L'Ortolano

We invite you to the fair of authentic flavors “L'Ortolano”, which will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM in Brtonigla.

Brtonigla is a place where tradition is not the past, but the foundation of development. Once known as Ortonegro, the “black garden”, it has been connected to agriculture and harmonious coexistence with nature for centuries. Today, it stands out for its unique combination of four types of soil and a strong local identity.

From this heritage comes L’Ortolano, a brand that brings together the best of Brtonigla. More than just a product label, it connects producers, artisans, and restaurateurs through the story “from our hands, from our land”, promoting authenticity and sustainability.

As part of the event, there will be a market and exhibitors offering a diverse selection: herbal teas, marmalades and other spreads, strawberries, freshly squeezed juices, coffee, organic cosmetics, flowers and plants, cured meat products, olive oil, honey, reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms, hemp products, hot sauces, handmade vases, craft beer, winemakers, ice cream, and much more.

In addition, local restaurateurs will prepare themed spring menus as part of the event.

Below you can find the program of all workshops and lectures included in the event. You can register below – simply click the button and fill out a short form.

Sign up

9:00 — Morning Yoga + Brunch

Through a gentle morning yoga session guided by YoShi Studio, participants explore movement and breath and awaken the body in a soft way. This is followed by a talk and shared brunch with healthy food ambassador Maja Brekalo (Delicious and Healthy by Maya), featuring simple and nutritious food combinations. Departure from Brtonigla (Primizia parking).
Price: €25 / Age: 12+ / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 2h
Included: yoga, brunch education and tasting
*Brunch education and tasting from 10:30

9:00 — Goran Blažević 4 km/h

With Goran Blažević, traveler and promoter of slow travel, participants explore nature at a slower pace through a guided walk in Škarline Nature Park. Accompanied by Leonora Surian Popov – Vilin Lončić, they create their own herbarium. Departure from Brtonigla (Primizia parking).
Price: €20 / Age: 12+ / Capacity: 50 people / Duration: 3h
Included: walk, personal herbarium, and L'Ortolano lunch

9:30 — Herbarium Walk with Aunt Zvjezdana

Aunt Zvjezdana leads young participants on a nature walk where they learn to recognize wild plants and create their own small herbarium along the way.
Price: €10 / Age: 6+ / Capacity: 15 people / Duration: 1.5h
Included: walk, herbarium, L'Ortolano lunch, and elderflower juice

12:00 — My Paper

Ana Cvitić (Moj papir) leads a workshop where participants learn how paper was once made by hand and go through the entire process themselves. In a relaxed atmosphere, they explore materials and techniques and receive a seeded postcard to take home.
Price: €10 / Age: 6+ and adults / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 1h
Included: seeded postcard and L'Ortolano lunch

12:00 — Microbiome Lecture

Nutritionist Sandra Zugan introduces participants to how the microbiome affects the body and what nourishes it. She clearly explains the difference between microbiota, probiotics, and prebiotics, and which foods support balance.
Price: free / Age: adults / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 45 min

13:00 — Gardening Workshop

With Kornelija Benyovsky Šoštarić, participants learn about different types of Istrian soil and how to adapt them for growing vegetables and herbs. Through practical examples, they learn what to plant, how to combine plants, and avoid common mistakes, ending with a joint planting session.
Price: €25 / Age: 15+ / Capacity: 50 people / Duration: 1.5h
Included: workshop, personal herb pot, and L'Ortolano lunch

13:00 — Seed Bank Lecture

Participants learn about the importance of biodiversity and preserving indigenous varieties, as well as the role of seeds in the relationship between humans, soil, and food. Led by agroecologist and enologist Izabela Novaković. Includes a seed exchange.
Price: free / Age: adults / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 30 min

14:00 — Bug Hotel

Educators from Kalimero-Calimero Kindergarten Brtonigla guide children through a playful workshop exploring the world of insects and their role in nature. Participants build a “bug hotel” and learn how to support garden biodiversity.
Price: €10 / Age: 4+ / Capacity: 20 people / Duration: 1.5h
Included: workshop and L'Ortolano lunch

15:00 — Ayurveda in Spring: Mind & Body Reset

With holistic therapist Ana Benčić, participants learn how simple Ayurvedic principles can support digestion, restore energy, and bring lightness into daily life.
Price: free / Age: adults / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 45 min

16:00 — Organic Cosmetics

Workshop with Helena Brana (HERBA phytoaromatherapy), a certified therapist. Participants make calendula hand cream and lavender balm using 100% natural ingredients and local olive oil, while learning basics of natural skincare and medicinal herbs of Ćićarija.
Price: €25 / Age: adults / Capacity: 12 people / Duration: 1.5h
Included: workshop, hand cream, balm, and L'Ortolano lunch

17:30 — Veganistra Book Promotion

With author Sanja Bilas, participants explore Istrian vegan cuisine through the presentation of the book Istrian Vegan Cookbook and her experience as a vegan chef in Istria.
Price: free / Age: adults / Capacity: 30 people / Duration: 30 min