L'Argine a Vencò, in the Collio hills, is the refuge of the starred chef Antonia Klugmann. An ancient mill immersed in nature, that hosts a restaurant and a B&B surrounded by vegetable gardens, where the chef expresses an extraordinary gastronomic creativity that embraces the seasons and her beloved territory.
Born in Trieste, Antonia and her sister Vittoria are the souls of L’Argine a Vencò, a refined hospitality project with an ancient and multicultural spirit, as only the borderlands can express.
The connection with the countryside, with the fertile and abundant land that distinguishes this area located a few kilometers from Solvenia, is deeply rooted in the cuisine of the Michelin-starred Chef. Antonia translates it into a food and wine proposal capable of making anyone fall in love, either for a lunch, dinner or a relaxing stay.
I’m not afraid of repeating a single ingredient in the same menu, I just use a different part of it.
(Antonia Klugmann)
The structure that houses L’Argine a Vencò reflects the spirit of this project with its articulated simplicity. A minimal and modern part, inaugurated in 2014 and perfectly integrated into the landscape, represents the original nucleus of the complex, hosting 2 double bedrooms, the large open kitchen, Antonia’s kingdom, and the main restaurant room where Vittoria receives guests with unparalleled grace.
The new part, actually the oldest one which dates back to 1650, was completed in February 2024 and contains a delightful and intimate sitting room with fireplace designed for hospitality, where the small river that supported the mill wheel is still visible, and 4 other rooms overlooking the garden.
Since the opening, Antonia has chosen to furnish the interiors with a mix of family objects and design pieces, such as the desk handed down by her paternal grandfather by the Trieste designer Perizzi, who welcomes guests in the mill, or the Nessino table by Artemide that belonged to her maternal grandfather and positioned in the center of the restaurant.
On the walls, we find paintings and works by local artists, such as Bruno Chersicla and Giorgio Celiberti, that pay homage to the artistic spirit of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The mise en place is minimal and elegant, embellished with freshly picked flowers and the beautiful white ceramics designed by Antonia that accompany each of her recipes.
Antonia’s cuisine interprets her land and her wonderful vegetable gardens. The Chef’s love for botany is evident in her creations where vegetables are the protagonists, without, however, giving up on delicious meat and fish proposals.
The same recipe is never present twice on the menu of L’Argine a Vencò; this is a sort of a creative challenge where seasonal ingredients change their skin every day, getting transformed into new and surprising recipes where every edible part of the raw material is present.
The experience includes two wine pairing options created with passion by sommelier Roberto Stella: a territorial one, that goes from the great Friulian wineries to a selection of niche producers, and a more international one, designed for the local regulars who wish to “wander” outside the region.
The gourmet breakfast offered in the B&B is an experience “in three acts” not to be missed. It ranges from traditional desserts, grandmother Klugmann’s recipes, such as polenta made with seasonal fruit, in winter replaced by Buchtel (a typical Triestine dessert which harks back to the Austro-Hungarian tradition), sweet potato Koch, and bread with chocolate, to continue with a savory part made of cured meats and cheeses from local suppliers and, to finish, freshly prepared scrambled eggs.
An hour of pure magic that represents Antonia’s personal dream breakfast, made up of childhood memories and deep love for her land. So every dish, every recipe, every ingredient is like a page in a book that reveals, to those who want to grasp it, a bit of the special soul of one of the most talented chef in Italy.
The Secret
Many of the paintings that we see on the walls are works by Romolo Bertini, uncle of the Chef’s mother, a Venetian artist who moved to Trieste in the 1950s to follow the love of his wife.
Useful Info
L’Argine a Vencò
Località Vencò, 34070
Dolegna del Collio, Gorizia
Tel. +39 350 5212804
Menus: from 90 to 130 euro, drinks excluded
Wine tastings: from 40 to 60 euro
Rooms: from 100 to 160 euro, breakfast excluded
Gourmet breakfast: 25 euro per person
