Venari: The First International Center for Game Gastronomy Opens in Spain

Promoting Wild Game Cuisine

The Palace of the Counts of Valdeparaíso in Almagro, Ciudad Real, is set to become the first International Game Gastronomy Center. This initiative aims to highlight the value of wild game meat, a product highly regarded in the culinary scene of Ciudad Real but often overlooked by the general public and many food service professionals.

Named Venari, which means “hunt” in Latin, the center was introduced on Monday by Miguel Ángel Valverde, president of the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real, alongside José María Gallardo, president of the Hunting Meat Interprofessional (Asiccaza).

Financial Support for Venari

Valverde emphasized the Council’s commitment to supporting this center, noting an initial financial contribution of €620,000 for the current fiscal year. He stated, “This center is an opportunity for Almagro and Ciudad Real to become international references in gastronomy related to game meat. Here, the best chefs in the world will be trained in working with this raw material.”

In Ciudad Real, many families rely on hunting for their livelihood. Therefore, launching this project in this Spanish municipality is fitting, as its promoters aim to establish it as a national and international reference in game gastronomy.

A New Era for Game Cuisine

With the opening of Venari, a new chapter is beginning for game cuisine. The center aims to be a key element in rural development and the promotion of local products, placing game meat at the forefront.

José María Gallardo stated that Venari will position Ciudad Real and Castilla-La Mancha as global leaders in specialized culinary training in game meat. He described the opening of the center as a historic milestone, stating, “This center will host the best chefs from around the world who want to train in the art of cooking game meat.”

Addressing Market Needs

Despite the high value of wild game meat, most of Spain’s production is exported to Europe. Valverde pointed out, “We are squandering an absolute resource for Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and the main game meat-producing regions. That’s why Venari is here to offer solutions.”

The center plans to train 3,000 chefs each year through an educational platform that will offer courses in both Spanish and English, including online and in-person options. Notable instructors include journalist Ramón Soria Breña, as well as chefs Miguel Carretero and Javier Chozas.

Upcoming Events and Collaboration

In addition to its educational initiatives, Venari will host prestigious gastronomy-related events. The inaugural event will be the 1st International Congress of Game Gastronomy (CIGAC), scheduled for November 19 and 20 at the Valdeparaíso Palace.

The congress will feature prominent speakers, including esteemed Spanish and international chefs with expertise in game cuisine, sommeliers, historians, and specialized journalists.