Orticolario 2025 at Villa Erba: Antonia Klugmann and the SAPORI Food Experience
From October 2 to 5, 2025, Villa Erba in Cernobbio hosted another edition of Orticolario, the cultural event dedicated to nature as a way of life.
Alongside themed gardens, artistic installations and selected plant nurseries, food played a central role in this edition.
In particular, the SAPORI food experience at Orticolario 2025 offered visitors a unique journey through flavours, biodiversity and culinary creativity.
As a result, food became more than a simple part of the event. Instead, it offered a sensory experience connecting taste, landscape and culture.
SAPORI at Orticolario 2025: A Journey Through Food and Nature
The SAPORI experience was much more than a collection of food stalls. It invited visitors to discover different flavours throughout the day.
From breakfast and lunch at Villa Erba to street food and aperitifs, each stop offered a new opportunity to connect with nature.
Moreover, the experience reflected one of the central themes of Orticolario 2025: alimurgia, the traditional use of wild edible plants.
For centuries, leaves, shoots and berries have been part of the human diet. At Orticolario, however, selected chefs and producers gave these natural ingredients new culinary interpretations.
At the heart of the SAPORI experience was Il Mercato di Orticolario, a lively market featuring organic producers and artisan specialities.
Here, visitors could discover products created through sustainable methods. In addition, the themed food spaces encouraged a dialogue between agriculture, culture and cuisine.
Together, these experiences transformed a visit to Orticolario into a journey through nature and flavour.
Orticolario 2025 Special Guest: Antonia Klugmann
The guest of honour at Orticolario 2025 was Antonia Klugmann, chef and owner of L’Argine a Vencò, a restaurant awarded a Michelin star and recognised by leading Italian food guides.
Her culinary philosophy is based on authenticity, observation and respect for nature.
For Klugmann, ingredients represent both creativity and responsibility. Cooking therefore means appreciating what the land provides while reducing unnecessary waste.
Furthermore, her approach focuses on seasonal ingredients, transforming simple natural products into original culinary creations.
Her participation reflected the spirit of Orticolario, where gastronomy, biodiversity and sustainability came together.
Workshops and New Food Experiences at Orticolario 2025
One of the highlights of the programme was “Tra Bosco e Forchetta” (From Forest to Fork).
This workshop took participants on a guided foraging experience in Spina Verde, led by Lucia Papponi.
Afterwards, the experience continued at Villa Erba with a tasting prepared by chef Mariangela Susigan.
The workshop combined nature, food and environmental awareness, offering a different perspective on local ingredients.
In addition, the SAPORI food experience introduced several culinary areas and special activities.
- Terrazza Berlucchi Franciacorta – Elegant lakeside brunches and aperitifs by Aglio e Oglio, in collaboration with Berlucchi Franciacorta.
- Il Chiosco – Traditional polenta-based specialities prepared by Aglio e Oglio.
- Al Dente! – Authentic Italian pasta dishes by Piazzetta Lake Como.
- Fior di Merenda – Traditional Piedmontese desserts, cakes and artisan specialities by La Cucina di Annalisa.
- Spaziobianco: Pane, Caffè e Cucina – A Northern European-style bakery experience by Spaziobianco.
- Polpette & Bollicine – Sweet and savoury specialities paired with Franciacorta sparkling wine, by Spaziobianco.
- Ortofritto – Creative fried vegetable dishes by Ristorante Gardenia.
- Monsieur Baguette – Gourmet baguettes prepared with carefully selected ingredients by Rossodisera.
- Un Picnic Sospeso – An exclusive lakeside picnic experience by Aglio e Oglio.
- Villa Antica Bistrot – A buffet served in the frescoed rooms of Villa Erba, organised by Aglio e Oglio.
- Birrificio Italiano – Craft beers from one of Italy’s pioneering independent breweries, Birrificio Italiano.
- Thai a Lago – Thai street food specialities by Café Thai.
- Giù Giù – La natura nel gelato – Natural ice cream inspired by the Eden theme, created by Gelateria Le Giuggiole.
Why Orticolario 2025 Was Worth Discovering
At Orticolario 2025, food became a way to explore the relationship between people and nature.
Through its culinary experiences, the event connected traditional flavours with contemporary creativity.
Moreover, visitors had the opportunity to discover local ingredients, sustainable food production and innovative cooking techniques.
The SAPORI experience therefore offered much more than food tastings. It celebrated the cultural value of gastronomy and its connection to the landscape.
Ultimately, Orticolario 2025 provided a unique opportunity to discover Lake Como through food, nature and creativity, guided by talented chefs and producers committed to sustainability.
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