Forage to Feast Walk + Mini Degustation at Wildwood

We are lucky to host, Diego Bonetto, author of  EAT WEEDS, A field guide to foraging - pairing some delicious foraged canapés by Marnee Fox with a selection of drinks chosen by Chris Loth, founder and head viticulturist as Clo Wines as well as owner of Annandale Cellars Bottle shop.

Join us on an edible wild food adventure that sees a collaboration between renowned forager and environmental educator Diego Bonetto and food designer, stylist and weed convert Marnee Fox and Wine Maker Chris Loth. 

Building on Diego's much-loved weed foraging walks, we will be taking the wild plants found on the foraging tour across Wildwood's 100 acres of pristine subtropical rainforest, set against a sweeping sandstone escarpment, surrounded by national parks and serving up a mini mobile degustation that will have you wanting more weeds in your diet and dinner parties. 

What to expect: 

- A 2.5 hr walk around Wildwood with a maximum of 20 guests per session, identifying many edible plants along the way. We will be running two daytime sessions, early and late-afternoon.

- Hand sewn, compostable menu bag so you can match the plants discussed to your degustation offerings. 

- 5 x wild food canapés created by Marnee Fox showcasing some of the regions plants discussed with Diego during the walk.

- Matched drinks from Chris Loth of Clo Wines and Annandale Cellars (cocktails, vermouths, beers and wines)

- Full-colour booklet detailing the most common wild edibles found in the region.

- Follow up notes with links detailing the species we discuss on the day so participants can continue their wild food journey.

About our teachers:

Diego Bonetto grew up on a dairy farm in northern Italy when it was still common practice to collect the wild produce of the land. Springtime was all about dandelions, nettle and lovertin (hop bush young shoots), summer was about mulberries and blackberries, autumn was the time of chestnuts, hazelnuts and a host of edible mushrooms. He learned this ancient craft of gathering from the fields and woods while caring for resources in Piedmontese, his mother tongue. 

When he moved to Australia he spent many years working in orchards and garden centres. He soon learned that his knowledge was a rare practice in modern societies and he sensed in the people around him a longing to rekindle their untapped connection to nature. Indigenous knowledge loss and a disproportionate mistrust for wild produce, gave way for a country of disconnected living. We no longer know the names of the plants living on our doorsteps; we distrust and dismiss some of the most important food and medicine plants that have always walked with us as our co-evolutionary species.

Marnee Fox is a self confessed weed convert. After shacking up with husband and wild food master Diego, the interior stylist and ex working chef began experimenting with foraged ingredients. ‘Forage to Feast’ was born and the pair have since done pop up wild food experiences for Art Month + AGNSW, Cementa, Galerie Pompom, Cement Fondu Arts space, Piplioti Rist, Kaldor projects, KSCA and The Botanist Gin just to name a few and Marnee now offers seasonal ‘Foodies Forage’ workshops that also cover dinner party styling, wild food sourcing and menu design.

Chris Loth is the owner of Annandale Cellars. A qualified winemaker with over a decade of vintages under his belt and his own wine label - CLO. Chris has a vineyard of his own in Tumbarumba, and also sources grapes from Orange in NSW. He has a love of wines produced naturally that reflect the place they are from and the biology that helps create them. The wines are unique expressions that are uncompromising on quality, and absolutely delicious.

^^this video is of a past event at Wildwood. it does not represent this event's formatting but gives a feel of the property you will be exploring

FAQ

Are we going to be harvesting plants?
No, we will learn about plants. We will only collect a few leaves and flowers here and there and with those, we will discuss ID features. The main aim of the workshop is to empower you with identification skills so that when you go back home you can recognise with confidence some useful plants in your own garden/surroundings.

Are we going to scramble in the wilderness?
We recommend wearing comfortable enclosed shoes. We will be walking on natural pathways around the Wildwood property. It won’t be a wild scramble.

Is this suitable for elderly people or less mobile people?
Unfortunately, this particular workshop is not suitable for less mobile people. 

Can we try the plants?
Yes, we will offer a mini mobile degustation as well as samples of the plants we talk about for you to try. 

What will we drink?
Chris Loth will pair top delicious drinks with our 5 canapés. Please note tickets are available without alcohol included.

Can I come with my dog?
No, sorry, this event is not suitable for your 4 legged friend.

What if it looks like it’s going to rain on the day?
Plants love the rain and natures salad bar will be yummier for it. If there is a chance of rain we will let you know and we will go ahead, just bring an umbrella or your rain gear. 

What if I change my mind or can no longer attend?
We accept full refunds 4 weeks out. After that we suggest you on sell your tickets or pass on to a friend. 

Can I ask specific questions during the workshop?
Absolutely. We love questions and we will endeavour to provide you with answers or follow up with links that would help in your quest.