Refuge in Lusevera will feature a chocolate workshop by Pasticceria Mosaico-Cocambo from Aquileia, set within the natural beauty of the Prealpi Giulie Park.
On July 6, the event moves to Tolazzi Refuge in Forni Avoltri, where Martina and Mattia will host a workshop by Olispin from Mortegliano, focusing on the sea buckthorn plant and its vitamin-rich orange fruits. Concurrently, at Chiampizzulon Refuge in Rigolato, Lycia Apicoltura from Bicinicco will delve into the world of bees and candle making.
Family-Friendly Culinary Adventures
July 13 brings the event to Piani Del Cristo Refuge in Sappada. In the picturesque setting of Val Sesis, Max will welcome Apicoltura Fratelli Comaro from Cassacco for a family-friendly workshop featuring honey extraction and the crafting of candles and seed bombs. Children will have the chance to bottle their own honey, creating a sweet keepsake.
On July 20, Pradut Refuge in Claut offers a pastry-making workshop with Pasticceria Dolcevita from Codroipo, where children can make delicious muffins.
The series concludes on July 27 with two unique events:
- Fabiani Refuge in Paularo will feature a cheese-making workshop with Malga Zermula, where participants can learn to make mozzarella and ricotta while enjoying activities with donkeys and other animals.
- Gilberti Refuge in Sella Nevea will host Distilleria Pagura from Castions di Zoppola, offering an immersive exploration of grape distillation set against the majestic limestone cliffs of Canin at over 1,800 meters.
These ten events not only provide a rare opportunity to experience the authenticity and biodiversity of the region but also highlight the symbiosis between sustainable practices and local gastronomy. Each stop on this flavorful journey offers a unique blend of education, entertainment, and epicurean delight, all set in the pristine beauty of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s highlands.
