The Orchard of Stories and Words

The Robida Collective hosts artists and food designers Philipp Kolmann and Suzanne Bernhardt to revive ancient fruit varieties of the Natisone Valleys and Collio: hands-on workshops, zero-food-miles tastings, biodiversity mapping, and sustainable practices.

In collaboration with Philipp Kolmann and Suzanne Bernhardt, the Robida Collective is rediscovering and reviving ancient fruit varieties from the Natisone Valleys and Collio, tasting their forgotten flavors and exploring new uses. Centered between Kojsko and Topolò, a living orchard pays tribute to the region’s cultural and environmental heritage. As part of the Uncommon Fruits project, artists, experts, and community members will collaborate through four phases: 

• erecting a pavilion in Kojsko for hands-on workshops and tastings, while restoring three heritage zones in Topolò;
• mapping local biodiversity to inform the creation of a future “biodiversity library”;
• training restaurateurs in techniques of fruit transformation, fermentation, and preservation;
• and sharing the outcomes through a publication, radio program, and a multi-day walking tour.

For more information and registration: www.robidacollective.com.

The Uncommon Fruits project is financed by the European Union through the GO! 2025 Small Project Fund of the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia 2021–2027 Programme, managed by the EGTC GO.