by InTrieste
This summer, the culinary heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia is heading to higher ground. From May 25 through July 26, a series of ten mountain events will bring together local cuisine, sustainable products, and hands-on workshops in some of the region’s most scenic alpine refuges. Now in its third edition, the initiative titled In rifugio c’è più gusto (Roughly: “It Tastes Better in the Mountains”) invites locals and visitors alike to experience the flavors of the region in an immersive, high-altitude setting.
Launched in 2023 by PromoTurismoFVG in collaboration with Assorifugi FVG and the Agrifood & Bioeconomy Foundation FVG, the program continues to grow in popularity. This year’s itinerary again includes ten stops across mountain lodges, each offering a unique blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly food education, and tastings of traditional dishes.
At the heart of the project is a celebration of sustainability and local identity. Each event features ingredients from certified local producers under the regional label Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia (“I Am Friuli Venezia Giulia”), which highlights sustainable and authentic products from the area. Alongside the culinary experiences, visitors will have the opportunity to meet producers, learn about regional biodiversity, and enjoy guided hikes through the Dolomite and Alpine landscapes.
Workshops will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free and open to all ages—no reservation required. Designed to engage younger audiences as well, the activities focus on a single product during each session, showcasing its story and significance through hands-on learning. Meanwhile, the host refuges will serve menus tailored to highlight that product’s culinary potential, connecting nature, culture, and cuisine.
As the region continues to invest in sustainable tourism and the promotion of its mountain territory, In rifugio c’è più gusto offers a down-to-earth yet inspiring experience—an invitation to savor the land, meet its people, and rediscover the simple pleasures of eating well in the great outdoors.
