November 2024.../ Billnäs Gård, the six-room luxury boutique hotel set in a restored 1912 manor house an hour from Helsinki, announces an exclusive culinary partnership with Sami Tallberg, Finland's foremost foraging expert and acclaimed chef. 

This collaboration marries Tallberg's two decades of wild food expertise with Billnäs Gård's commitment to local produce and French-Finnish culinary heritage. 

Set against the backdrop of ancient oaks and the flowing Svartå river, this partnership will offer guests unique opportunities to explore Finland's rich foraging traditions throughout 2025. The programme combines hands-on foraging experiences with exceptional dining events that celebrate the seasons, from winter's prized burbot fish (complete with its liver and roe) to autumn's wild mushrooms. 

Kicking off the 2025 series on February 22nd, Tallberg will collaborate with Billnäs Gård's head chef Oscar Heerman for a winter feast celebrating burbot and black truffles. The day begins at 10:30am, with Tallberg sharing his passionate journey into wild ingredients before leading an ice-fishing exploration with a local fisherman, weather permitting. The experience culminates back at the villa in a thoughtfully crafted lunch at 2pm, featuring wine pairings that complement each dish.

The 2025 calendar continues with a Wild Herbs Foraging and Dinner event on 10th May and a Mushroom Foraging and Lunch experience on 20th September. Each event showcases Tallberg's expertise in working with over 200 different edible wild plant and fungi species, while embracing Billnäs Gård's philosophy of seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine.

Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld, who founded Billnäs Gård with her husband Chris Langenskiöld, says: "Everything about this place – its design and elegance, the pure air and the untouched nature – helps you slow down and reconnect. This partnership with Sami Tallberg perfectly aligns with our vision of connecting visitors with world-class Finnish culinary experiences and ancient foraging traditions."

The intimate foraging groups are limited to 10 people, ensuring personal attention and an authentic experience. Prices range from €129 per person for the full foraging and menu experience to €69 for the menu only, with matching wine packages available at €69 or alcohol-free options at €49. Special rates apply for children, with 50% off for ages 4-12 and complimentary attendance for under-3s.

Each event can be adapted for pescatarian or vegan preferences with advance notice, reflecting both chefs' commitment to inclusive dining experiences. Guests can also purchase signed copies of Tallberg's 'Forager's Cookbook Flora' and 'Forager's Cookbook Fungi' at €38 per book.

Billnäs Gård provides the perfect setting for these foraging experiences, with its Franco-Finnish character reflected in both architecture and cuisine. The historic manor, with its white columns and mansard roof, offers a Mediterranean sensibility in a Nordic setting, while working closely with local artisans, artists, and farmers to create authentic experiences.

Guests can extend their stay in one of the hotel's six beautifully appointed rooms, enjoying the saltwater pool, manicured gardens, and monastery-like spa housed in the restored cellar. The property's commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through its careful restoration and local sourcing practices, complements Tallberg's philosophy of responsible foraging and seasonal eating.

Visit www.billnasgard.fi for more information and to book these exclusive foraging experiences.

Notes to Editors:

About Sami Tallberg Sami Tallberg is Finland's leading foraging specialist, with expertise shared across 23 countries during his 27-year culinary career. Author of 11 books on wild food and foraging, Tallberg has pioneered the integration of wild ingredients into Nordic cuisine since 2005 and is the only chef in Finland to have been awarded a Finland Prize of Culture. His innovative approach includes foraging over 200+ different edible plant and fungi species, and his philosophy emphasises improving mind, body, and soul through food choices.

About Billnäs Gård Located in the historic ironworks village of Billnäs, founded in 1641, this six-room boutique hotel opened following a meticulous restoration of a 1912 manor house. Run by Franco-Finnish couple Taina and Chris Snellman-Langenskiöld, the hotel combines French elegance with Finnish heritage. The property features a saltwater pool, spa, manicured gardens, and a restaurant celebrating local produce through a French-Finnish lens.

For press enquiries and images please contact: nadia@nadiawalford.com

Follow Billnäs Gård on Instagram @billnasgard

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