An Evening of Elegance and Excellence: Oil Tasting Masterclass with D.O.P. 'Brisighella' Olive Oil

Brisighella DOP Olive Oil

Last night, the we had the pleasure of attending a truly unique and flavourful event at By Luigia in Geneva—a refined Oil Tasting Masterclass presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland, in collaboration with the D.O.P. 'Brisighella' Olive Oil Consortium.

This immersive evening highlighted the culinary heritage and health benefits of one of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils, celebrated through expert insight and sensory discovery.

A Celebration of Health and Heritage

Lucrezia Bordi, Swiss-based nutritionist and founder of LB Nutrition

The evening began with an enlightening talk by Lucrezia Bordi, Swiss-based nutritionist and founder of LB Nutrition, who introduced the audience to the exceptional nutritional profile of Brisighella D.O.P. olive oil. Drawing on scientific data and traditional wisdom, she highlighted the many health benefits of the oil:

• Cardiovascular Protection – Thanks to its richness in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, the oil helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while boosting good cholesterol (HDL).

• Anti-inflammatory Effects – Natural antioxidants reduce chronic inflammation and support immune defenses.

• Digestive Health – Olive oil stimulates bile secretion, aiding digestion.

• Blood Sugar Regulation – Its healthy fat content may contribute to better glucose control and help manage type 2 diabetes.

• Cognitive Support – The oil's antioxidants are associated with brain health and protection against cognitive decline.

The Art of Tasting: A Guided Sensory Experience

Following the nutritional insights, Eleonora Berardi, olive oil expert from Palazzo di Varignana, led a tasting of four distinctive oils from producers within the Brisighella D.O.P.:

1. Palazzo di Varignana: Set within a historic estate in the hills near Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana is renowned for its premium olive oils produced from carefully selected cultivars. Their extra virgin olive oil reflects the estate’s commitment to innovation and tradition, with a bold, fruity profile.

2. Terra di Brisighella: A leading producer committed to preserving the authenticity of Brisighella's olive-growing tradition. Their oil offers a green, herbaceous profile, capturing the unique terroir of the region.

3. Villa Liverzano: Nestled in the Apennine hills, Villa Liverzano merges sustainable viticulture and olive oil production. Their oil is known for its balance and elegance, with delicate spice notes and a bright green hue.

4. Giorgia Società Agricola: A family-run agricultural enterprise emphasizing local biodiversity and high-quality production. Their oil showcases a vibrant taste, with hints of artichoke and fresh herbs.

   
   
   
   

   

   Eleonora Berardi, olive oil expert from Palazzo di Varignana,

   
   

Each tasting was accompanied by guidance on sensory analysis—colour, aroma, bitterness, and pungency—helping participants appreciate the complexity of these exceptional oils. From fruity green aromas to peppery finishes, each oil told its own story of place and passion.

Perfect Pairings & Takeaways

The masterclass was completed with food pairing ideas and delicious samples. Guests discovered how to enhance dishes like bruschetta, warm mozzarella di bufala, focaccia and pasta using the oils tasted.

This event was more than just a tasting—it was a celebration of Italian agricultural excellence, health-conscious living, and the rich culture of Brisighella, brought to life in Geneva.

Thank you to the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Palazzo di Varignana, and all the producers for a memorable evening of learning, tasting, and connection.

Grazie!

Helpcode: Driving Global Change Through Education and Empowerment

Chiara Quintavalle, the passionate Director of Helpcode Switzerland, recently shared insights into the organisation’s inspiring mission, impactful projects, and future goals in an interview that highlights its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children worldwide.

‘A future that didn’t exist before. For every child around the world.’

“Helpcode’s mission is to support children’s education and well-being while strengthening the communities around them,” Quintavalle explained. Operating across 10 countries, Helpcode focuses on critical areas such as education, health, gender equality, and climate resilience. Guided by values like transparency and innovation, their vision is clear: ‘A future that didn’t exist before. For every child around the world.’

Gorongosa ANE Project

Gorongosa ANE Project

Every Helpcode project has a profound impact, but some stand out for their innovation and reach. “In Yemen, we’ve been supporting women-led micro-enterprises, training them in skills like hairdressing and pastry-making, which transforms their lives,” shared Quintavalle.

The organisation is also addressing urgent challenges like climate change. In Cambodia, they provide swimming lessons and drowning prevention education, a response to severe flooding that claims many young lives annually.

Drowning Prevention Education - Cambodia

“In Mozambique, we run a sewing workshop offering training and employment opportunities. Seeing the lives we touch, from Yemen to Gorongosa, is incredibly rewarding,” Quintavalle reflected. These efforts demonstrate Helpcode’s adaptability in tackling the unique challenges each community faces.

Gorongosa ANE Project

Gorongosa ANE Project

Gorongosa ANE Project

"Using technology to make education and training accessible,”

Looking ahead, Helpcode plans to deepen its impact. “We aim to reach more children and communities, especially in remote or underserved areas, using technology to make education and training accessible,” Quintavalle revealed. Strengthening partnerships and fostering global collaboration remain central to their strategy, ensuring sustainability and lasting change.

Creative Platforms and Collaborations for Social Good

Speaking about Helpcode’s participation in the Italian Creativity on the Runway 2024 Edition Quintavalle explains how it offers an exciting opportunity to expand its reach. “This event connects us with a diverse audience of industry professionals and philanthropists, showcasing how art and creativity can drive social change,” said Quintavalle. She emphasized the importance of demonstrating how organizations like Helpcode turn passion into action, inspiring attendees to contribute to meaningful change.

One collaboration that embodies Helpcode’s innovative spirit is with AETALIA, the Italian bag and accessories brand.

One collaboration that embodies Helpcode’s innovative spirit is with AETALIA, the Italian bag and accessories brand. “Federica Berselli, Aetalia's Founder and Creative Director, designed a line of leather bags lined with vibrant Mozambican fabrics, with proceeds supporting our sewing workshop,” Quintavalle shared. This partnership highlights how fashion can blend style with purpose, creating opportunities for artisans and promoting sustainable practices.

“Contrary to belief, the nonprofit sector requires results-oriented approaches and meticulous planning, much like the for-profit world,”

Quintavalle’s path to leading Helpcode Switzerland is as inspiring as the organization itself. Transitioning from a career in tourism to nonprofit work, she embraced the challenges and rewards of fundraising and project management. “Contrary to belief, the nonprofit sector requires results-oriented approaches and meticulous planning, much like the for-profit world,” she noted. Her advice for aspiring changemakers? Develop skills like problem-solving and project design while nurturing a genuine care for others.

Gorongosa ANE Project

“Change is possible when people come together to act.”

From donations to volunteering, there are numerous ways to support Helpcode’s mission. “Regular donations are particularly impactful, and businesses can sponsor projects as part of their CSR efforts,” Quintavalle highlighted. Sharing Helpcode’s message through social media or participating in fundraising events also helps expand their reach and impact.

Helpcode’s work demonstrates the power of collective action and the difference individuals can make in building a brighter future. As Quintavalle aptly concluded, “Change is possible when people come together to act.”

For more information about Helpcode or to support their mission, visit Helpcode Switzerland.

La Vera Capri: Interview with Veronica D’Ambrosio, Founder and Artisan of Caprese Sandals

Veronica D'Ambrosio

“Tradition, uniqueness, and passion.”

Veronica D’Ambrosio, founder of the brand La Vera Capri, shares her unique journey in Italian craftsmanship and the passion that led her to create handmade Caprese sandals. Born in Naples, Veronica has always been fascinated by the old artisans of the Amalfi Coast. “Watching those elders create something so delicate and precious inspired me since I was a child,” she says. However, the path to realising this dream was not easy. After a period of burnout, Veronica decided to take a break, and thanks to a special encounter in England, she rediscovered her passion for Caprese sandals, choosing to turn it into her work in 2012.

“LAVERACAPRI is not just a small passion; it’s a project that goes beyond the sandal. It’s a tradition that endures over time.”

Without any family members to teach her the craft, Veronica had to pave her own way in a predominantly male environment. Through her determination, she found an artisan willing to teach her the art of sandal-making. “Each La Vera Capri sandal is unique because I know the product well, I wear it, I know its strengths and weaknesses, and I listen to my clients' needs,” explains Veronica, who personally selects the finest Tuscan leather to ensure quality and comfort.

Sandals for Adults & Children

“My sandals tell a story of quality, uniqueness, and originality—values I want to preserve,”

Coloured Jewelled Sandals

Her training took place in iconic locations such as Positano and Capri, the birthplace of Italian artisanal tradition, as well as her hometown, Naples, which played a crucial role in her work. For Veronica, being born in a city with a strong artisanal tradition means carrying on a long history of craftsmanship. “My sandals tell a story of quality, uniqueness, and originality—values I want to preserve,” she affirms.

Veronica’s workshop in Portici, where she works closely with other female artisans, is a true source of inspiration. Together with two other Neapolitan entrepreneurs, Veronica created OltreForma Lab, a co-working space that offers customers the experience of buying unique, high-quality products, born from an environment of experimentation and collaboration.

Veronica D'Ambrosio in the Store She Shares with Other Artisans

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of La Vera Capri. Veronica uses only certified Made in Italy materials from environmentally-conscious suppliers. “Italian craftsmanship is synonymous with quality and tradition, but today it’s also moving toward environmental awareness,” she explains. Her vision for the future is to promote sustainable luxury without compromising on quality.

Animalier Print Sandals

“Italian craftsmanship is synonymous with quality and tradition, but today it’s also moving toward environmental awareness,”

This year, La Vera Capri will have the opportunity to showcase at the Italian Creativity on the Runway event in Geneva, an event dedicated to Italian talent and creativity. For Veronica, participating in this event is a dream come true: “La Vera Capri is not just a small passion; it’s a project that goes beyond the sandal. It’s a tradition that endures over time.”

Tassel Detail on La Vera Capri Handmade Sandal

Looking to the future, Veronica hopes that La Vera Capri can bring young people closer to craftsmanship, reopening workshops and breathing new life into ancient values. “I want my brand to be a spokesperson for a return to tradition,” she says. And, for those looking to pursue a similar career, Veronica’s advice is clear: believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take risks.

“I want my brand to be a spokesperson for a return to tradition,”

When asked to describe La Vera Capri in three words, Veronica responds without hesitation: “Tradition, uniqueness, and passion.” With these qualities, she continues to create unforgettable moments for her clients. The most rewarding moments of her career was when an American client took off her CHANEL shoes to wear one of her made-to-measure sandals. The client described the experience as "priceless, incomparable, and truly a unique magical experience," that she would never forget.