Aosta Valley, Italy
20 to 26 September 2027
8 to 12 guests
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The Heart of OPUNTIA
Knowledge Gatherings
Expert-led learning rooted in land, ecology and traditional knowledge. Explore herbalism, mycology, permaculture, food systems and the relationships that sustain everyday life.
Knowledge Gatherings
Knowledge
Taking Shape
Fungi & the Mycelial Realm
Cultivation, foraging and the quiet intelligence of fungi, from the forest floor to the kitchen.
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In Every OPUNTIA Gathering
The foundation does not change
- Yoga and restorative practice
- Seasonal organic farm-to-table whole food
- Connection and community
- Time in nature and a welcoming venue
- One expert-led theme
Each gathering is built around a focused selection of these subjects, guided by practitioners with relevant experience.
Herbalism & Plant Knowledge
- Introduction to herbalism
- Traditional uses of medicinal and aromatic plants
- Wild plant identification and responsible foraging
- Seasonal plant cycles and responsible harvesting
Mycology & Forest Ecology
- Introduction to mycology
- Mushroom identification principles and toxic lookalikes
- Introduction to cultivating edible mushrooms
- Fungal ecology, soil and woodland relationships
- Guided fungal ecology walks
Permaculture & Regenerative Growing
- Permaculture principles
- Edible garden design
- Seed saving
- Composting and soil health
- Food forest principles
- Seasonal crop planning
Fermentation & Food Craft
- Sourdough starter care and bread making
- Vegetable fermentation
- Kombucha and water kefir
- Vinegar fermentation
- Introduction to koji
- Olive curing and brining
- Recognise selected plants and fungi, with a clearer understanding of safe identification
- Read seasonal plant cycles and harvest with greater care
- Understand how soil, water, fungi and climate shape what grows
- Plan a small edible garden using basic permaculture principles
- Begin composting, seed saving or seasonal crop planning at home
- Start a simple edible mushroom cultivation project
- Prepare selected ferments, preserves or sourdough using reliable methods
- Learn how to use kitchen scraps and overlooked ingredients more resourcefully
- Make more informed choices about kitchen utensils, cookware and food-contact materials
- See a landscape as a living system rather than a backdrop